A unique 12-night set departure getaway for those looking to travel in a small group to explore Malawi's Southern gems: Majete Wildlife Reserve, Thyolo District, Liwonde National Park & Lake Malawi led by Keyala Kiki Phiri.
Best of Malawi 2025 DepartureTerms & Conditions
Rates: from US$5295 per person. Minimum 2 for trip to take off.
Includes: An RPS guide for the entire trip, all transfers by road starting in Blantyre and ending in Lilongwe, local drinks, accommodation on full board basis, activities (except motorized water sports) and laundry.
Excludes: Gratuities, visa fees where applicable + international flights.
Valid: 13 June 2025 set departure.
Key facts of Best of Malawi 2025 Departure
Mkulumadzi 3 nights Huntingdon House 2 nights
Kuthengo 4 nights Pumulani 3 nights
Rates from US$5295 per person
Available dates 13 June set departure
Slideshow Items
Game activities in Liwonde National ParkGame activities in Liwonde National Park
Its Monday and exciting new arrivals in MajeteIts Monday and exciting new arrivals in Majete
Pumulani LodgePumulani Lodge
Stargazing at Pumulani LodgeStargazing at Pumulani Lodge
This is a set departure safari for those who are keen to explores Malawi’s southern region in a small group led by Keyala ‘Kiki’ Phiri, the safari guide with the most infectious laugh.
Malawi is a country with amazing landscape and scenery and the southern region is one of the more popular regions with so much to see and do.
Mkulumadzi Lodge, in Majete Wildlife Reserve enjoys a stunning location on the confluence of two rivers. Majete Wildlife Reserve is one of the outstanding success stories of African conservation. Granted protected status in 1955, it became the subject of extensive poaching in the 1980s and 1990s. But a concerted joint effort since 2003 by the African Parks Network and the Malawi government – including the reintroduction of endangered species – has turned it into a model of sustainable development and biodiversity.
Huntingdon House on Satemwa Tea Estate, is located in the Thyolo District which is arguably the most scenically beautiful region of Malawi. The Thyolo district forms the heart of Malawi’s tea producing region with rolling hills of immaculately cultivated, emerald, green plantations and some of the oldest estates in the country. With magnificent views of Mount Mulanje (the highest peak in Malawi) and the Lower Shire valley to the west, Thyolo is a photographer’s dream.
Next stop is the unspoiled Liwonde National Park promises an ultimate safari retreat where you can experience the many activities on offer with complete privacy; from adventurous game drives and walking safaris to tranquil boat cruises along the grand Shire River, there is something for everyone. Located on a large open plain stretching towards the Shire River, you will find Kuthengo Camp nestled among Fever trees and Baobabs. With resident fish eagles nesting in these Baobabs, you will be woken to ‘Africa’s voice’ calling as you rise in this wild and natural paradise.
Situated on the west side of the Nankumba Peninsula on the Southern end of Lake Malawi, within Lake Malawi National Park you can find Pumulani Lodge subtly nestled in the lush hills amongst the trees and craggy outcrops. Lake Malawi is home to hundreds of fish species, including the colourful cichlids. Steep hills carpeted with trees tumble down into the deep blue water of the lake. The clarity of this freshwater body and the great abundance of marine life make it ideal for snorkeling and diving, while the absence of currents ensures it is wonderful for swimming, sailing, kayaking and water sports.
Itinerary of Best of Malawi 2025 Departure day by day
Main area at Mkulumadzi LodgeMain area at Mkulumadzi Lodge
Mkulumadzi LodgeMkulumadzi Lodge
Mkulumadzi LodgeMkulumadzi Lodge
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Mkulumadzi LodgeMkulumadzi Lodge
Mkulumadzi Lodge PoolMkulumadzi Lodge Pool
Outdoor viewing deck at Mkulumadzi LodgeOutdoor viewing deck at Mkulumadzi Lodge
Mkulumadzi LodgeMkulumadzi Lodge
Game drives at Mkulumadzi Lodge Game drives at Mkulumadzi Lodge
Mkulumadzi LodgeMkulumadzi Lodge
Day 1 - 3: Mkulumadzi Lodge
Mkulumadzi Lodge is located on the confluence of the Shire and Mkulumadzi River; within Majete Wildlife Reserve. Majete is one of the largest protected parks in Malawi and covers an area of over 70,000ha. The lodge enjoys a stunning location on the confluence of two rivers. Over the next few days you will get to experience the magic of Majete Wildlife Reserve, with a chance of many exciting encounters lie in store, with the chance to view many species including black rhino, leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, eland, kudu, sable, suni, klipspringer, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest and zebra.
