9-day tour | Malawi's southern circuit

Satemwa Tea Estate - Huntingdon House

Day 1: Arrival in Malawi

Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be met by your guide for a transfer to the Satemwa Tea Estate.

Located just 40km out of Blantyre, Satemwa Tea Estate is Malawi's first fair-trade tea estate founded in 1923 by Maclean Kay, a Scottish immigrant and former rubber planter. The estate is home to Huntingdon House, originally a family home, it has been tastefully refurbished to accommodate five unique hotel rooms. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, settle in and enjoy dinner.

Satemwa Tea Estate - Huntingdon House

Day 2: Tour the Satemwa Tea Estate

Spend the day enjoying the calming surroundings of this beautiful tea estate.

After a relaxed breakfast take a guided walk around the estate and later a tea tasting at the factory. You’ll be served a delicious lunch and dinner and have plenty of time to take it easy and unwind on your first day in Malawi.

Zomba Plateau - Zomba Forest Lodge

Day 3: Journey into the mountains

After breakfast, you will travel by road to the Zomba Plateau and arrive in time for lunch.

Your accommodation is at Zomba Forest Lodge a haven of peace and quiet nestled within twenty acres of mixed woodland - a real treat for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle.

The lodge has no electricity so it is wonderfully atmospheric with candles and paraffin lamps and in winter a roaring fire.

Visitors can choose to hike around the mountain or simply amble through the gardens instead.

Zomba Plateau - Zomba Forest Lodge

Day 4: Zomba Plateau Hike

After breakfast, you can take a guided hike up onto the Zomba Plateau with a local guide. Additional optional activities in the area include a local community visit, mountain biking or horse riding. Enjoy a tranquil evening and a delicious dinner by candlelight. 

Liwonde National Park - Mvuu Camp

Day 5: Liwonde National Park

Depart Zomba Forest Lodge soon after breakfast and travel on to Liwonde National Park, arriving in time for lunch.

After lunch, you can take a dip in the swimming pool, or just kick back and read a book.

Late afternoon, return to the reception area for a drink before heading out on an afternoon game drive. The first part of the drive will be during daylight hours before taking a break for sundowners by the riverbank. You'll then embark on a night safari in search of nocturnal wildlife before tucking into dinner back at Mvuu Camp.  

Liwonde National Park - Mvuu Camp

Day 6: Safari in Liwonde

Spend a full safari day in Liwonde National Park. This includes walking safaris, game drives and boat safaris.

The habitat here is diverse with grassland and woodland areas stretching along the Shire River.

Look out for hippos, elephants, crocodiles, leopards and antelope, as well as the endangered black rhino and many species of birds.

Cape Maclear - Mumbo Island

Day 7: Lake Malawi island retreat

After breakfast, travel by road to Cape Maclear to catch your boat to Mumbo Island. Mumbo Island Camp offers an exclusive escape on an otherwise deserted island in Lake Malawi National Park.

Surrounded by nature, guests will enjoy the tranquillity and revel in barefoot luxury. The camp is constructed entirely of timber, thatch and canvas and adheres to the strictest principles of eco-architecture. There are six large safari tents fully furnished with their own shady viewing deck and a private hammock.

Cape Maclear - Mumbo Island

Day 8: Go exploring

Mumbo Island Camp is located within an exclusive natural area guaranteeing privacy and offering guests the chance to rejuvenate and unwind in surroundings that resemble a tropical island paradise. You’ll have a full day to relax in this incredible place. The excellent kayaking, snorkelling and SCUBA facilities enable guests to explore islands in the lake and swim in waters teeming with colourful fish.

Blantyre - Tour Ends - Chileka International Airport

Day 9: Homeward bound

After breakfast, you'll set off for your journey to the airport and your homeward flight.