The perfect combination of safari and water adventure in unforgettable Malawi - spending time in two different regions of this beautiful country - Liwonde National Park and the crystal waters of Lake Malawi.

Liwonde features some of the best game viewing in the country, with a diversity of animals and birds, while Lake Malawi offers numerous water-based activities, including diving and fishing.

This package combines wonderfully with our Zambia safaris and programs.

Departures 2010: Daily

NOTE: Any number of nights can be arranged at either property.

Days 1-3 Lilongwe • Liwonde National Park
Depart this morning from Lilongwe Airport by light aircraft for Mvuu Lodge, approximately an hour's flight away.

The Mvuu Wilderness Lodge is situated along the banks of the Shire River in Liwonde National Park, Malawi's premier wildlife reserve. Activities include river boat safaris, game drives (morning, afternoon and evening), nature walks, and birding. An excellent diversity of animals - including large numbers of elephant and sable antelope, hippo, impala and waterbuck - can be seen in the area.  Huge crocodiles, leopard and serval are also fairly common.  Birds are prolific, especially along the Shire River where African fish eagle, palmnut vulture, African skimmer and Pel's fishing owl are fairly common. Bohm's beeeater, Lilian's lovebird, bat hawk, Livingstone's flycatcher, white-backed night heron, and brownbreasted barbet are among the "specials."

Black rhino have been reintroduced from South Africa's Kruger National Park, as have zebra, Lichtenstein's hartebeest, and buffalo from elsewhere within Malawi. There is a black rhino re-introduction program, and it is possible (with special permission) to visit the rhino sanctuary in the park. Mvuu Lodge (BLD)

Mvuu offers exclusive accommodation in spacious, luxurious tents. There are five tents, each with an en-suite bathroom with shower and a private veranda raised over the lagoon, ensuring prime and discreet wildlife viewing.  Lodge facilities include a dining room, pub and lounge area, and a pool. 

Days 4-6 Liwonde • Northern Lake Malawi
We depart by light aircraft for the 90-minute flight to Likoma Island, the larger of two small islands situated in the far north of Lake Malawi, on the east of the Lake and very close to the Mozambique coastline. To visit the island is to step back in time. Just 17 square kilometers with one small dirt road and two vehicles, the local people survive largely by fishing, and rice and cassava farming. The island has hundreds of huge baobab trees and a number of glorious sandy beaches and rocky coves. The waters are crystal clear throughout the year, and the diving and snorkeling is among the best in Lake Malawi.

Kaya Mawa Lodge is situated on the south-western tip of the Island at the head of a crescent-shaped bay, surrounded by mango trees and ancient baobabs. Translated as “maybe tomorrow” in the local Tonga dialect, the lodge uses the stunning natural surroundings of beach, rock, island and lake to create a lodge of unique character, imagination and very special ambience. With no machinery available on the island, Kaya Mawa Lodge was built entirely by hand, in partnership with the local community.

The stunning setting of the lodge and the unique comfort of the rooms means that many guests choose to make relaxation their main activity, but enough activities are on offer to keep guests busy. Scuba, snorkeling, swimming and other water sports, sailing, and visits to the local villages are part of the experience. Day trips to Mozambique can be arranged (motorized water sports, diving, and Mozambique day trips at extra cost). 
Kaya Mawa (BLD)

Kaya Mawa’s main building – with dining room, bar, and rock pool -- is situated high on a rocky promontory overlooking the lake and has three rooms on the lower western side of the promontory. On the long sweeping beach below and to the west of the main promontory there are another two chalets. At the far end of the beach, a good 10 minute walk from the main building and set high on the rocks overlooking the bay, are another two chalets. There are two rooms on their own rocky outcrops to the east of the main building. Each room has raised four poster mahogany bed, sunken bath, shower and toilet, fans, soaps and shampoos, outside seating area, insect repellent.

Day 7  Lake Malawi • Lilongwe • Depart
A light aircraft transfer brings you to Lilongwe Airport, where you may continue your journey onwards. (B)

Price Includes
• Accommodation with private facilities
• Game drives in safari vehicles & boats
• Professional English speaking Driver/Guides
• Charter flights as noted
• Game drives and activities as specified
• Park entrance and conservation fees
• Meals as noted (B-bkfst, L-lunch, D-dinner)
• Laundry
• Non-motorized watersports at Kaya Mawa

Price Excludes
• Flights to/from Africa and to/from Lilongwe. Call us for fares.
• Travel insurance
• Tips, porterage, beverages, items of personal nature such as phone etc.
• Fees for passport, visas, vaccinations
• Airport departure taxes ($30 for Malawi)
• Motorized watersports & diving
• Any other item not mentioned in the itinerary

• Transfers between camps are usually operated by aircraft.  However, during rainy season (Jan – Mar), rains may make the Mvuu airstrip inoperable, and road transfers will be substituted.

• No children under 8 years of age

• The baggage allowance on charter flights is restricted to 24 lbs. per person in soft bags.

• Consider extending your trip to South Africa or one of our safaris in Botswana or Zambia.