Malawi Mosaic–
A Journey Through Culture, Conservation & Coastlines
Malawi Mosaic weaves together the country’s most vibrant highlights into one seamless adventure — from wildlife and forest reserves to historic towns, sweeping highlands, and golden lakeshores. Designed to offer a true cross-section of the Warm Heart of Africa, this itinerary takes you from the heart of Lilongwe into the wilds of Nkhotakota, the misty mountains of Luwawa and Nyika, down to the beaches of Chintheche, the islands of Salima, and the bustling shores of Mangochi. Along the way, you’ll explore the waterways of Liwonde, the colonial charm of Zomba, and the lush tea estates beneath Mount Mulanje.
This is Malawi in full colour — diverse, scenic, and soulful.
Lilongwe
Day 1 - 3
Your journey begins with an airport pickup and a short drive to Kumbali Country Lodge — your peaceful base in Lilongwe. Nestled on a private estate just outside the city, Kumbali offers understated elegance, lush gardens, and warm Malawian hospitality.
Spend your first two days settling in and exploring at your own pace. Visit the on-site banana plantation, go for a guided nature walk, enjoy a game drive through Kumbali’s private reserve, or take a short city tour to explore the capital’s cultural highlights. Or do it all — it’s your time to indulge.
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.
Nkhotakota
Day 3 - 5
On the third day, we leave the bustle of Lilongwe behind and take a scenic drive eastward toward Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve. Depending on the road conditions, the journey may take up to 4 hours — but the changing landscapes along the way make it well worth the ride.
Nkhotakota is one of Malawi’s oldest and largest reserves, covering over 1,800 sq km of pristine wilderness. This is a true off-the-beaten-path destination where forested hills, rivers, and waterfalls set the stage for an authentic safari experience.
While wildlife sightings can be more subtle than in Malawi’s more open parks, it’s home to over 500 elephants, as well as buffalo, sable, bushbuck, and an ever-growing population of predators including leopard and hyena. The birdlife here is spectacular — a twitcher’s dream.
You’ll be staying at Rafiki Safari Camp, a warm, relaxed and welcoming lodge nestled right near the park boundary. It’s a place that feels more like a bush home than a hotel
Rafiki Safari Camp is a warm, family-friendly eco-lodge set just outside Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, with views stretching across the bush toward the distant mountains. With only five luxury safari units, it’s an intimate retreat where comfort meets the wild.
Each Double, Twin, or Family Unit is thoughtfully designed with en-suite bathrooms, cotton percale linen, electric fans, and private verandahs — perfect for relaxing with a view. The rooms are mosquito-conscious with gauzed windows and canopied nets over the beds, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.
Guests have full access to the Boma, which includes a plunge pool, an honesty bar, afternoon tea and coffee, and delicious home-cooked meals using locally sourced organic produce. Sunset drinks around the fire are a daily ritual (weather permitting).
Viphya Plateau
Day 5 - 7
Next, we journey onward to the Viphya Plateau, ascending into the heart of Malawi’s vast central highlands. The drive to Luwawa Forest Lodge may take up to 4 hours, but it’s a scenic and rewarding route, gradually climbing into cooler air and rolling green hills.
Set among endless pine forests, Luwawa is a breath of fresh air—literally. The temperatures begin to drop slightly here, offering a refreshing change from the warmer lowlands. Surrounded by nature, birdsong, and the scent of pine, the lodge feels like a quiet alpine escape where time slows down.
A stay at Luwawa Forest Lodge offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of Malawi’s pine-covered highlands. Whether you’re a couple, a family, or part of a larger group, there’s something here for everyone. Their two-storey self-contained cottages come with fully equipped kitchens and sleep up to six guests—perfect for longer stays or self-catering holidays.
Nestled in well-kept gardens, accommodation ranges from family chalets and charming cottages to a hostel for groups and budget rooms for backpackers. There’s even a campsite for those who want to wake up to birdsong and feel the cool mountain air at dawn.
No matter which option you choose, the lodge’s warm, rustic charm and tranquil forest surroundings will make you feel right at home.
Nyika National Park
Day 7 - 10
On day 6, a 5 hour raod transfer takes you further northward to one of Malawi’s most enchanting hidden gems—Nyika National Park, perched high at over 2,000 metres above sea level. You’re transported to an entirely different world: a vast highland plateau of rolling grasslands, misty valleys, wildflowers, and roaming antelope. It's a landscape more reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands than Central Africa.
Your stay is at the beautifully secluded Chelinda Lodge, nestled beside a peaceful pine forest with sweeping views of the undulating hills. With cozy log cabins, roaring fireplaces, and starry night skies, this is the perfect place to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature.
