Classic Southern Discovery Tour

This trip is a perfect way to experience a variety of environments, uninhabited shores and unspoilt nature at its best.

  • Experience the beauty of the mountains and the old colonial capital in Zomba.
  • Rich with game and the birding in Liwonde National Park. Here, the Shire River throngs with life throughout the year and provides a picturesque backdrop to Mvuu Lodge.
  • Mumbo Island which exhibits the hallmarks of a true ‘wilderness area’. Undoubtedly one of the best locations for viewing Cichlids – a rare and colourful fish that make Lake Malawi their home.
Day 1
Arrival and transfer to Kumbali Lodge (D)

On arrival in Lilongwe you will be met by your guide for a 30 minute transfer to a private lodge situated on a forest reserve and dairy farm where you can view spectacular birdlife, enjoy indigenous forest walks and visit a traditional cultural village and permaculture centre which offer additional interest.

Overnight at Kumbali Lodge.

Day 2
Ku Chawe Inn (B/L/D)

After breakfast you will be transferred to Zomba (4 to 5 hours). The Zomba Plateau is unique – a great slab of a mountain rising to 6000 feet. It has vast tracts of cedar, pine and cypress but elsewhere the vegetation is wild and mixed. The plateau top is cris-crossed by streams and there are tumbling waterfalls and still lakes. There are driveable tracks right round the top offering views of such splendour, they were described in colonial times as “the best in the British Empire”.

Ku Chawe is a landmark hotel positioned to enjoy the commanding views across to Mount Mulanje in the South and down to the old colonial Capital of Zomba below. All rooms at the Inn offer en-suite facilities, satellite television and telephones. The rooms also have comforting log fires for those chillier evenings on the plateau.

Overnight at Ku Chawe Inn.

Day 3
Ku Chawe Inn (B/L/D)

Free to enjoy the activities at the Inn which are in plenty and places of interest around Zomba including the Zomba markets, the well tended Botanical gardens, the Commonwealth War Graves memorial, the old Parliament, as well as taking in the sights of the many distinctive colonial buildings. There are several walking trails, and maps are available from the hotel. The Potato trail is a one hour trail from the hotel down to town. There is also a hike to Nawimbe Peak (one hour) which affords magnificent views and panoramas. The trek to Williams Falls is about 2 hours, and along the way you will see a plethora of flora such as lilies, aloes, gladioli and the ancient cycads and fern trees. Mulunguzi dam is situated nearby and is a great area for bird watching.

Overnight at Ku Chawe Inn.

Day 4
Mvuu Lodge (B/L/D)

After breakfast you will be transferred to Mvuu Lodge in Liwonde National Park (2 hours). This is one of Malawi’s finest wilderness camps. Set in lush vegetation on the banks of a quiet lagoon, the lodge has 8 stunningly designed tents, each with a private viewing platform, luxurious furnishings and beautifully appointed bathrooms (including a unique outdoor shower).

Rare sightings include black rhino (found in the rhino sanctuary), leopard and the occasional lion. Nearly 400 bird species occur in the Park.

Overnight at Mvuu Lodge.

Day 5
Mvuu Lodge (B/L/D)

Free to enjoy activities at the lodge- day and night game drives, boat safaris on the Shire River, guided walks, game drives in the ESOM rhino sanctuary, local tours to Nanthomba school and bike rides to Njobvu village.

Overnight at Mvuu Lodge.

Day 6
Mvuu Lodge (B/L/D)

Free to enjoy activities at the lodge- day and night game drives, boat safaris on the Shire River, guided walks, game drives in the ESOM rhino sanctuary, local tours to Nanthomba school and bike rides to Njobvu village.

Overnight at Mvuu Lodge.

Day 7
Mumbo Island Camp (B/L/D)

After breakfast, you will take a 3 to 4 hour transfer to the Kayak Africa Base Camp in Cape Maclear. From here you can choose to either kayak to the Island or take a 45 minute boat transfer.

This camp is surrounded by the waters of Lake Malawi National Park and offers barefoot luxury and tranquillity.

Overnight at Mumbo Island Camp.

Day 8
Mumbo Island Camp (B/L/D)

Free to explore and enjoy the leisure based activities at Mumbo Island Camp. Kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving, boat rides, scenic walks and birding are all available.

Overnight at Mumbo Island Camp.

Day 9
Mumbo Island Camp (B/L/D)

Free to explore and enjoy the leisure based activities at Mumbo Island Camp. Kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving, boat rides, scenic walks and birding are all available.

Overnight at Mumbo Island Camp.

Day 10
Departure (B)

Today you will be transferred by early boat from Mumbo and connect to a 4 hour road transfer to Lilongwe International Airport for your onward flight connection.

  • Meet and greet on arrival at Airport.
  • Accommodation and meals as indicated in the itinerary (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner).
  • Entrance fees where applicable.
  • Tours as indicated in the itinerary.
  • Professional English-speaking guide/driver guide.
  • Transfers
  • Travel Protection is offered on all packages at an additional cost.

Kumbali Lodge
Lilongwe

Ku Chawe Inn
Zomba

Mvuu Lodge
Liwonde National Park

Mumbo Island Camp
Lake Malawi National Park