Heart of the “Warm Heart” – Malawi Route with Robin Pope Safaris
Discover why Malawi is emerging as one of Africa’s top safari destinations on an overland itinerary designed to showcase both the wild and the luxurious. On this trip, you’ll discover two distinct national parks, including the Majete Wildlife Reserve, which now boasts the iconic “Big Five” (and a sophisticated safari experience) thanks to the efforts of African Parks. You’ll also indulge in some blissful R&R on Lake Malawi, the country’s shimmering crown jewel.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Lounge on a private deck overlooking the shimmering Shire River and the vast wilderness of the Majete Wildlife Reserve, whose animal population is slowly growing due to incredible conservation efforts.
- Sleep under Malawi’s glittering constellations on a “star bed.”
- Join an expert guide in tracking the endangered black rhinos of Liwonde National Park on foot.
- Meet a myriad of tropical fish as you snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Malawi.
- Sip sundowners on an impossibly romantic dhow cruise across Lake Malawi.
TRIP TYPE
Custom trip combining three stunning camps operated by Robin Pope Safaris
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This itinerary can be reversed to start in Victoria Falls. Camps at various price points can be mixed and matched but the best value is to use all properties from one lodging group.
ITINERARY DETAILS
Days 1 – 3: Majete Wildlife Reserve
Welcome to Malawi! Your day will begin with a 2.5-hour drive from Blantyre through colorful villages and rolling fields to Majete. Along the way, you’ll see why Malawi is often called the “Warm Heart of Africa” as you’re greeted with the country’s famous smiles and waves.
After arriving in Majete, you’ll have time to soak up the stunning scenery on your private veranda; however, they’ll also be ample opportunities for hiking, embarking on cultural tours, and enjoying incredible game-viewing from both a hide and boat excursion.
SAMPLE ACCOMODATIONS
Mkulumadzi Camp
Days 4-5: Liwonde National Park
Leaving Majete behind, you’ll embark on a colorful 4-hour transfer to Liwonde National Park and the floodplains of the Shire River, praised as a birder’s paradise and home to a healthy population of elephants and other game.
In Liwonde, you’ll get a “hippo’s-eye-view” of the shimmering Shire as you boat along its waters, searching for crocodiles sunning themselves on the mud banks and groups of other animals hoping to quench their thirst at the water’s edge. Alternatively, you can also spend the morning on a game-viewing walk or a bike trip to a nearby community, followed by a relaxing afternoon in a scenic game hide.
SAMPLE ACCOMODATIONS
Kuthengo Camp
Days 6-8: Lake Malawi
By this point, you’ve earned a little R&R—and Pumulani Camp will surely give you the relaxation you crave. Located on the shores of Lake Malawi and surrounded by national parkland, Pumulani is paradise. Its 10 luxurious villas offer private decks with spectacular views of the lake, while its remote beachside setting provides a perfect place for soaking up the sun and swimming in clear blue waters. Still, those hoping to indulge in more activities won’t be disappointed, as snorkeling, diving, fishing, sailing, kayaking, water skiing, wakeboarding, and more will be readily available. At the end of the day, climb aboard our dhow as experienced local crewman sail you off into the golden sunset.
SAMPLE ACCOMODATIONS
Pumulani Camp
