Malawi -  Malawi Explorer

A 10 night Highlights of Malawi tour from £2,195 per person (2009) excluding international flights

Highlights

• Safari in Liwonde National Park
• Water-sports on Lake Malawi
• Wide range of included activities
• Escorted transfers between lodges

Malawi is a little known gem of a country nestled in the heart of central southern Africa, which offers a true African experience at a relatively low cost.

The Malawi Explorer itinerary takes you to the some of the best locations in the country, ending with time to enjoy Lake Malawi. It is an ideal family holiday.

Itinerary

Day 1 (Heuglins Lodge - 1 night)
Upon arrival into Lilongwe you will be met and assisted through customs and immigration, then transferred to Heuglins Guest House. Afternoon at leisure.

Days 2-4 (Lujeri Tea Estate - 2 nights)
Your driver will collect you from Heuglins for the journey to Lujeri Tea Estate, driving south through Blantyre and Thyolo towards Mulanje. This drive will take the entire day but can be at a leisurely pace with stops en route.

The Mulanje Massif is South Central Africa's highest mountain range rising 2380m above a largely flat plain.

Lujeri is one of the oldest colonial tea estates in the area and the guesthouse where you will be staying has a pool as well as fantastic walks around the estate.

Days 4-6 (Ku Chawe Inn - 2 nights)
This morning you will be transferred to Zomba.

The Zomba Plateau is unique. A great slab of a mountain rising to 6000ft and whether walking or driving, there is always something to see. Wildlife includes leopards although sightings are rare. More in evidence are giant butterflies and, on the lower slopes, baboons. Bird life includes the long-crested eagle and the augur buzzard.

Ku Chawe Inn has one of the most spectacular settings in Africa. The hotel is perched 2000 metres up on the steep edges of Zomba Mountain and has recently been completely refurbished and boasts spacious en-suite rooms with cosy fireplaces.

Days 6-9 (Mvuu Camp - 3 nights)
This morning you will be transferred to Mvuu Wilderness Camp in Liwonde National Park.

Wildlife is abundant with a healthy population of Elephants, Hippo’s and Crocodiles, who are best viewed from a boat on the Shire River. Waterbuck wade in lagoons and marshes, and antelopes such the elegant sable, impala and bushback are around in good numbers. Small predators may be also be seen such as serval and jackal.

Days 9-12 (Danforth Lodge - 3 nights)
This morning you will be transferred to Cape Maclear and Danforth Lodge on the edge of Lake Malawi. For the more energetic there is a variety of activities: excellent sea kayaking, snorkelling and scuba facilities enable the active guest to interact with an impressive piece of nature: exploring the granitic islands in a freshwater Rift Valley lake; birders will enjoy the abundant Fish Eagles; and snorkellers can view enormous numbers of fish species.

Day 12
Road transfer back to Lilongwe for your onward flight.