Ethiopia, Malawi · Safari

10-Day Malawi Safari and Lake Malawi Escape with Big Five

10 Days Round trip from Addis Ababa Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Encounter Majete's Big Five on thrilling safaris and serene boat trips
02 Unwind at Pumulani Lodge with captivating sunsets and invigorating watersports
03 Explore Malawi's diverse landscapes and vibrant culture
04 Engage with local communities for authentic cultural experiences
05 Cruise at sunset in a traditional hand-built dhow on Lake Malawi

Embark on a 10-day adventure through Malawi, combining a Big Five safari in Majete Wildlife Reserve with time to unwind on the glittering shores of Lake Malawi. Enjoy game drives, walking safaris, boat trips on the Shire River, and opportunities to visit local villages for a taste of traditional life. Then settle into charming Pumulani for lakeside relaxation, watersports, snorkelling, and a sunset cruise in a traditional hand-built dhow. This journey brings together Malawi's wildlife, landscapes, and warm hospitality in one memorable experience.

Embark on a 10-day adventure through Malawi, combining a Big Five safari in Majete Wildlife Reserve with time to unwind on the glittering shores of Lake Malawi.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Luxury

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Addis Ababa, Blantyre, Lilongwe, Lake Malawi

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Addis Ababa

Fly into Addis Ababa, connecting to Blantyre tomorrow morning.

Day 02

Transfer to Majete Wildlife Reserve

On arrival into Blantyre, collect your bags before being met by your driver and transferred by road to the Majete Wildlife Reserve, where you will spend the next three nights at Mkulumadzi Lodge.
Enjoy some time to relax before meeting your guide for afternoon tea and heading out for your first game drive in this stunning reserve. Home to Africa's fabled Big 5, Majete offers the best wildlife experience in Malawi. Your hugely experienced guide will ensure you enjoy an amazing game-viewing experience.

Day 03

Safari Activities in Majete

In addition to game drives, the team at Mkulumadzi can take you on walking safaris and boat trips on the Shire River, offering a wonderfully varied safari experience.
The walks are a great way to learn about the smaller animals you may miss on game drives, while the boat trips are incredibly relaxing and the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
You can also visit local villages to get a taste of traditional life and learn how plants and trees are used for medicinal purposes - something hugely important deep in the bush.

Day 04

Relaxation at Mkulumadzi Lodge

Of course, you will have plenty of time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the glorious surroundings of Mkulumadzi in between your game drives. The swimming pool and deck overlook the Shire River and are hugely popular relaxing spots, and staff are always on hand to serve drinks. The food is outstanding and a fundamental feature of a stay here, with meals served in various inspiring locations.
If the weather allows, you will also have the chance to sleep beneath the stars - an incredible experience not to be missed.

Day 05

Journey to Lake Malawi

There will be time for a final morning safari and breakfast at the lodge before you are collected and transferred by road up to the glittering shores of Lake Malawi. Your home for the next 4 nights will be Pumulani, a charming lodge set on the hillside overlooking this vast inland sea.
Here you will be able to relax and be pampered to your heart's content, enjoying a huge array of activities, superb food, charming people, and some of the most spectacular views on offer anywhere in Africa.

Day 06

Pumulani Retreat by the Lake

The name Pumulani means "rest well," and this encapsulates the experience of the lodge. You can relax by the pool on the hillside or the one down by the lake, soak up the sunshine on a sun lounger, or swim in the warm, clear waters of the lake.
As well as snorkelling, swimming, and diving, you can try your hand at a variety of watersports from the beach.
At sunset, take a cruise in a traditional hand-built dhow, the perfect way to round off a day in this stunning part of Malawi.

Day 07

Transfer to Lilongwe and Departure

There will be some final time to relax this morning and enjoy the views over the lake before you are collected and transferred by road to Lilongwe airport.
There, you will catch an afternoon Ethiopian Airlines flight to Addis Ababa, followed by an early morning flight to arrive home by breakfast time tomorrow.

Day 08