Central Malawi Escape – Safari, Lake & Culture
This itinerary is designed for those looking for a week-long getaway without long travel days. We’ve carefully selected destinations that are close together yet full of variety, giving you a taste of Malawi’s wildlife, culture, and natural beauty—all at a relaxed pace. From walking safaris and stunning lake views to rich cultural experiences, you’ll have plenty to explore, with optional activities to keep you as busy—or as relaxed—as you like.
Lilongwe -
Day 1 - 3
Your Malawian adventure begins as we pick you up from the airport and take you to Kumbali Country Lodge—our very own home and the perfect place to start your journey. Since this itinerary is designed to keep travel times short and the pace relaxed, you’ll spend your first two nights here, giving you time to settle in, unwind, and begin exploring without being rushed from one place to the next.
Set on a peaceful estate just outside Lilongwe, Kumbali Country Lodge is a welcoming retreat surrounded by nature and farmland. It’s the perfect blend of comfort, space, and character, offering a quiet base with easy access to the city—but far enough away to feel like a proper escape.
Accommodation is in spacious, en-suite rooms, each with comfortable beds, locally crafted furniture, and private verandas overlooking the gardens. The lodge is set within lush grounds, with walking trails, birdlife, and even a private game reserve right on the doorstep.
There’s a thatched restaurant and bar, a swimming pool, and plenty of cosy corners to relax with a book or a sundowner.
Dedza Rock Art -
Day 3 - 4
Today we hit the road early for a day of ancient history and culture. Breakfast is at 6:00 AM, and we’ll be ready to leave by 6:30 AM for the two-hour drive to Mphunzi, our first rock art site in the Dedza area.
We’ll visit three sites in total—Mphunzi, Chencherere, and Namzeze—each requiring short vehicle transfers in between. Expect moderate hiking, some of it a bit challenging, so wear sturdy shoes and carry plenty of water.
Packed lunches will be provided as we take in the spectacular views and ancient rock paintings, a fascinating glimpse into Malawi’s rich cultural past.
Dedza Pottery Lodge isn’t fancy—but that’s exactly its charm. Set in the peaceful grounds of the well-known Dedza Pottery, this laid-back lodge offers a comfortable and cosy place to rest after a full day of exploring the nearby Chongoni Rock Art sites.
Rooms are simple and functional, each with ensuite bathrooms and a fireplace to take the edge off the cool Dedza evenings. The on-site café and restaurant serves up homemade meals and baked goods, with the added bonus of browsing beautiful handmade ceramics just a few steps away.
It’s a no-frills stopover, but a perfect little resting place in a scenic and creative setting.
Mua Mission and Lake Malawi-
Day 4 - 6
Day 4 begins with a journey that blends cultural depth and scenic beauty. After breakfast at 8:00 AM, we depart Dedza and head down the Khwekwerere escarpment, a stunningly beautiful drive with panoramic views over the Rift Valley.
By 10:00 AM, we arrive at the Kungoni Centre of Culture and Art at Mua Mission. Here, you'll enjoy a 2-hour guided tour through the Chamare Museum, which showcases the traditions, beliefs, and rituals of Malawi’s Chewa, Ngoni, and Yao peoples. It’s a rich and engaging introduction to the country’s cultural heritage. We’ll enjoy our packed lunch on site before continuing the journey.
By around 3:00 PM, we arrive at Lake Malawi, where you can settle in and unwind after the day’s drive.
Day 5 is yours to enjoy in full—swim, kayak, snorkel, take a boat trip, or simply relax on the beach. After the cultural immersion of the day before, this is your time to soak in the peace, views, and rhythm of the lake.
Kumbali Lake Retreat is a secluded hideaway nestled on the hillside above Lake Malawi, offering sweeping views, total privacy, and a deep sense of tranquillity. With no roads passing through and no other properties nearby, it’s the kind of place where you feel completely off the grid, yet still fully looked after.
The accommodation consists of charming thatched chalets, built from local materials and set apart for maximum privacy. Each unit has a private veranda, perfect for sunrise coffee or sunset views over the lake.
The retreat is within walking distance of a local fishing village, offering a chance to engage with the lakeside community and get a glimpse of daily life on the water. With birdlife, monkeys, and peaceful surroundings, Kumbali Lake Retreat is ideal for those looking to unplug and connect with nature—whether it’s a quiet read in the shade or a refreshing swim in the lake.
Thuma Forest Reserve-
Day 6 - 8
Today we leave the lake behind and head to the final stop on this itinerary: Kaphulika House in Thuma Forest Reserve. With just a 2-hour drive, there’s no rush—we’ll depart after lunch, giving you the morning to enjoy one last swim, kayak, or relaxed breakfast by the water.
We aim to arrive at Thuma by around 3:00 PM, just in time for an afternoon sundowner in the bush. Set deep in the forest, Kaphulika offers total exclusivity, with luxurious comfort in a completely off-grid setting.
Expect a warm welcome, stunning views, and a real sense of wilderness. You might even spot elephants or other wildlife passing by as the sun sets—a peaceful, wild contrast to the rhythm of the lake.
Kaphulika House is a private, off-grid retreat in the heart of Thuma Forest Reserve, offering complete seclusion and comfort in the middle of the wilderness. With just two self-contained rooms, it’s an exclusive stay—perfect for couples, families, or small groups looking to have the forest all to themselves.
The house features a comfortable lounge and dining area, a small pool for cooling off, and a shaded hammock tucked away under a thatched shelter for quiet afternoon naps or reading in the breeze.
Just beyond the lodge, there’s a watering hole regularly visited by warthogs and other forest residents—giving you the chance to enjoy wildlife sightings without even leaving the property.
Further to this itinerary
On Day 8, we’ll return to Lilongwe, with a drive of approximately 2.5 hours from Thuma Forest Reserve. We’ll make sure you arrive at the airport in time for your outbound flight.
This itinerary is well-suited for families, couples, or small groups of up to 6 people. For larger groups, we may adjust accommodation options to ensure everyone is comfortably accommodated.
It’s also a flexible journey—think of it as a starting point. If you’d like to customise your itinerary, or explore alternative routes and experiences, just contact us at expeditions@kumbali.com and we’ll help build a trip that suits your preferences.
The trip is completely child-friendly, with gentle travel times and safe, engaging environments at every stop.
Looking to go further? We can also arrange an extension to South Luangwa National Park in Zambia—just across the border—for a world-class safari experience to round off your Malawi adventure.