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This Malawi bush & beach safari combines the Big 5 Majete Wildlife Reserve conservation success story and laid-back sand-in-your-toes relaxation on the shores of Lake Malawi.
Because both destinations are in southern Malawi, the linking road transfers are hassle-free - the ideal combo safari.
Combo safari magic: Big 5 bushveld + the beach life
Highlights
Big 5 safari with excellent chances of seeing cheetahs and endangered African wild dogs.
Discover one of Africa’s great conservation success stories in Majete Wildlife Reserve, where wildlife has been successfully reintroduced and protected.
Experience the vibrant Gule Wamkulu cultural dance, an optional encounter with one of Malawi’s most fascinating living traditions.
Unwind on the white sand beaches of Lake Malawi, often called the Lake of Stars, with crystal clear water and island-like scenery.
Enjoy a classic bush and beach combination, pairing thrilling game drives with swimming, snorkelling and relaxed water activities on Lake Malawi.
Locations and lodges
Majete Wildlife Reserve is a celebrated conservation success, a landscape of riverine forest, rolling hills, and thick bushveld, now home to the Big Five and abundant plains wildlife. Majete feels remote, wild and wonderfully unhurried.
Southern Lake Malawi is a sweeping freshwater shoreline framed by forested slopes and long sandy beaches. Known for its warm water, extraordinary fish species and easy-going lakeside culture, Lake Malawi offers one of Africa’s most atmospheric coastal experiences-without the ocean.
3 nights at Thawale Lodge: a tranquil camp overlooking a busy waterhole, with comfortable chalets and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The lodge blends naturally into its surroundings, offering calm views and warm Malawian hospitality.
3 nights at Pumulani Lodge: a refined lakeshore retreat set on a hillside above the beach, with spacious villas, sweeping lake views and exceptional comfort. Its setting offers easy access to the lake while maintaining a sense of privacy and serenity.
Timing
June to October is the ideal time for this safari. In Majete Wildlife Reserve, the dry season delivers excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather around reliable water sources.
At Lake Malawi, this same period brings warm, sunny days and clear waters, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and relaxed lakeside living. August and September often offer calm, settled conditions, while October is known for particularly clear water.
Price per person sharing
6 nights (7days) | ||
Low season | 16 Mar-30 Jun & 01 Oct-31 Dec 2026 | from US$ 4,400 |
High season | 01 Jul-30 Sep 2026 | from US$ 4,810 |
Includes: Flights Johannesburg - Blantyre, accommodation throughout, meals and selected beverages, twice-daily safari activities in Majete, non-motorised water activities on Lake Malawi, all park entrance and conservation fees, road transfers, an English-speaking driver throughout, and 24-hour logistical support.
Excludes: International flights and airport taxes, gratuities, personal expenses, optional activities not specified, visa fees, drinks at Thawale, premium beverages at Pumulani, and mandatory cancellation, travel and medical insurance.
Thank You!
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
Day 1 – Arrive at Chileka Airport before 14h00 and travel by road through Blantyre and down the Chikwawa escarpment into the Shire Valley. Reach Majete Wildlife Reserve in time to settle in before dinner. Overnight in Majete.
Days 2 to 3 – Spend two full days exploring Majete Wildlife Reserve on morning and afternoon game drives or guided walks. This restored Big Five reserve offers varied terrain and rewarding wildlife viewing in a quietly uncrowded setting. Overnight in Majete.
Day 4 – After breakfast, drive north via the escarpment and Zalewa Road to the southern shores of Lake Malawi, arriving in time for a late lunch. The pace shifts from bush to beach. Overnight on the southern lakeshore.
Days 5 to 6 – Enjoy two days unwinding on the shores of Lake Malawi. Swim, kayak, sail or snorkel in the clear freshwater, or simply relax by the lake. Sunset cruises and lakeside dining round out each day. Overnight on the southern lakeshore.
Day 7 – Early road transfer to Lilongwe International Airport for onward departure.
Start planning your dream safari
Our travel experts will craft a no-obligation itinerary just for you. We have crafted over 5,000 safaris since 1991. Your personal details are protected; we only use this information to contact you.
Why choose us to craft your safari?
Handcrafted experiential safaris since 1991.
Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
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Make a difference
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
YOUR safari choice does make a difference - thank you!