Day 1

Today you will be met at the Lilongwe airport by a Barefoot Lodge and Safaris representative and transfer to the lodge. Depending on the time your flight arrives it might be possible to do a city tour or take a Kabaza taxi from the lodge to explore the local village. Barefoot Lodge – Bed and Breakfast

Day 2

Today we head north. After an early breakfast we make our way via Lilongwe towards Luwawa Forest Lodge, situated on the picturesque Viphya plateau. The Viphya Plateau is a true, exciting highland wilderness cut by a number of rivers running into Lake Malawi. Although there are large areas of commercial forestry, there are also rolling grassland hills, Rift Valley escarpments descending to Lake Malawi and even sections of indigenous rainforest. Viphya is a great, dissected plateau aligned parallel to the Great Rift Valley. Luwawa Forest Lodge – Bed and breakfast

Day 3 and 4

On day four our journey takes us further north towards Nyika National Park. Here we spend two nights enjoying the alpine-like surroundings. Nyika is a rolling plateau dotted with stunning mountain outcrops. The Nyika National Park protects over 3,000 km² of this rich plateau, noted for the endemic herbs and heathers found in its rolling, montane grasslands.

Across the extensive moorlands, you’ll find delphiniums, lobelias, gladioli, everlasting flowers, ‘red hot pokers’ and as many as 200 species of orchid. You’ll see occasional stands of montane forest, an old pine plantation, and, on the rugged foothills at the edge of the plateau, dense brachystegia woodland.

Large herds of roan, reedbuck, zebra and eland occur here, together with leopard, serval and spotted hyena. That said, Nyika isn’t primarily a destination for game; rather it’s about the feeling of wilderness – the mountains, rolling hills, small streams and waterfalls. There are endemic chameleons, frogs and toads, several unique local birds, and a variety of butterflies that attract enthusiasts from afar. Hiking ,cycling and fly-fishing (in season) is daily activities hosted at Nyika. Chilinda Camp – Bed and Breakfast

Day 5 and 6

Leaving the mountain behind on day 5, we find our way to the shore of Lake Malawi. Our first stop will be at Nkhata Bay. Nkhata Bay is at the most northerly point on Lake Malawi that was reached by David Livingstone during his expeditions through Africa over 150 years ago. Its small sheltered harbour is a focus for the Lake’s fishing industry, but it is also becoming increasingly important as a tourist centre. As a vibrant port town in the north of Malawi, it is often referred to as the gateway to the islands. It has a wonderful craft market and a bustling feel to the town. Mayoka Village – Bed and Breakfast

Day 7 and 8

Driving along the shore of Lake Malawi we head further south to Nkhotakota. Nkhotakota is rich in history. Visited by David Livingstone in 1863, it was then a major centre for the slave trade. From the lakeshore here, tens of thousands of slaves were shipped across the Lake and then force-marched to the coast. The slave trade, with its strong Arab connections, has meant that the Muslim faith is well represented in today’s town. The tree under which Livingstone met the salve trader, Jumbe, to try to persuade him to cease operations, can still be visited, down towards the lake.

Nkhotakota is one of the ports visited by the famous Ilala ferry on its weekly sojourn up and down Lake Malawi, and it is also home to the Nkhotakota Pottery, which is an off-shoot of the more famous Dedza Pottery. As well as being able to see potters at work and buy items from the shop, it’s also possible to take a pottery course. Nkhotakota Pottery Lodge – Bed and Breakfast

Day 9

Keeping to the lake shore, we make our way to Cape Maclear. Cape Maclear is a small fishing village situated in the Southern part of Lake Malawi along a beautiful stretch of beach. The village is protected by large granite hillocks and thick green bushes with the beautiful Domwe and Thumbi Islands offshore in the bay. The tourist areas are situated on either side of the village, in order to get from one to the other, a walk through the village is required.  It is a good way to see how the locals live and being such a friendly nation, visitors feel very welcomed. Eagles nest – Bed and Breakfast

Day 10 and 11

Liwonde National Park, our next destination. Although only 220 sq miles (580 sq km), Liwonde is perhaps the most popular of all of Malawi’s game parks, with its beautiful riverine setting and teeming wildlife offering thrilling safaris. Wildlife viewing is enhanced because the River Shire that flows along its western border.

Wildlife includes quite large numbers of elephants and the river attracts countless hippos and crocodiles. Lion and cheetah have been recently reintroduced into Liwonde with the aid of African Parks who took over management of the Park in 2015 and who continue to turn Liwonde into a first class safari location. Antelope include kudu, sable and bushbuck. Leopards, hyaena and black rhino are also occasionally spotted. Birdlife is exceptionally varied. The river attracts fish eagles and weaver birds build their nests in the thin woodland. Pel’s fishing owl is often seen at dusk along the river’s edge. Mvuu Camp – Full Board (Accommodation, game drive, boat safari and meals)

Day 12

Today we will be heading back to Lilongwe. Arriving back at Barefoot Lodge early afternoon we have time to repack our bags for the flight back home or the next adventure. Barefoot Lodge – Bed and Breakfast

Day 13

Transport to the airport or a post-safari can be arranged via Barefoot Lodge and Safaris

Included:

• Tour guide
• Transport
• Accommodation as per itinerary (Subject to change)
• Meals as per itinerary
• Game drive at Liwonde National Park
• Boat Safari at Liwonde National Park
• Entrance to Nyika National Park
• Entrance to Liwonde National Park
• Pick- up at Lilongwe airport

Excluded:

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Meals not indicated on itinerary
• Items of personal nature
• Visa or any other documents to travel to and within Malawi
• Gratuities (Guide, Local guides, porterage, cleaning staff and restaurants)
• Any activities not indicated on itinerary

Optional activities during this safari:

• Lilongwe city tour
• Kabaza Taxi Ride
• Cycling
• Hiking Safari
• Snorkling
• Additional open vehicle safaris

Highlights:

• Nyika Plateau
• Lake Malawi
• Liwonde National Park