A Detailed 11-Day Mount Mulanje, Lake Malawi & Majete Game Reserve Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Malawi | 1 Nights

Green Elephant Guest House is a short drive from Kamuzu International Airport, where you will be met by a driver. At the guesthouse, a representative will meet with you to review your plan.

When you stay at Green Elephant, you may relax in your room and take in views of the beautiful garden as you eat. All meals, including dinner and breakfast the following day with your choice of aromatic Malawian tea or coffee, are included in the price. Indulge in a refreshing dip in the pool throughout the day and relax in the shade of the well-stocked bar, which boasts outdoor seating that overlooks the beautiful garden.

Days 2-4: Gracious living in Thyolo | 3 Nights

This morning, after breakfast, you will get in your vehicle and drive from Lilongwe to the southern region of Malawi. After lunch in either Blantyre or Limbe, you’ll continue your journey through the Thyolo region to Huntingdon House, passing through the historic town of Blantyre and the trading center of Limbe. This stately colonial home exudes the quaint atmosphere of a bygone age, set between verdant tea plantations and rolling hills. Beautifully restored and furnished to preserve the historic features of the former residence—including the children’s nursery, the resident priest’s quarters and the private chapel—the structure sits amid expansive grounds.

Get a picnic basket from the kitchen and take a stroll through the estate’s lovely grounds or go to a picturesque area to eat your lunch while taking in the breathtaking views of Mount Mulanje. Take a stroll through the bird-rich indigenous forests of the Thyolo Mountains or just relax with a cup of tea on a private terrace and some introspection. Go behind the scenes at Satemwe’s tea plant and see how their premium export teas are made, from picking the leaves to brewing the final cup. Explore the estate on a mountain bike, taking pit stops along the way to take in the breathtaking scenery. Professional birding guides can take you on twitching tours of the forests, where you can also see the magnificent waterfalls that cascade from Mount Mulanje, if you prefer a more structured birding experience.

Days 5-6: Into the Shire | 2 Nights

The two-hour drive into the Shire Valley to Mkulumadzi Lodge, located within the Majete Game Reserve, will be your destination this morning after breakfast. Located on a private concession next to Kapichira Falls, this cosy lodge is surrounded by towering leadwood trees and offers breathtaking views of the river confluence of the Shire and Mkulumadzi. If you’d rather not venture out into the reserve on foot, you can always enjoy some “armchair game viewing” from the luxury of your riverfront chalet thanks to the private observation decks.

The reserve’s mature miombo woodlands, river valleys, and verdant forests are home to a variety of animals, including elephants, Cape buffalo, and rare antelope species. Discover the reserve by going on guided 4×4 wildlife drives or strolling along the valley of the shallow Mkulumadzi River on foot during a walking safari. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind cultural experience by touring a neighbouring town and community center, and then spend the afternoon cruising under the breathtaking Kapichira Falls. The dining room has a high ceiling supported by the trunks of old leadwood trees, making it an ideal space to eat meals.

Days 7-10: Rest Well at Pumulani | 4 Nights

You will be driven back to Lilongwe in a vehicle that was left at the reception of Pumulani Lake Lodge after your departure from Majete Game Reserve this morning. This magnificent lodge is the sole place to stay inside Lake Malawi National Park, and it offers a bush-and-beach experience that is the very definition of barefoot luxury. Situated on the southern edge of the lake, your thatched suite is built along the hillside in accordance with the natural surroundings and boasts its own distinctive decorative elements. It is nestled among rocky crags in lush hills. With its exclusive beach access and intelligent guest service, this vibrant lodge more than lives up to its name, Pumulani, which means’rest well’ in the indigenous Chichewa language. The stage is prepared for a tropical beach vacation by Pumulani. This first-rate beach lodge caters to sunbathers and adrenaline junkies with activities like snorkelling, tubing, and water sports that take place away from the beach.

As the sun rises over the diamond-studded lake, you can open your eyes and stroll out onto your private terrace, where the warmth will warm your face. A magnificent expanse of immaculate golden sand is at your disposal at your own beach, which is just a short stroll away, where you may relax under an umbrella. Jump aboard a speedboat and go water skiing, or drop anchor on a coral reef and use your snorkel to discover the vibrant marine life there. Savour a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc with a delicious seafood combination of chambo fish and juicy prawns for lunch. As you relax on the lower terrace of the lodge by the infinity pool, you can take in breathtaking views of the surrounding bush and lake. This will likely spark the romantic notion of taking a traditional dhow out on the water just before sunset. After descending to meet the horizon, the sun has now prepared the sky for the spectacular stars that may be seen through the lodge’s state-of-the-art stargazer. As you savour your exquisite dinner on the main deck, you may admire the twinkling lanterns of fishing boats drifting on the vast, darkened lake.

Day 11: Farewell Malawi

To return to Lilongwe International Airport and connect with your flight home, you will be transferred to a small airport near Monkey Bay after breakfast today. The flight will be scenic.

End of the 11-Day Mount Mulanje, Lake Malawi & Majete Game Reserve

Inclusions

• Meals:
  Green Elephant Guest House : Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  Huntingdon House : Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  Mkulumadzi : Full Board Plus (All Meals, Select Extras)
  Pumulani Lake Lodge : Full Board Plus (All Meals, Select Extras)
• All necessary permits, conservancy and park fees
• All activities specified, including morning and evening game drives each full day on safari
• 24/7 assistance and support during your trip

Exclusions

• Your international flights to and from Africa + any related taxes
• Any travel visas you require (though we help you with this)
• Tips
• Personal items (eg. travel insurance, souvenirs)