13-day tour: island-hopping in Malawi

Liwonde National Park - Mvuu Camp

Day 1: Welcome to Malawi

Arrive at Blantyre's International Airport and be met by your guide who will set you on your way to Liwonde National Park for your first night. 

Your will be staying in the heart of the  580sq.km national park, which is itself one of Malawi's best wildlife destinations. Over 400 species of birds, hippos, crocodiles, elephants and antelope are frequently seen, and there are also regular sightings of lions, cheetahs and serval. If you're lucky you may even spot black rhinos. 

Built on the banks of the Shire River in the heart of the reserve, Mvuu Camp is made up of stone chalets, safari tents and specially designed family chalets. The thatched dining room and lounge offers stunning river views framed by baobab trees. This is the perfect place to stay if you're looking for comfort in a relaxed setting. 

Activities available:
- Walking safari
- Game drive
- Boat safari

Cape Maclear - Domwe Island

Day 2: Onwards to Cape Maclear

After your breakfast and morning activity at Mvuu Camp, you will travel by road Domwe Island in Cape Maclear.

Domwe Island is the largest unpopulated Island on Lake Malawi, with a circumference of 11km and a highest point 400m above lake level. It is separated from the mainland by the narrow Ilala Gap which, due to fluctuations in lake level over the millennia, has been dry on several occasions. As a result Domwe Island, unlike all other Lake Malawi Islands, is well populated with mammals which have crossed onto the Island during these dry times.

Cape Maclear - Mumbo Island

Day 3: Mumbo Island

After your morning activity and breakfast, you will board a boat to Mumbo Island. 

Located within an exclusive concession area, Mumbo Island Camp offers an exclusive escape on an otherwise deserted island in Lake Malawi National Park.

Surrounded by nature, guests can enjoy ample tranquility and barefoot luxury during their stay. There's a focus here on non-motorised watersports, so enjoy excellent kayaking, snorkelling and SCUBA facilities in order to explore the fresh-water Rift Valley lake, teaming with a thriving cichlid population. At the same time, the remoteness and serene surroundings of the island means that there is no shortage of opportunities for relaxation.

Cape Maclear - Mumbo Island

Day 4: Whole day on Mumbo Island

Enjoy more barefoot, easy-going luxury on the island. Take a dive to see the colourful ciclids in the freshwater lake, or simply lie back and relax in your private hammock.

Activities available:

- Snorkeling
- Kayaking
- Sunset cruise
- Island walks

Sengabay - Blue Zebra Island Lodge

Day 5: Next stop, Blue Zebra Island Lodge

After breakfast, set off to Sengabay.

Blue Island Zebra Lodge is situated in the Lake Malawi National Park on Nankoma island which forms part of the Marelli Island Archipelago - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The three islands are home to a vast array of fresh water fish, including some of the most rare and colourful in the world. The islands support diverse flora and fauna and are a bird watcher's paradise.

Relax at the infitiy pool, kayak round the islands, or even enjoy a game of volleyball. If you love diving the the water sports centre is PADI certified and can cater for novices and experienced divers. 

Bird lovers can search for the archipelago's feathered occupants by boat or on foot along the nature trails leading to the top of the island. 

Sengabay - Blue Zebra Island Lodge

Day 6: Whole day at Blue Zebra Island Lodge

From adventurous activities to total relaxation, Blue Zebra has a range of experiences for you to enjoy. 

Relax at the infinity pool with stunning views over Lake Malawi or unwind at the Island Spa.

Feeling more adventurous? Explore by kayak or follow a nature trail, go birdwatching, discover the underwater world with snorkelling or scuba. Complete your day sipping a MGT (Malawi gin & tonic) at sunset.

Mv Ilala - Standard Cabin

Day 7: Onwards to Likoma Island

After your breakfast and morning activity at Blue Zebra, transfer to Likoma Island.

Your first night's accommodation will be onboard the MV Ilala. Formally Ilala II, MV Ilala is a motor ship that has plied Lake Malawi in East Africa since 1951. Every week she crosses the lake all the way north to Chilumba, Malawi, near Tanzania (about 480 km or 300 mi from Monkey Bay) and then returns to Monkey Bay. She carries both passengers and freight, and calls at major towns on both the Malawian and Mozambican coast, as well as at two Islands of the lake (Likoma and Chizumulu).

She remains the most important means of long-distance transport for the people living on the coast of the lake. She is 52 m (172 ft) long overall, has a gross tonnage of 620 tons and can accommodate up to 365 passengers and 100 tons of cargo.

Likoma Island - Mango Drift

Day 8: Arrival at Mango Drift Lodge

After breakfast on the MV Ilala, travel to Mango Drift Lodge on Likoma Island.

Mango Drift is located on the west side of Likoma Island, facing Chizumulu Island. Situated along an expansive stretch of southwest facing beach, the lodge is rewarded with one of the best sunset locations in Malawi. There are a number of thatched huts along the beach, two unsuited huts, a dormitory and camping facilities.

The restaurant and the bar are under a Mango tree on the beach serving cold drinks and, amongst other dishes, pizzas from a wood burning pizza oven. There’s even a pool table and internet access

Likoma Island - Mango Drift

Day 9: Whole day at Mango Drift on Likoma Island

You will spend your day doing recreational activities such as:

- Round-Island snorkel trips
- Volleyball
- Paddle skis

It is also possible to join one of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) instructors to explore some of the best fresh water diving in the world. Whether you are already certified, or are looking to breath those first bubbles, there are courses to suit all levels.

Likoma Island - Mango Drift

Day 10: Final day on Likoma Island

Swim, paddle, snorkel, scuba dive, sail, birdwatch or just have a fresh mango juice on the beach and relax.

Chizumulu Island - Tenayu Lodge

Day 11: Arrival on Chizumulu Island

After your breakfast at Mango Drift, travel by boat to Tenayu Lodge in Chizumulu Island.

Chizumulu Island is the smaller of two islands in Lake Malawi, the larger being the nearby Likoma island, which together make up the Likoma District. Both these islands lie just a few kilometres from Mozambique and are entirely surrounded by Mozambican territorial waters, but they belong to Malawi. They are therefore exclaves of Malawi.

On the beautiful Island of Chizumulu you will find Tenayu Lodge. The house is just 20 meters from the lake. You can choose a spacious room, chalets or perhaps even pitch a tent inside the beautiful Baobab tree? Eat, drink and relax on various spots facing the lake.

Chizumulu Island - Tenayu Lodge

Day 12: Whole day at Tenayu Lodge

Spend your day at the lodge enjoying activities such as:

- Swimming
- Diving
- Snorkeling
- Beach Games

Tour Ends - Lilongwe

Day 13: Farewell to Malawi

After Breakfast you will travel to Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe where you will take your flight back home.