Malawi Southern Circuit

From Thyolo to Lilongwe

Tour Overview

Journey to Malawi’s Southern Circuit, where every turn brings you face-to-face with breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and vibrant culture.

The adventure begins in Thyolo, renowned for its scenic tea and coffee estates dating back to the early 1900s. The area offers stunning views, excellent birding and hiking, and guided estate tours with coffee and tea tastings, making it a delightful spot to explore.

Next, journey to Majete Wildlife Reserve, located in southern Malawi near Blantyre. This reserve spans 70,000 hectares within the Great Rift Valley and features diverse landscapes including miombo woodlands, granite hills, and lush riverine forests. Once devastated by poaching, Majete has become a conservation success and Malawi’s only Big 5 Game Park, now home to thriving populations of wildlife. The Shire River, which runs through the reserve, provides a vital water source and enhances the area's appeal for both animals and visitors. 

Continuing along the Shire River, you will visit Liwonde National Park. Home to a wide range of wildlife—including hippos, kudu, elephants, crocodiles, and even black rhinos—the park has become one of Malawi's premier wildlife-viewing destinations. The birding opportunities are excellent, with the Pel’s fishing owl being a favorite among birdwatchers. The area is also incredibly photogenic, featuring lush Borassus palms, Impala lilies, and an abundance of wildflowers that bloom after the rains.

Your final stop on Malawi’s Southern Circuit is Lake Malawi, also known as the “Lake of Stars.” Renowned for its clear waters, sandy beaches, and exceptional biodiversity, it hosts more fish species than any other lake in the world. Its peaceful shores and nearby villages offer a unique blend of cultural charm and natural beauty, making it a perfect spot for snorkeling, sunset dhow cruises, and a relaxing end to your adventures in Malawi.

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Stay in boutique lodges where you can be gently awakened by ‘Africa’s voice’ in this wild and natural paradise.

Village visits are arranged where you can learn and interact with the locals, taste authentic food and learn about local life.

Relax on the beach, swim or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters filled with colorful fish, or enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Malawi, the "Lake of Stars."

Tour Itinerary

Day 1-2
Arrival into Thyolo (Tea Country)

On arrival at Blantyre Airport, you will be meet at the airport. From here, you will be transferred by road to Huntingdon House, a scenic two-hour drive through the rolling hills and lush plantations of Malawi’s tea-growing region.

Huntingdon House is a historic estate set within the Satemwa Tea Plantation. Originally the family home of the Kay family, pioneers of Malawi’s tea industry, it has been carefully restored to maintain its colonial charm while offering modern comforts. With just a handful of individually styled suites, the house exudes character and intimacy, making it an ideal introduction to Malawi.

Relax in the tranquil atmosphere of the estate, surrounded by manicured lawns and mountain views for 2 nights with meals included.

Optional activities (guides additional charge):

• Walk or hike through the tea and coffee estate.
• Visit the tea factory and learn about the production process from leaf to cup.
• Sample a variety of locally grown teas in a traditional tasting.
• Mountain biking
• Birding - look out for a variety of Malawi bird species, including the little known Thylo Alethe (you may go on your own, or with a guide)


Day 3-5
Explore Majete Wildlife Reserve

After breakfast, you will be transferred by road to Majete Wildlife Reserve, a journey of approximately three hours.

Sprawling across 700 square kilometres of the Great African Rift Valley, Majete Wildlife Reserve’s undulating terrain incorporates grassy plains, riverside groves and forests of marula, acacia and leadwood interspersed with palms and the occasional baobab tree.

Majete is one of Africa’s conservation success stories. Once depleted of wildlife, it has been restored and is now a thriving Big Five reserve under African Parks’ stewardship. The park provides a sanctuary for a wide range of wildlife, including black rhino, elephant, antelope and warthog, while the Shire River is populated by large numbers of crocodiles and hippos.

Explore the reserve in open safari vehicles, with chances to spot elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, and rhino.
You will spend three nights on safari at Mkulumadzi, with 2 activities per day included.

