More infoabout Southern Circuit

A unique 12-night getaway exploring Malawi's Southern gems: Thyolo District, Majete Wildlife Reserve, Liwonde National Park & Lake Malawi. Southern Malawi caters well for all types of travel, solo, couples or families.

Key facts of Southern Circuit

Huntingdon House 2 nights Mkulumadzi 3 nights 
Kuthengo 3 nights Pumulani 4 nights
Rates from US$4656 per person sharing
Available dates March – 10 January

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Wildlife encounters at Mkulumadzi Lodge on the Southern Circuit Safari
Southern Circuit Safari at Lake Malawi

A southern adventure in Malawi

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.

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.

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.

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 Southern Circuit day by day

Download itinerary as PDF
Day 1 - 2
Day 3 - 5
Day 6 - 8
Day 9 - 12

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Day 1 - 2: 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.

More about the region

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Day 3 - 5: 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 during your Southern Circuit Safari 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.

More about the region Learn more about Mkulumadzi Lodge

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Day 6 - 8: Kuthengo Camp

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.

More about the region Learn more about Kuthengo Camp

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Day 9 - 12: Pumulani Lodge

No trip to Malawi is complete without a visit to Lake Malawi, 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. On this last leg of the Southern Circuit safari, rest and relaxation is key, allowing you to do as little or as much as you like.

More about the region Learn more about Pumulani Lodge

Itinerary of Southern Circuit by map

I cannot put into words, what an incredible trip this was, The hospitality that I received thoughout was beyond excellent! We did so much, from exhilirating safari activities, to going back in time with a stay on a fully operational tea estate, one of the oldest in Malawi to sailing into the sunset on Lake Malawi. So many good memories we have made that will keep us going till our next visit.
Daniel T about Southern Circuit
We were blown away by the beauty of Southern Malawi. From the road transfers along the picturesque landscapes, to the beautiful lodges in the most stunning locations...we could not get enough of it all! Malawi is untapped and untouched by mass tourism, making this trip a treat for all the senses and the soul.
Shelly P about Southern Circuit

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