It does get crisp and cool up here—especially in the evenings—so pack something warm and get ready to fall in love with the wild, poetic charm of Nyika.
Chelinda Lodge is one of Malawi’s most atmospheric and unique lodges, offering a refined yet rustic retreat in the heart of Nyika National Park. Set on the edge of a pine forest and overlooking vast open hills, the lodge is made entirely from locally sourced stone and timber, blending perfectly into its wild surroundings.
Each of the eight private log cabins features a spacious en-suite bathroom, a fireplace to keep you warm during chilly highland evenings, and large windows that frame sweeping views of the rolling plateau.
The main lodge area includes a cosy lounge, dining space, and a sunroom perfect for watching the sunrise with a hot cup of Malawian coffee in hand.
Chintheche
Day 10 - 12
Today we descend from the heights of the Nyika Plateau and make our way toward the warm, sandy shores of Chintheche. It's a longer travel day, but the ever-changing landscape—from rolling hills to bustling towns—keeps it interesting. We’ll pass through Mzuzu, the north’s commercial hub, before arriving at one of Lake Malawi’s most scenic beaches.
This region holds historical significance. The Bandawe Mission was established here by Scottish missionary Robert Laws before the mission was eventually relocated to Livingstonia further north. You’re now in the heart of Tonga territory, where a friendly “Mwe uli?” (How are you?) is a common greeting.
Take the evening to unwind, walk the beach, and watch the lake mirror the sky at sunset.
Makuzi Beach Lodge is a tranquil lakeside retreat tucked into a private bay along Chintheche’s stunning northern shoreline. This peaceful hideaway offers charming thatched chalets surrounded by tropical gardens, each with en-suite bathrooms and private verandas that open up to panoramic views of Lake Malawi.
Beyond its relaxed atmosphere and warm hospitality, Makuzi is also home to one of Malawi’s first spice farms. Guests can visit the farm to learn about (and taste!) their homegrown cacao, vanilla, cinnamon, black pepper, cardamom, tamarind, turmeric, galangal, and ginger. It’s a fragrant, hands-on experience that showcases Malawi’s agricultural potential.
Cultural enrichment is also close by: a visit to the nearby Bandawe Mission and Museum offers insights into the early missionary history of the region and the legacy of Dr. Robert Laws.
Blue Zebra Island Lodge
Day 12 - 14
Today we journey southward along the lakeshore, trading the wide sands of Chintheche for the secluded charm of Nankoma Island. The road transfer to Salima takes approximately 4.5 hours, winding through lakeside villages and scenic countryside.
Upon arrival at the Salima mainland, a private boat will be waiting to take you across to the Marelli Islands—part of Lake Malawi National Park and home to the stunning Blue Zebra Island Lodge. This short boat ride offers a first glimpse of the pristine waters and rocky outcrops that define this remote paradise.
Staying at Blue Zebra Island Lodge feels like stepping into a private island dream. Tucked away in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Malawi National Park, this hidden gem offers a rare mix of seclusion, comfort, and laid-back luxury.
Whether you're in a thatched safari tent right by the lake or a spacious family chalet perched above the water, every room is designed to help you disconnect and unwind. You’ll wake up to the sounds of birds and lapping waves, and end your days watching the sun melt into the lake from your private deck.
But what really makes Blue Zebra special is the hospitality. The team here are warm, attentive, and seem to know what you need before you even ask. The meals are outstanding—fresh fish, colourful salads, and creative dishes made from local ingredients, all served with a view you’ll never get tired of.
With only a handful of rooms and no crowds, it’s a place where you can truly slow down, explore, and savour the magic of island life.
Mangochi
Day 14 - 16
This morning, weather permitting, we continue the journey south across Lake Malawi by boat. The scenic transfer takes approximately 1.5 hours, delivering you to the quiet shores of Mangochi where Norman Carr Cottage is tucked away.
It’s a tranquil hideaway with a rich legacy, offering calm waters, shady trees, and warm hospitality—the perfect next chapter in your lakeside adventure.
Nestled under a canopy of ancient trees on a quiet stretch of the Mangochi lakeshore, Norman Carr Cottage offers an intimate, relaxed escape with just a handful of cottages steps from the water. The rooms are charming and comfortable, with airy layouts, en-suite bathrooms, and views of the lake just outside your door. Expect delicious home-style meals served in the open-air dining area or under the stars by the shore.
But what makes Norman Carr truly special is the atmosphere. Much of that comes from Taffy—your host, storyteller, and long-time steward of the lodge—whose warm humour and deep knowledge of Lake Malawi add character and connection to the experience. Whether it’s tales of the lake’s shifting moods or the lodge’s history, evenings at Norman Carr often end with a drink, a fire, and one of Taffy’s famous stories.