Luxurious tub at Huntingdon HouseLuxurious tub at Huntingdon House
Day 4 - 5: Huntingdon House
Huntingdon House exudes a colonial charm and unique character that cannot be recreated. This magnificent house forms the heart of Satemwa Tea Estate in the picturesque Thyolo District. It offers a journey back in time on a working tea and coffee estate managed by the same family who builtit, in the mid -30s. Care was taken to retain the unique character and history of this grand old house while ensuring it satisfies the demands of even the most discerning traveller. These are two full day to explore the surrounding area; tour the tea and coffee factory, visit to the Mount Mulanje Massif (it rises to 2,380m above sea level) or perhaps a short hike to Dziwe la Nkhalamba rock pool and falls. You set your own pace of how you want to spend your days here.
Boating on the Shire RiverBoating on the Shire River
Game drives at Kuthengo CampGame drives at Kuthengo Camp
Malachite Kingfisher in Liwonde National ParkMalachite Kingfisher in Liwonde National Park
Big herds of buffalo found in Liwonde National ParkBig herds of buffalo found in Liwonde National Park
Cheetah in Liwonde National ParkCheetah in Liwonde National Park
Sables at Kuthengo CampSables at Kuthengo Camp
Wash basins at Kuthengo CampWash basins at Kuthengo Camp
Rhino in Liwonde National ParkRhino in Liwonde National Park
Day 6 - 9: Kuthengo Camp
After breakfast and farewells, you will be transferred to Kuthengo Camp by road transfer, approximately a 2.5-hour journey. Liwonde National Park is one of the top birding locations in Southern Africa. The park offers some of the most scenic game viewing, beautiful riverine surroundings and varied bird watching you could wish to find.
A great deal of the terrain is Shire River floodplains, much loved by the healthy population of Elephants in this park. They are best viewed during your boat safari on the Shire River, one of the many highlights of a stay at Kuthengo Camp.
Explore the Shire River and lagoons - an excellent opportunity for sightings of elephants, hippo, crocodile and bird life. Birding is rewarding - specialities include Lillian’s lovebird, brown breasted barbet, osprey, palmnut vulture, Pel's fishing owl and Livingstone’s flycatcher. Also available is a viewing hide on a tributary of the Shire River and some interesting visits to the local school and surrounding rural communities.
Kayaking at Pumulani LodgeKayaking at Pumulani Lodge
Pumulani LodgePumulani Lodge
Pumulani LodgePumulani Lodge
Pumulani LodgePumulani Lodge
Stargazing at Pumulani LodgeStargazing at Pumulani Lodge
Pumulani LodgePumulani Lodge
Pumulani LodgePumulani Lodge
Pumulani LodgePumulani Lodge
Lake views from the pool at Pumulani LodgeLake views from the pool at Pumulani Lodge
Pumulani LodgePumulani Lodge
Day 10 - 12: Pumulani Lodge
Our remote beach setting is ideal for those who simply want to soak up the sun and swim in the clear blue waters of the lake. Those who prefer to take a dive in the swimming pool, there is an infinity pool near the central dining area with grand views over the lake, as well as another infinity pool on beach level. For those seeking activity we offer many watersports activities like snorkeling, fishing, sailing, kayaking, waterskiing, wake boarding and fun tube rides (all motorized activities are excluded).
Lake Malawi is the world’s most ecologically diverse lake. Its crystal-clear waters are home to more than a thousand species of fish, including hundreds of species of colourful cichlids. We offer special diving courses at the best diving spots near one of the islands. For those who are interested in the real Malawian village life we offer guided walks through one of the local villages. You can also simply relax in the beautiful and tranquil scenery or can enjoy the many other activities.