Mkulumadzi Lodge can easily be described as a little paradise. Nestled on the banks of the Shire River, it offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The lodge features eight beautifully designed chalets that promise comfort and relaxation, with the soothing sounds of the river and nearby wildlife creating a truly unforgettable experience. Accessed via a suspension bridge, the lodge boasts an infinity pool, a restaurant, and a range of luxury amenities. Between safari activities, unwind at camp—soak in the wilderness from your private viewing deck, take a dip in the pool, or gather around the lapa for evening campfires.

Day 6-8
Visit Liwonde National Park

Today you will be transferred by road to Kuthengo Camp in Liwonde National Park, a journey of around 5.5 hours. In the rainy season, the final stretch may be by boat, adding an adventurous twist to your arrival.

Settle into Kuthengo Camp for a three night stay, including 2 activities per day.

Located on a large open plain stretching towards the Shire River in Liwonde National Park, you will find Kuthengo Camp nestled among Fever trees and Baobabs. With resident fish eagles nesting in these Baobabs, you will be woken to ‘Africa’s voice’ calling as you rise in this wild and natural paradise. The four spacious and modern safari tents are all en-suite, each with a bathtub and an outdoor shower.

Kuthengo maintains a rustic charm, complemented by stunning views which are best appreciated from your private deck with a cold sundowner in hand, admiring the herds of waterbuck that frequent the camp area, milling about in the evening glow.

The unspoiled Liwonde National Park promises an ultimate retreat where you can experience the many activities on offer with complete privacy; from adventurous game drives, breathtaking walking safaris or tranquil boat cruises along the grand Shire River, there is something for everyone.

Day 9-12
Relax at Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi)

This morning you will depart Liwonde for your final destination: Pumulani Lodge, on the southern shores of Lake Malawi.

The road journey takes you through rural villages and beautiful scenery, culminating in your arrival at the “Lake of Stars.” David Livingstone named Lake Malawi the “Lake of Stars” for good reason. According to experts, it is home to more native fish species than any other lake in the world.

Pumulani Lodge, set on the Nankumba Peninsula, offers spectacular lake views from its hillside villas. Each of the ten spacious villa is uniquely designed, combining modern luxury with natural surroundings. The lodge features an infinity pool, a private beach, and a dhow for sunset cruises.

Activities during your four-night stay include:

• Non-Motorised Water Sports: Kayaking, sailing
• Guided Nature Walks & Village Visits: Learn about the area’s cultural and natural heritage.
• One Snorkeling Excursion: Discover the lake’s remarkable cichlid fish and crystal-clear waters.
• Sunset Dhow Cruise: Sail on the lodge’s dhow for unforgettable views as the sun dips below the horizon.
• Relaxation: Simply unwind on the beach, take in the stunning scenery, or enjoy a swim in the lake.

Day 13
Departure to Lilongwe Airport

Today you will transfer by road (approx. 4 hours) from Pumulani Lodge to Lilongwe Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your Malawi adventure.

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 2 nights in Huntingdon House
  • Included Copy 20 3 nights in Mkulumadzi Camp
  • Included Copy 20 3 nights in Kuthengo Camp
  • Included Copy 20 4 nights in Pumulani Lodge
Food
  • Included Copy 20 All Meals and standard bar drinks at the lodges.
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 Game drives and walking safaris.
  • Included Copy 20 Non-motorised water excursions on Lake Malawi.
  • Included Copy 20 A snorkeling excursion on Lake Malawi.
  • Included Copy 20 Laundry services (except at Huntingdon).
  • Included Copy 20 Transfers, tourism levy and National Park fees.
  • Included Copy 7 Flights, visas, tips, travel insurance & other personal expenses.

Activities

  • Included Learn about the culture and people of Malawi, known as the “Warm Heart of Africa”
  • Included Experience scenic game viewing, beautiful riverine surroundings and varied bird watching in Liwonde.
  • Included Wildlife spotting from the water, with a boat safari on the Shire River.
  • Included Discover the Majete Wildlife Reserve, home Africa’s Big 5, warthogs, hippos and more.
  • Included Swim, snorkel, visit the local villages and markets on the shores of Lake Malawi.
  • Included Explore Thyolo a scenic region known for its rolling tea estates.
Click here for dates & prices
Duration

13 days

Price from

$9,772 NZD

Per person, twin share

Low season 1-31 Oct 25

Daily departures