This is a place to unwind, reconnect with nature, and savour lake life at a slower pace.
Liwonde National Park
Day 16 - 18
On day 16, we leave the lakeshore behind and head inland to Liwonde National Park — one of Malawi’s premier wildlife destinations. The road transfer from Mangochi to the park takes about 2.5 hours, depending on conditions. The journey takes you along parts of the scenic Shire River, through rural villages and open landscapes.
Once at the park boundary, a short boat or vehicle transfer will take you to your lodge inside the reserve, where your next wildlife adventure begins. Keep your camera handy — it’s not uncommon to spot elephants or hippos even before checking in.
Mvuu Camp offers a laid-back, immersive safari experience right on the banks of the Shire River in Liwonde National Park. It’s the more relaxed sister to Mvuu Lodge, but still delivers comfort, charm, and unbeatable wildlife access.
Accommodation is in a mix of spacious stone-and-canvas chalets and family-friendly tented units, each with ensuite bathrooms and views that bring you close to nature—sometimes quite literally, with elephants or antelope wandering nearby.
The camp’s central thatched dining and lounge area overlooks the river and is shaded by towering baobab trees, offering a front-row seat to passing hippos, birds, and other wildlife. Evenings are often spent around the campfire or in the open-air boma, under star-filled skies.
Simple, warm, and well run, Mvuu Camp is perfect for those who want to feel part of the landscape, with just the right amount of comfort to keep it easy and enjoyable.
Zomba
Day 18 - 20
On day 18, we leave Liwonde behind and take a scenic 1.5 to 2-hour drive to the charming town of Zomba, once the capital of colonial Nyasaland. The journey climbs gently into the highlands, with cooler temperatures and lush greenery replacing the dry bushveld.
We ascend the Zomba Plateau, where your lodge is perched at around 1,800 metres above sea level, offering panoramic views over the valley below. After the dry heat of the lowlands, the fresh air and forested surroundings are a welcome change — perfect for unwinding or heading straight out for a plateau walk or sunset viewpoint.
Sunbird Ku Chawe is Malawi’s premier mountain resort, offering an elevated blend of comfort, tranquillity, and breathtaking scenery. Perched dramatically on the rim of the Zomba Plateau, at nearly 2,200 metres above sea level, the lodge delivers some of the most spectacular views in all of Africa—from sweeping valleys to distant lakes and mist-covered hills.
The rooms are elegantly furnished, each with private balconies or terraces that take full advantage of the scenery. Expect lush gardens, crisp mountain air, and a sense of calm that makes this the perfect highland retreat.
The on-site restaurant and bar serve delicious meals and drinks, ideal for relaxed afternoons or cosy evenings by the fire.
Huntingdon House
Day 20 - 22
On Day 20, we continue south to the rolling tea estates of Thyolo, a journey of about 2 to 2.5 hours from Zomba. The scenery shifts dramatically as you pass through small towns and fertile farmland into Malawi’s tea-growing heartland.
Your destination is Huntingdon House, a beautifully preserved colonial-era residence nestled among the emerald-green Satemwa Tea Estate. It’s a place of old-world charm, manicured gardens, and peaceful luxury. By the time you arrive, the cooler highland air and a cup of estate-grown tea will make you feel right at home.
A stay at Huntingdon House is like stepping into a beautifully preserved chapter of Malawi’s colonial past. This elegant estate offers just five uniquely styled suites, each with its own story—formerly the family’s nursery, the parents’ rooms, the planters’ quarters, and even a private chapel. Every suite is spacious and full of charm, with clawfoot bathtubs, luxurious cotton linens, plush bathrobes, and thoughtful touches that make you feel right at home.
The rooms have been carefully decorated to reflect the heritage of this grand residence, with vintage details balanced by modern comfort. Whether you’re unwinding in a king-sized bed or soaking in a long bath after a day of walking through the tea fields, it’s the kind of place where time slows down and service feels personal. The staff are attentive but unobtrusive, happy to share stories of the house's past or just make sure your tea is always brewed just right.
Further to this itinerary
Final Day – After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Blantyre International Airport, a smooth 2-hour drive through the heart of Malawi’s lush southern region.
From here, you can catch your outbound flight, extend your journey into South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, or explore more of Malawi if you’re not ready to say goodbye just yet. We're happy to adjust this itinerary to fit your interests, pace, and travel goals.
🧭 Suitable for all ages and for groups of up to 16 people.
✉️ Want a tailor-made itinerary? Email us at expeditions@kumbali.com and we’ll build your dream journey.