Malawi Big 5 bush & beach safari

MALAWI

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HANDCRAFTED EXPERIENTIAL SAFARIS

Trust us to find you the rarest animals, the most spectacular wildlife events, the remotest landscapes and deeply meaningful cultural encounters!

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

Overview

Length: 7 days / 6 nights
Group Size: To suit you
Location: Majete Wildlife Reserve and Lake Malawi - Malawi
Departure Dates: March - November 2024
Highlights: Bush & beach combo, Big 5 plus cheetahs & wild dogs, learn about one of Africa's conservation success stories, optional Gule Wamkulu cultural dance, white sand beaches and water activities on Lake Malawi

from US$ 3,325 per person sharing (7 days)

Prices and dates

Dates

Costs per person sharing

16 Mar-30 Jun, Oct-Nov 2024

US$ 3,325

Jul-Sep 2024

US$ 3,760

INCLUDES:

  • Airport meet and greet

  • All road transfers

  • Accommodation

  • All meals

  • At Pumulani: drinks, laundry, all non-motorized activities (fishing, sailing, nature/village walks, sunset cruises on the dhow, kayaking)

  • All excursions and entrance fees as per itinerary

  • All National Park fees

  • English speaking driver

EXCLUDES:

  • All flights, visas & airport taxes

  • Travel and medical insurance

  • At Thawale: All drinks

  • At Pumulani: Premium drinks, scuba diving, motorized watersport (snorkelling excursion, waterskiing, fun tube)

  • Gratuities

Itinerary

Routing: Arrival at Blantyre should be before 14h00 so that there is time for a road transfer to Majete Wildlife Reserve.

Details: Upon arrival at Chileka Airport in Blantyre, you will be met by a local English-speaking representative. Your road transfer will be through Blantyre and down the Chikwawa escarpment into the Shire Valley - Majete Wildlife Reserve. Majete is one of Malawi‘s hidden Gems - a Big 5 haven and one of Africa's conservation success stories.

The park is known for its towering granite hills, open savannahs and beautiful miombo woodlands. Two giant rivers – the gentle Mkulumadzi River and the mighty Shire River – converge in Majete on their journey from Lake Malawi further north to join the Zambezi River and, finally, the Indian Ocean.

Thawale Lodge overlooks a waterhole that regularly attracts a wide variety of wildlife, including a family of elephants that often frequent the area. 

Included Meals: Dinner

Overnight: Thawale Lodge

You will spend your safari days on morning and afternoon activities by game drive vehicle, foot or boat. Majete is a true wilderness where every trip into the bush with our team of experienced guides will feel like an adventure. Although finding the Big 5 is a focus for some, the wide variety of other mammal and avian species and the stunning landscape will fill your day and leave you ready for a good night's rest.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Overnight: Thawale Lodge

You will be picked up shortly after another delicious Thawale breakfast for the 5-hour road transfer from Majete Wildlife Reserve to Lake Malawi, arriving in time for lunch.

Lake Malawi is an African Great Lake – the southernmost lake in the East African Rift system and a popular inland beach destination as a finale to top off that exhilarating wildlife safari. The water is usually exceptionally clear for a freshwater lake, with visibility extending further than 30m. Beneath the warm cerulean waves, you will find underwater scenery decorated by electric flashes of vibrant fish. Measuring 570km in length and 75km at its widest point and 700m at its deepest, Lake Malawi is the fifth-largest freshwater lake in the world (by volume), and the third-largest in Africa (behind Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika).

The hillside villas of Pumulani enjoy awesome views over the lake, as do the bar and dining areas, infinity pool and lake-shore bar down at the water's edge.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Overnight: Pumulani

Your sun-kissed days in paradise will be spent snorkelling, kayaking, water-skiing, fun tube, wakeboarding, sailing, fishing, scuba diving, mountain biking, village tours and bird watching. Or simply hanging out at Pumulani with your book - the choice is yours

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Overnight: Pumulani

You will be collected from Pumuluani for the 4-hour road transfer to Lilongwe in time for your outbound flight. Your outbound flight should be no earlier than 14h00.

Included meals: Breakfast

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Malawi Big 5 bush & beach safari

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