Malawi and Zambia Encompassed

Duration
15 days
Group Size
12 people
Price
From £5995
Region
Africa
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Overview

This tour combines many of Malawi’s unique and attractive areas and the strong community involvement and interaction is a key aspect of the tour. Game viewing in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, one of Africa’s best National Parks is an added attraction. There are opportunities for walking and hiking for more active travellers, on this well- balanced tour, suitable for families and individuals alike.

Highlights

Included/Excluded

Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
Flight from Mfuwe to Lusaka or Lilongwe
All accommodation
Game drives
National Park Fees
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed, B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
International flights (, contact , us, for expert advice and a quote)
Any airport taxes (except when included for the flight from Mfuwe to Lusaka or Lilongwe)
Travel Insurance
Visa – when required
Drinks
Items of personal nature
Tips (Discretionary)

Tour Ratings

Fitness: 3/5
Unexplored: 4/5
Culture: 3/5
History: 2/5
Wildlife: 5/5
Tour-pace: 3/5
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Map and Tour Itinerary

This 15 day journey through Malawi and Zambia offers a rich blend of wildlife, landscapes and meaningful cultural encounters, beginning in the Shire Highlands with tea estates, forest reserves and views of Mount Mulanje, before continuing to the historic town of Zomba and its scenic plateau. The itinerary then moves into the wildlife heart of Liwonde National Park for game drives and river safaris, followed by a relaxing stay on the shores of Lake Malawi, where community visits provide insight into local life. Travelling onward to Lilongwe, the experience concludes with an immersive safari in South Luangwa National Park, renowned for its exceptional wildlife viewing, before returning to Malawi for departure.

Itinerary Highlights
Big Game Encounters in Majete and South Luangwa National Parks

Explore two of Southern Africa’s premier wildlife destinations with thrilling game drives and walking safaris.

Scenic Hikes and Colonial Charm on Zomba Plateau

Discover Zomba’s rich history and enjoy panoramic hikes through forested trails and past trout streams.

Safari and River Adventures in Liwonde National Park

Experience diverse wildlife by boat and on land in one of Malawi’s most iconic parks.

Lakeside Leisure and Culture at Cape Maclear and Senga Bay

Relax on Lake Malawi’s shores, explore fishing villages, and visit the renowned Mua Mission cultural museum.

Immersive Nature and Culture in Dzalanyama Forest Reserve

Enjoy forest walks, cycling, and traditional village experiences in Malawi’s tranquil Dzalanyama Reserve.

Day 1: Blantyre – Thyolo (approx. driving 1hr 30m)

Arrive in Blantyre where you will be met and transferred to your lodge. This afternoon, if time permits, take a game drive within the park.

🛏️ Overnight: Game Haven Lodge, Thyolo or similar
🍽️ Meals: Dinner

Note: If you arrive later than midday you will still be transferred but you may be unable to enjoy an afternoon game drive.

Day 2: Thyolo

After breakfast we drive (approx. 1 hour) to the world-recognised Satemwa Tea Estate for a walking tour followed by a tea-tasting workshop, producing white, black, gold, and flavoured teas. Afterward, enjoy a superb lunch at Huntingdon House. This afternoon continue to Mount Mulanje (approx. 1.5 hours) for a hike to Likhubula Falls. The trek takes around 1 hour each way on an undulating, partly shaded trail leading to natural pools. Return to the lodge (approx. 2 hours).

🛏️ Overnight: Game Haven Lodge, Thyolo or similar
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Zomba (approx. 3 hours’ drive)

After breakfast depart for Zomba, the former capital of British Central Africa. After lunch (own account), visit a community-based organisation, YODEP, founded in 1998 to support orphaned children, youth, elderly people and those affected by HIV/AIDS. Take a guided walk through the village to learn about their community work.

🛏️ Overnight: Sunbird Kuchawe, Zomba or similar
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Zomba

Wake up to the beautiful views from Kuchawe and enjoy breakfast on the terrace, watching out for baboons. Later, take a guided hike on Zomba Plateau, with options ranging from short two-hour walks to full-day trails. Your guide will tailor the route to weather and fitness.

