Roam Malawi–
An Epic Safari Journey Through the Heart of Wild Malawi
Roam Malawi is a hand-crafted safari itinerary that takes you deep into some of the country’s most iconic wilderness areas— from riverfront game drives in Liwonde to elephant encounters in Nkhotakota and the big game revival of Majete.
This is Malawi in its rawest and most beautiful form. You’ll explore diverse landscapes, stay in carefully chosen camps and lodges, and experience wildlife both on foot and from the comfort of a vehicle or boat. It’s a journey through forests, floodplains, mountains, and savannah, where every stop offers something different—from tracking elephant herds to watching roan antelope graze in the lower-Shire Valley.
Majete
Day 1 - 4
Your safari adventure begins as we collect you from Blantyre’s Chileka International Airport and transfer you straight into the heart of Majete Wildlife Reserve. The drive takes just under 2.5 hours, giving you a scenic introduction to Malawi’s southern landscapes.
If timing allows, you’ll arrive in time to settle in and enjoy an afternoon game drive, a refreshing dip in the pool, or simply unwind with sundowners on the deck, watching the bush come alive as the sun sets. This is where your journey into Malawi’s wild side truly begins.
Staying at Mkulumadzi Lodge is a perfect blend of wilderness and comfort. Set within a 7,000-hectare private concession at the confluence of two rivers, the lodge is accessible only by a footbridge suspended over the Mkulumadzi River—your first taste of the adventure to come.
The lodge’s eight spacious chalets are tucked under giant leadwood trees, offering privacy, comfort, and uninterrupted views of the bush. Inside, you'll find everything you need to relax after a day of safari: king-sized beds, en-suite bathrooms, and shaded decks for afternoon siestas.
The central area includes a restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining, a bar, lounge, shop, swimming pool, and even a sleep-out star deck for those who want to fall asleep under the African sky. Add to that warm hospitality, fine food, and access to some of Malawi’s best game viewing in Majete, and Mkulumadzi makes for a truly special safari stay.
Thyolo
Day 4 - 6
After three exhilarating days of wildlife in Majete, we shift gears and take you on a 2.5-hour scenic drive to the lush landscapes of Huntingdon House, nestled among the picturesque tea estates near the base of the Mulanje Massif. This peaceful stop offers a refreshing contrast to the dry terrain of Majete—rolling green hills, cool mountain air, and a slower pace.
Spend your time exploring the historic tea estate, tasting fresh blends straight from the source, enjoying long walks, or visiting inspiring local community projects. It’s the perfect mid-journey pause before heading back into the wild.
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.
Liwonde National Park
Day 6 - 8
After a refreshing break in the tea country, we pick up our safari journey and head north to Liwonde National Park. This leg of the trip involves an early start, as the drive can take up to 5 hours.
We'll travel through the scenic landscapes of Malawi’s southern region, passing vibrant communities and lush farmlands. Time permitting, we’ll stop in Zomba, the old colonial capital, for a leisurely lunch at Casa Rossa—a charming Italian-style restaurant perched on the edge of the plateau, known for some of the best food in the country.
From there, we descend into the Shire Valley, reaching Liwonde in time to settle in and prepare for the next chapter of your wildlife adventure.
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.
Lilongwe
Day 8 - 10
After a final riverside breakfast, we leave Liwonde behind and make the 4-hour road journey to Lilongwe, where you’ll stay at Kumbali Country Lodge—a peaceful retreat on the edge of the city, surrounded by farmland and bush.
This stop offers the perfect mix of comfort and flexibility. You can explore the capital’s markets, galleries, or craft centres, take a game drive in the lodge’s private reserve, or join a tour of the working banana farm. Whether you want to wind down or fit in a bit more discovery, Kumbali is a comfortable base to prepare for your transfer to Zambia.
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.
South Luangwa National Park
Zambia
Day 10 - 13
After exploring Lilongwe, it’s time to cross the border and step into one of Africa’s top safari destinations—South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. The drive to the park, via the Chipata border, takes about 3.5 hours, though immigration formalities may add another hour. It’s a scenic and relatively easy journey that brings you into a whole new world of wildlife.
South Luangwa is renowned for its high densities of game, excellent predator sightings (especially leopards), and rich biodiversity. It’s the birthplace of the walking safari and offers an unmatched mix of open plains, riverine forest, and the meandering Luangwa River, which attracts a staggering variety of animals and birds.
Whatever you may have missed during your Malawi safaris—whether it’s big cats, huge herds of elephants, or dramatic lion kills—there’s a very good chance SLNP will deliver. Settle in for three unforgettable nights in and around the park as you round off your journey with a grand safari finale.
Msandile River Lodge sits right on the Luangwa River, offering front-row views of wildlife and a perfect blend of comfort and safari charm.
Choose from spacious chalets or safari tents, both featuring king-sized beds, 4-poster mosquito nets, private terraces, fans, and en-suite bathrooms. The chalets open fully during the day for panoramic views, while the tents offer indoor and outdoor showers and sit along prime animal paths—elephants and hippos often stroll by at night.
Families can opt for family chalets with two rooms and space to relax together. Expect great guiding, the option to upgrade to a private vehicle, and a peaceful, immersive bush stay to round off your adventure.
Further to this itinerary
On your final day, we’ll transfer you to Mfuwe Airport for your outbound flight.
Alternatively, you can drive back with us to Lilongwe, where you may wish to spend another night at Kumbali Country Lodge, or even extend your Malawi adventure by heading further north with us.
This trip is suitable for all ages, including families with children and older travellers, and can comfortably accommodate groups of up to 16 people.
Think of this itinerary as a starting point—it’s fully flexible and customisable. Whether you want to adjust the pace, explore specific interests, or alter your travel dates, we’ll tailor the journey to your needs.
Just get in touch with us at expeditions@kumbali.com to start planning your perfect trip.