Malawi is incredibly diverse in its wildlife and stunning landscapes. This 8 day itinerary will incorporate a bush and beach experience with the must-see destinations including Lake Malawi, Lake Malawi National Park, Liwonde National Park and Cape Maclear. Choose from a variety of water-sport to land-based activities that will guarantee your encounter with elephants, hippos, crocodiles, zebras, and over 300 different species of birds!
Africa
Southern Explorer Bush to Beach
8 Days, Departs – Daily. Contact for pricing.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- Nankoma Island
- Water-sport activities in Lake Malawi National Park
- Liwonde National Park offers one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa
- Opportunities to get very close to hippos and crocodiles
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Arrive in Lilongwe and transfer to Senga Bay, Lake Malawi
- Day 2: Day at Leisure
- Day 3: Transfer to Liwonde National Park
- Day 4: Liwonde Activities
- Day 5: Transfer to Cape Maclear, Lake Malawi
- Day 6-7: Days at Leisure
- Day 8: Depart to Lilongwe
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1 - 3 - Lilongwe: Transfer to Lake Malawi / 3 Day Lake Malawi Stay
Transfer to Lake Malawi
On arrival into Lilongwe Airport you will be met by our representative and transferred by road to your accommodation at Lake Malawi.
3 Day Lake Malawi Stay
Lake Malawi Arrival Day
Today you will arrive at your accommodation located on the beautiful Lake Malawi, the jewel of Malawi's tourism industry. This vast body of crystal clear freshwater is fringed by beaches of golden sand, the perfect place for water sport activities or simply relaxing. You will notice that there is no phone signal or WiFi access so take this opportunity to fully disconnect and take it all in.
Please note, some accommodations on Lake Malawi are only accessible by plane therefore your arrival transfer will be by plane.
Dinner included.
Lake Malawi Activities
Lake Malawi is a water sports and activity wonderland. During you days here your accommodation will offer a range of options including boat trips, nature walks, kayaking and much more.
Please note, the activities included in your stay will vary depending on where you stay. Most accommodations include non-motorised sports with motorised sports incurring an additional cost.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Lake Malawi Departure Day
After your final breakfast in paradise you will be met at your accommodation by your guide and transferred overland to Liwonde National Park, home to 4 of the big 5.
Breakfast included.
Day 3 - 6 - Liwonde: 4 Day Liwonde National Park Stay
4 Day Liwonde National Park Stay
Liwonde National Park Arrival
Upon arrival at your camp you will be greeted by the staff who will show you to your accommodation. You will be allocated a guide who will give you a briefing on your stay for the next few days.
Dinner included.
Liwonde National Park Activities
Although only 220 square-miles, Liwonde is one of the most popular of all of Malawi's game parks with its beautiful riverine setting and teeming with wildlife offering exciting safaris. Wildlife includes large herds of elephants, hippos, crocodiles, lion, cheetah, kudu, sable and bushbuck. If you're lucky you may spot leopards, hyena and black rhino but they may prove more difficult to spot.
During your stay you will have the opportunity to head out on two game drives a day.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Liwonde National Park Departure
After a wonderful 3 nights in Liwonde National Park you will be met at your camp by your guide after breakfast who will transfer you to Cape Maclear, approx. 2.5 hours, located on Lake Malawi.
Breakfast included.
Day 6 - 8 - Cape Maclear: 3 Day Cape Maclear Stay
3 Day Cape Maclear Stay
Camp Maclear Arrival Day
Today you will arrive in paradise. You will be transferred to your accommodation where you will get settled in and have the remainder of the day at leisure.
Your arrival transfer may consist of a road transfer and a boat transfer. This will depend on the location of your accommodation.
Dinner included.
Cape Maclear Activities
Cape Maclear is a little resort town surrounded by mountains and set within Lake Malawi National Park. This town features an array of beachside bars and local restaurants in a spectacularly scenic setting of golden sand beaches lapped by dazzling turquoise water.
Kayak over to the nearby Thumbi island and spot the majestic fish eagle, sail across the lake and catch a picturesque African sunset, or scuba dive into the crystal-clear depths of the lake, which boasts some of the best freshwater diving in the world. Other popular activities include: bird watching, windsurfing, hiking, swimming or shopping in the local craft markets as well as island tours and guided village walks.
Your accommodation during your stay on Lake Malawi will offer different activities.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Cape Maclear Departure Day
After breakfast you will be transferred to Lilongwe for your departure flight.
Breakfast included.
Comfort
Senga Bay, Malawi - Kumbali Lake Retreat
Lake Malawi, Malawi - Kumbali Lake Retreat
Liwonde, Malawi - Mvuu Camp
Cape Maclear, Malawi - Domwe Island Adventure Camp
Superior
Senga Bay, Malawi - Blue Zebra Island Lodge
Liwonde, Malawi - Mvuu Lodge
Cape Maclear, Malawi - Mumbo Island Camp
Deluxe
Senga Bay, Malawi - Blue Zebra Island Lodge
Liwonde, Malawi - Kuthengo Camp
Cape Maclear, Malawi - Pumulani Beach Lodge
Whats included?
- Accommodation with private facilities
- Hotel taxes
- Park entrance fees
- Activities as specified*
- Meals as specified*
- Non-motorised water sports
What’s not included?
- Air transportation
- Passport, visa and immigration fees
- Airport taxes
- Travel protection plan
- Additional hotel nights
- Motorised water sports
- Alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages
- Laundry service
- Gratuities
- Any items not mentioned as included
Notes
*Activities & Meals
- Kumbali Lake Retreat: includes all meals, non-motorised sports
- Mvuu Camp: includes all meals, park fees, 2 activities per day
- Domwe Island: includes all meals, non-motorised sports
- Blue Zebra: includes all meals, local drinks, park fees, non-motorised sports
- Mvuu Lodge: includes all meals, local drinks, laundry, park fees, 2 activities per day
- Mumbo Island: includes all meals and non-motorised sports
- Kuthengo: includes all meals, local drinks, laundry, park fees, 2 activities per day
- Pumulani: includes all meals, local drinks, park fees, non-motorised sports
**Due to weather conditions, this tour does not operate during December to March.
Packing Recommendations
- Leightweight clothing for day-time, and warmer clothing for the winter months. Avoid brightly coloured clothing for game viewing.
- Women are advised not to wear too revealing clothing and dresses that are knee-length and longer.
- Swimwear for water-sport activities
- Avoid dark colours and wear long-sleeves & long trousers to guard against mosquitos and other insects at night
- Insect repellent, sun protection, toiletries, batteries and external chargers
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
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