8-Day Safari and Lake Tour in Malawi: Game Drives & Relaxation

Track Africa's Big Five, then paddle and snorkel Lake Malawi

An 8-day tour of Malawi combining three days of game drives and river safaris in Liwonde National Park with four days of water activities, kayaking and sunset cruises at Cape Maclear, plus cultural stops in Lilongwe and trekking in Zomba plateau. Pickup from Lilongwe or Blantyre airport is included. A live English-speaking guide leads the entire route. Children from age one are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and city introduction

• Meet guide at airport
• Drive to hotel
• Stop at Kamuzu Mausoleum

Day 2: Travel to Cape Maclear

• Drive to Cape Maclear
• Check in at lodge
• Optional village walk

Day 3: Lake Malawi activities

• Kayaking and snorkeling
• Feed eagles
• Boat cruise on Lake Malawi
• Fish barbecue on Thumbi West Island

Day 4: Relax and sunset cruise

• Relax at lodge
• Self-guided Chembe Village walk
• Sunset boat cruise on Lake Malawi

Day 5: Travel to Liwonde National Park

• Breakfast at lodge
• Drive to Liwonde National Park
• Afternoon game drive

Day 6: Big Five tracking and river safari

• Early morning Big Five tracking
• Breakfast and lunch overlooking Shire River
• Afternoon river safari

Day 7: Final game drive and travel to Blantyre

• Morning game drive in Liwonde
• Drive to Blantyre via Zomba Plateau
• Trek Zomba Plateau falls and viewpoints
• Check in at Blantyre lodge

Day 8: Departure transfer

• Pick up from lodge
• Drive to airport
• Tour feedback session

The experience

The tour opens with airport pickup and a drive through Lilongwe's history: stops at Kamuzu Mausoleum and the World War Monument set the context before you reach your lodge. Day two takes you south toward Cape Maclear along the Malawi-Mozambique border, a winding mountain road that frames the landscape before you arrive at the lake. The first two nights at Cape Maclear let you choose your pace: a five-hour lake cruise includes kayaking, snorkeling, and feeding fish eagles, with a grilled fish lunch served on Thumbi West Island. A separate sunset cruise follows, and mornings are yours to walk through Chembe Village on your own or rest at the lodge.

Days five through seven shift to Liwonde National Park, where the game drives begin. You wake at 5:30 for a three-hour morning drive tracking the Big Five across the park. Afternoons bring a river safari on the Shire River where crocodiles, hippos and elephants gather at the banks. On your final day in the park, a morning game drive precedes the drive to Blantyre through Zomba plateau, where you trek to see waterfalls and the viewpoints called Chingwe Hall and Emperors View. The eighth day is your airport transfer out.

A live guide in English accompanies the entire route, handling navigation, game spotting and cultural context. All accommodation, transport between towns, and the game drives and boat activities are included. You cover meals beyond what is served on the lake cruise and during the Liwonde stays.

What’s included

• Airport pickup from Lilongwe or Blantyre.
• accommodation for eight nights across three lodges.
• all transport between towns and to the national park.
• three days of game drives and river safaris in Liwonde.
• a five-hour lake cruise with kayaking, snorkeling and a grilled fish lunch on Thumbi West Island.
• a sunset cruise at Cape Maclear.
• trekking in Zomba plateau.
• and a live English-speaking guide throughout.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (19 to 35 years) · Senior (36 and older) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 9 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years)

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Anake taxi and tours

Is this one for you?Choose this eight-day itinerary if you want multiple game drives in Liwonde and full days on the water at Cape Maclear rather than brief stops at each location.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (3 to 9 years); Infant (1 to 2 years).

What animals will I see on the game drives in Liwonde National Park?

Liwonde's game drives focus on tracking the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) along with other wildlife like hippos and crocodiles visible from the Shire River during afternoon safaris.

How much time do I spend on the water at Cape Maclear?

The main lake activity is a five-hour cruise that includes kayaking, snorkeling and eagle feeding, with a grilled fish lunch on Thumbi West Island. A separate sunset cruise happens another evening, and mornings are free for optional village walks or lodge time.

Do I need my own transportation, or is pickup included?

Pickup from Lilongwe or Blantyre airport is included, and all transport between the three main stops (Cape Maclear, Liwonde National Park and Blantyre) is part of the tour. You do not need a car.

What is the Zomba plateau trekking like?

On day seven, after your final game drive, you trek in Zomba plateau to see waterfalls and two scenic viewpoints, Chingwe Hall and Emperors View, on the drive toward Blantyre. It is a moderate walk through mountain terrain.