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Location Highlights
- Liwonde National Park - one of southern Africa's most beautiful parks, and home to over 600 African Elephants
- Lake Malawi - relax on white sandy beaches and snorkel in warm, turquoise waters in search of the many fascinating endemic freshwater fish species
- Zomba Mountain - explore this dramatic Zomba Plateau, hoping for species such as Schalow's Lourie and Saw-wing Swallow, and visit the charming, bustling markets of Zomba
Tailormade Malawi
Tailormade | Tour Code: TMALCreate your own Tailormade holiday to Malawi with dates and an itinerary to suit you.
When to Visit
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SAMPLE HOLIDAY: Malawi & Zambia - The Best of Both!
14 days from £6,895 (Flight Inclusive)
This classic itinerary combines the lesser-visited wildlife reserves of Malawi with time spent in Zambia’s South Luangwa, one of the most predator-rich parks in Africa.
Location Highlights
- Liwonde National Park - one of southern Africa's most beautiful parks, and home to over 600 African Elephants
- Lake Malawi - relax on white sandy beaches and snorkel in warm, turquoise waters in search of the many fascinating endemic freshwater fish species
- Zomba Mountain - explore this dramatic Zomba Plateau, hoping for species such as Schalow's Lourie and Saw-wing Swallow, and visit the charming, bustling markets of Zomba
Summary
Malawi is a fabulous, yet surprisingly overlooked African destination. There are excellent lowland wildlife reserves, which have many species that are difficult to see elsewhere, as well as opportunities for mountain walking and lakeside relaxation.
The low density of Lions, and other ‘Big Five’ mammals, could be viewed as a reason not to visit. Yet this is perhaps Malawi’s greatest strength for it allows wildlife to be enjoyed on foot in a relaxed fashion away from the confines of the usual ‘protective’ vehicle. Over recent years, however, several of the country’s reserves have enjoyed a remarkable transformation and, with the help of some excellent private concessions, have successfully re-introduced Lion, Cheetah and Black Rhino back into the country. When factored with low tourist numbers and the ability to combine Malawi with Zambia, a country packed with predators and other ‘big game’, the prospect of a wildlife holiday here becomes highly appealing! Malawi has a number of other endearing qualities that make it stand out from its better known African neighbours. Not least of these is the Malawian people themselves who are among the friendliest and most welcoming in Africa. Lake Malawi dominates much of the eastern border geographically and this huge water body is relied upon as a source of food, water and irrigation by nearly all of the population. It is also a stunningly beautiful place to relax or snorkel in the crystal clear waters that are packed full of colourful fish!
Our Destinations
Liwonde is easily reached from Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, by means of a scenic drive through the southern end of the Great Rift Valley, then a boat trip across the Shire River. This is one of southern Africa's most beautiful parks and is certainly Malawi’s premier wildlife destination. Home to over 600 African Elephants and one of Africa’s densest populations of Hippos (with nearly 2,000), one of the highlights of Liwonde is exploring the Shire River and its creeks by boat. Game viewing in the bush and savannahs of the park can be enjoyed on foot or by vehicle, with Impala, Waterbuck, Sable Antelope and Greater Kudu among the diurnal mammals to be seen, while a night-drive can produce such nocturnal species as Spotted Hyena, Rusty-spotted Genet, White-tailed Mongoose, African Civet, Crested Porcupine and Lesser Bushbaby. The birdlife here is particularly diverse and abundant. Palm-nut Vulture, Bateleur, and both Western Banded and Brown Snake Eagles are amongst the raptors, and Racket-tailed Roller, Crested Barbet and Arnot’s Chat represent other highlights. In addition to the localised Böhm’s Bee-eater, the park also supports Little, Swallow-tailed, Southern Carmine and Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters along with numerous weavers, bishops and whydahs.
Almost 600 kilometres long and up to 100 kilometres wide, Lake Malawi is the third largest lake in Africa and dominates the Malawian sector of the African Rift Valley. Palm-fringed sandy beaches, hanging cliffs and soaring mountains surround its warm and crystal-clear waters, and picturesque fishing villages dot the shoreline. This is an idyllic place for a few nights of relaxation during your holiday. With more freshwater fish species than any other lake in the world, many of which are endemic, taking to the water with mask and snorkel or by donning scuba gear is a unique and memorable experience. Other activities include kayaking, birding, swimming, walking, sailing and exploring local villages.
Accommodation
In the far south of Malawi lies the Zomba Plateau, a dramatic 2,000-metre table-top mountain covered by forests that are filled with tumbling streams. This is an excellent place to explore, using the fabulous network of walking trails that this attractive region has to offer. Some interesting bird species may be found here such as Schalow’s Lourie, Long-tailed Wagtail, White-tailed Crested Flycatcher and Saw-wing Swallow, while a visit to the town of Zomba, with its faded colonial charm and bustling markets, is another highlight of the area.
Sample Itineraries
This classic itinerary combines the lesser-visited wildlife reserves of Malawi with time spent in Zambia’s South Luangwa, one of the most predator-rich parks in Africa.
Extend your holiday:
If you are keen to explore some of Malawi's other big game reserves then Majete is an excellent choice. Following years of lawless poaching in the late 1990s, which led to the eradication of almost all the reserve's wildlife, a successful re-introduction scheme was implemented in 2003. Now, Lions, Black Rhinos and Elephants thrive within this highly protected reserve.
Explore three of Africa's most incredible countries on one tour!
The Essentials
- Wildlife Guides: Excellent local naturalist guides are available at all our selected lodges and wildlife camps. However, should you require a dedicated expert naturalist guide to accompany you throughout your holiday we will be pleased to arrange this for you.
- When to Visit: Generally speaking, Malawi has two seasons – one wet, the other dry. The dry season runs from May until November and is a good time to visit for a broad-interest wildlife holiday. However, the green (wet) season, which runs from December until April is without question the best time for birding in Malawi, with heightened activity and males sporting magnificent breeding plumages.
J F M A M J J A S O N D Y Y Y Y YY YY YY YY YY YY YY Y - Getting Around: Travel within Malawi is achieved by means of road journeys, boat transfers and short domestic flights. Compared to other African countries Malawi is relatively small, meaning that road journeys are not too long. These are generally in a private saloon car or a larger vehicle if you are travelling in a small group.
Accommodation
Why Naturetrek Tailormade?
'A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.
Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age
Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!'
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