Overland safari tours are a great and affordable way to experience all that Malawi has to offer
Malawi is truly one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. This landlocked country, although small, features plenty of attractions for nature and safari lovers. The enormous Lake Malawi, Africa’s third largest lake, is almost like a tropical island destination, with white sand beaches, clear waters, and abundant wildlife. The country’s national parks, such as Liwonde, Nyika and Majete, also teem with wildlife, including many of Africa’s famous big game species. Malawi is known as the “warm heart of Africa”, and its people are some of the friendliest you will meet.
One of the best and most affordable ways to explore and experience Malawi is on an overland safari tour. These tours visit several destinations in the country, sometimes combining a visit to Malawi with other countries, allowing for a comprehensive experience. They offer flexibility with regards to duration and accommodation type, thus catering for different budget ranges. Many include meals, guides and accommodation, and offer exciting activities. Below is a selection of some of the best safari tours that explore Malawi.
This is a 12-day safari tour that takes guests on an adventure through the best of Malawi‘s bush and beach destinations. The tour visits the renowned South Luangwa National Park, one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. Guests will also visit the stunning Lake Malawi, the 3rd largest lake in Africa, and a superb destination for island and beach activities. Four different budget and accommodation options are available for the tour, with meals, activities, and guides included.
Malawi Island Hopping Kayak Tour
This is a safari tour with a difference! The tour is an adventurous and picturesque kayak trail on Lake Malawi, Africa’s 3rd largest lake. The tour starts at the lakeside town of Cape Maclear, with participants paddling out to Domwe Island on the lake, where they spend the night in a charming, rustic island camp. After spending two nights here, enjoying activities such as snorkelling, swimming, and exploring the islands on foot, guests paddle on to Mumbo Island, spending two nights at Mumbo Island Camp, before heading back to Cape Maclear. The kayak activities require a moderate level of fitness. This tour is fully catered, with road and air transfers included in the cost.
Zambia and Malawi Highlights Tour
This safari tour encompasses the best safari destinations that Malawi and Zambia have to offer. The tour visits the major national parks of both countries, providing wonderful game-viewing opportunities. These include South Luangwa National Park, Lilongwe National Park, and the Lower Zambezi National Park. The tour visits Lake Malawi, the 3rd largest lake in Africa, where guests can go snorkelling and relax on white sandy beaches. Experience traditional game drives and unique boat cruises safaris, and get a taste of local culture at markets and museums. The tour also visits the spectacular Victoria Falls– with the chance to take a thrilling helicopter ride over these magnificent waters.
Malawi and Zambia Northern Adventurer Tour
This safari tour take guests on a rollicking adventure through the northern regions of Malawi and Zambia. On this tour, you will have the chance to participate in a host of safari adventure activities, and visit the most beautiful safari and nature destinations. The tour includes a three-day mountain bike cycle through the beautiful Viphya Plateau, and a three-day hike through the grasslands, forests and villages of northern Malawi. You will stay at a beautiful lodge with a private beach on Lake Malawi, and the wonderful Chelinda Camp, located on a dam in the game-rich Nyika National Park. The tour is available in different accommodation options to suit your budget.
Malawi and Zambia Southern Tour
This safari tour visits the best safari destinations in southern Malawi, and the neighbouring areas of Zambia. The tour visits South Luangwa National Park, a region that teems with wildlife, as well as Liwonde National Park, where you can enjoy game drives and boating. You will stay at the luxurious Blue Zebra Island Lodge on the stunning Lake Malawi, a tropical island-like destination. The tour offers a host of exciting adventure activities: climbing Mulanje Mountain with its rock pools and waterfalls en-route, diving and snorkelling in Lake Malawi, and biking and horse-riding on the Zomba Plateau. The tour is available in different budget and accommodation options to suit various guest preferences.
This 21-day tour is great way to explore the best safari destinations of East Africa, including Malawi. The tour passes through 5 countries, starting in the adventure town of Victoria Falls, and ending in Nairobi, Kenya (the tour can also run in reverse order). The tour offers an exciting combination of bush and beach, with guests able to choose between camping and accommodated options. The tour visits the stunning island of Zanzibar in Tanzania, the pristine beaches of Lake Malawi, the world-famous plains of the Serengeti, and the game-rich South Luangwa National Park.
This safari tour explores the northern regions of Malawi. It can be done over 7 or 11 days, with the choice between camping or accommodated lodgings. The tour visits the wilderness of the Nyika National Park, rich in wildlife and birdlife, where you will stay at the wonderful Chelinda Camp. The camp overlooks a dam and has beautiful views of the region’s hilly landscapes. The tour also visits the forests of the Viphya Plateau, as well as the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, Malawi‘s oldest protected park and and a noteworthy birding area. Of course, no tour of Malawi is complete without a stay at Lake Malawi. You will stay at Makuzi Beach Lodge, which has one of the lake’s only private white sand beaches.
This safari tour of southern Malawi is available in either a 7-day or 11-day option, and visits some of the country’s best destinations. On the tour, guests will visit the magnificent Lake Malawi, staying at the tranquil Blue Zebra Island Lodge on the shores of this enormous lake, with the chance to dive and snorkel. A kayak or boat ride will take you out to the largest uninhabited island in the lake, an adventurous experience. The tour visits Liwonde National Park, one of Malawi‘s premier safari regions, home to a remarkable variety of wildlife, including over 400 species of birds.
