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5 Days Malawi Safari

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Walking

5-Day Malawi Safari: Blantyre, Majete Wildlife Reserve, Lake Malawi, and Lilongwe

This concise 5-day Malawi safari offers participants an exploration of diverse landscapes, from wildlife reserves to the shores of Lake Malawi, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing and cultural interactions.

Duration: 5 Days

Places to Visit: Blantyre, Majete Wildlife Reserve, Lake Malawi, Lilongwe

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Blantyre – Majete Wildlife Reserve

Arrive in Blantyre, Malawi’s second-largest city with a population of about 800,000. Blantyre, named after the Scottish town of David Livingstone’s birth, was founded in 1876. Visit the Mandala House, the oldest building in Malawi, built in 1882. Now a restaurant and art gallery, it offers insights into Malawi’s colonial history. Drive to Majete Wildlife Reserve (approximately 2 hours), a 700 square kilometer protected area in the Lower Shire Valley. Upon arrival, take an evening game drive to observe nocturnal species. Majete is home to over 12,000 animals, including the “Big Five.” Learn about the reserve’s successful restoration story. Once depleted of wildlife, Majete has become a conservation success through reintroduction efforts since 2003.

Accommodation: Thawale Lodge or similar

Day 2: Majete Wildlife Reserve

Spend a full day exploring Majete Wildlife Reserve. The reserve represents three of Malawi’s nine major vegetation types: savannah, woodland, and thicket. Take a morning game drive to spot wildlife such as elephants, black rhinos, and lions. Majete now boasts over 5,000 elephants. Visit the Kapichira Falls, a series of rapids on the Shire River within the reserve. Learn about the hydroelectric project that utilizes these falls. Participate in a community visit to learn about the Mang’anja people, the indigenous inhabitants of the Lower Shire Valley. Understand their traditional customs and how they benefit from conservation efforts. Take a guided bush walk to learn about smaller flora and fauna, and traditional uses of various plants. Enjoy a sundowner overlooking the Shire River, observing hippos and crocodiles.

Accommodation: Thawale Lodge or similar

Day 3: Majete Wildlife Reserve – Lake Malawi

Drive to Lake Malawi (approximately 4 hours), the third-largest lake in Africa, covering 29,600 square kilometers.En route, stop at Liwonde National Park for a short game drive. Liwonde is known for its large elephant population and diverse birdlife.Arrive at Cape Maclear, a small town on the southern shore of Lake Malawi, part of Lake Malawi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a boat trip to nearby islands, observing the diverse fish species. Lake Malawi hosts over 1000 fish species, more than any other lake in the world. Visit a local fishing village to learn about traditional fishing methods and the importance of the lake to local livelihoods. Participate in a sunset dhow cruise, experiencing the traditional sailing vessels of Lake Malawi.

Accommodation: Mumbo Island Camp or similar

Day 4: Lake Malawi – Lilongwe

Enjoy a morning swim or snorkel in the clear waters of Lake Malawi, observing colorful cichlid fish. Drive to Lilongwe (approximately 4 hours), Malawi’s capital city with a population of about 1 million. Visit the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, Malawi’s only wildlife sanctuary, which cares for rescued, orphaned, and injured wild animals. Explore the Old Town area, including the lively Lilongwe Market, to observe daily life and local commerce. Visit the Kungoni Centre of Culture and Art in nearby Mua, home to the Chamare Museum, which showcases the cultural heritage of Malawi’s main ethnic groups: the Chewa, Ngoni, and Yao. Enjoy a traditional Malawian dinner, featuring dishes like chambo (tilapia) from Lake Malawi and nshima (maize porridge).

Accommodation: Kumbali Country Lodge or similar

Day 5: Lilongwe

Start the day with a visit to the Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary, a small reserve within the city that protects a patch of indigenous woodland. Tour the Parliament building and the nearby War Memorial Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city. Visit the Kamuzu Mausoleum, the final resting place of Malawi’s first president, Hastings Kamuzu Banda, to learn about the country’s post-independence history. Explore the craft markets for last-minute souvenir shopping, supporting local artisans. Malawi is known for its wood carvings, basketry, and textile work.

Transfer to Lilongwe International Airport for departure, concluding the safari.

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