🛏️ Overnight: Sunbird Kuchawe, Zomba or similar
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Liwonde National Park (approx. 3 hours’ drive)

After breakfast depart for Mvuu Camp inside Liwonde National Park, arriving in time for lunch. The afternoon is free before an evening game drive. Wildlife regularly seen includes black rhino, sable, cheetah, buffalo, lion, kudu, impala, waterbuck and elephants.

🛏️ Overnight: Mvuu Camp, Liwonde National Park or similar
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Liwonde National Park

After breakfast explore the Shire River by boat, observing hippos, elephants, waterbirds and other wildlife along the riverbanks. Activities at Mvuu vary depending on wildlife movements and guest preferences.

🛏️ Overnight: Mvuu Camp, Liwonde National Park or similar
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Lake Malawi (approx. 3.5 hours’ drive)

This morning depart Liwonde and travel north to Lake Malawi, arriving in time for lunch. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

🛏️ Overnight: Makokola Retreat Lake Malawi or similar,
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Lake Malawi

After breakfast visit the impressive community-based organisation CISER, dedicated to improving rural livelihoods. Visit a village, secondary school and family home where you may assist in preparing a meal. You may also join a primary school literacy session. Return to the retreat for lunch, with the afternoon at leisure. Non-motorised activities are included.

🛏️ Overnight: Makokola Retreat, Lake Malawi or similar
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Lake Malawi

A full day at leisure to enjoy the lake and resort activities. Additional activities or further community engagement can be arranged locally.

🛏️ Overnight: Makokola Retreat, Lake Malawi or similar
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Lilongwe (approx. 5 hours’ drive)

After breakfast depart for Lilongwe and check in at Kumbali Country Lodge. Activities include bird watching, forest walks, and visits to the Cultural Village and the Permaculture Centre at the Kusamala Institute.

🛏️ Overnight: Kumbali Country Lodge, Lilongwe or similar
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: South Luangwa National Park (approx. 6 hours’ drive)

After breakfast drive to Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park and check in at Thornicroft Lodge on the banks of the Luangwa River. The lodge offers superb views of hippos, crocodiles and elephants crossing at dawn or dusk. Enjoy an afternoon game drive before dinner.

🛏️ Overnight: Thornicroft Lodge, South Luangwa or similar,
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 12–13: South Luangwa National Park

Spend two full days exploring South Luangwa with four game drives included over the two days.

🛏️ Overnight: Thornicroft Lodge, South Luangwa or similar
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Lilongwe (approx. 6 hours’ drive)

Return to Lilongwe and settle again at Kumbali Country Lodge.

🛏️ Overnight: Kumbali Country Lodge, Lilongwe or similar
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast

Day 15: Departure from Malawi

You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast

Download the Information Pack

To download the tour full dossier, which includes a complete day-by-day itinerary breakdown and detailed tour information, fill in the details below.

Dates and Prices


Tour Code Start End Trip Status Pricing Per person
MZE/160826 Aug 16, 2026

Sunday

Aug 30, 2026

Sunday

Guaranteed £5,995.00


Single Room Supplement: £625.00
MZE/011126 Nov 01, 2026

Sunday

Nov 15, 2026

Sunday

Guaranteed £5,995.00


Single Room Supplement: £625.00
MZE/150827 Aug 15, 2027

Sunday

Aug 29, 2027

Sunday

Guaranteed £5,995.00


Single Room Supplement: £625.00
MZE/311027 Oct 31, 2027

Sunday

Nov 14, 2027

Sunday

Guaranteed £5,995.00


Single Room Supplement: £625.00

Feedback from our Travellers

Essential Info

Foreign Office Travel Warnings

Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.

We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the parts of Malawi and Zambia that we visit on this tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.

It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.

Visa Information

At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals require a visa for a tourist visit to Malawi and Zambia. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.

British Nationals – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice 

US Nationals – travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html 

Australian Nationals – www.smartraveller.gov.au

Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.

Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.

As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance.

Passports

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.

We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.

For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

Vaccinations & Protection

As with travel to most parts of Africa, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent is highly recommended.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.

Local Conditions

When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.

The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.

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