11-Day Ultimate Malawi and South Luangwa Safari

South Luangwa National Park is situated in eastern Zambia’s Luangwa River valley, renowned for its abundant wildlife with the river often crowded with hippos and woodland savannah home to hundreds of bird species. Mid-morning transfer from Lilongwe across the border into Zambia to your lodge. In the late afternoon, set out for an exciting night game drive from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, providing two hours of daylight game viewing and two hours spotlighting active predators.

A full-day game drive in South Luangwa National Park delivers exceptional wildlife viewing in one of Africa’s finest safari areas. Accompanied by expert guides, explore riverbanks and open plains searching for leopards, lions, elephants, buffalo, and hippos. With relaxed picnic stops, the day showcases rich birdlife, dramatic scenery, and an authentic, uncrowded safari experience.

Covering 9,050 square kilometers, South Luangwa is considered the birthplace of walking safaris in Zambia. Very few places in Africa can offer this unique combination of open grassy plains and mature woodlands crowned with the pristine Luangwa River. Enjoy an invigorating morning walking safari and an afternoon/night game drive to maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities.

After an early breakfast in South Luangwa National Park, depart for a scenic drive across the border to Senga Bay on the shores of beautiful Lake Malawi. The journey takes you through rural villages, rolling landscapes, and picturesque countryside. Upon arrival at your lakeside accommodation, check in and enjoy the afternoon at leisure, relaxing on the sandy beach, swimming in crystal-clear waters, or unwinding beneath palm trees.

Start your day with an enriching cultural village tour in Senga Bay on the shores of Lake Malawi. Accompanied by a local guide, visit a nearby community to interact with residents, learn about traditional customs, fishing practices, and village livelihoods. The remainder of the day is free for optional water-based activities such as swimming, kayaking, boat cruises, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the beach.

After breakfast, depart Senga Bay and enjoy a scenic drive south through rural Malawi toward the renowned Liwonde National Park. Along the way, pass through traditional villages, local markets, and countryside landscapes. Upon arrival, check in and enjoy lunch before heading out on an afternoon game drive exploring riverbanks and savannahs home to elephants, buffalo, hippos, antelopes, and birdlife.

Spend a full day exploring the wilderness of Liwonde National Park, one of Malawi’s most celebrated wildlife reserves. Set out on morning and afternoon game drives through floodplains, riverine woodlands, and open grasslands in search of elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and waterbucks, enjoying a scenic picnic lunch during the heat of midday.

After breakfast, depart Liwonde National Park and journey through Malawi’s countryside toward Majete Wildlife Reserve. Check in and relax before an exciting evening activity. As darkness falls, embark on a thrilling night game drive with an experienced guide and spotlight operator to search for nocturnal wildlife such as hyenas, civets, genets, bushbabies, and porcupines.

Enjoy a full day of wildlife viewing in Majete Wildlife Reserve, one of Malawi’s greatest conservation success stories. Accompanied by an experienced safari guide, search for the reserve’s abundant wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, zebras, antelopes, and the Big Five across riverine forests and open woodlands, with a relaxing picnic lunch in nature.

After breakfast, depart Majete Wildlife Reserve and journey back towards Lilongwe. The drive passes traditional villages, farmlands, and bustling trading centers. Stop at a local roadside market to experience everyday Malawian commerce, interact with local vendors, and pick up authentic handicrafts before continuing to Lilongwe for your final evening.

Enjoy a relaxed morning at your accommodation, taking time for breakfast and reflection on your memorable safari across South Luangwa, Lake Malawi, Liwonde, and Majete. At the scheduled time, transfer to Kamuzu International Airport for your onward departure flight, marking the end of your extraordinary journey.