The Heritage Route–
A Journey Through Malawi’s Cultural Heart
The Heritage Route is 12-day itinerary designed for travelers who want to explore Malawi’s rich cultural and historical roots. With the longest drive just 3.5 hours, this itinerary is packed with meaningful stops and immersive experiences.
Starting in Lilongwe, we head to the ancient rock art sites of Dedza, followed by a visit to the Kungoni Centre at Mua Mission, a hub of traditional art, history, and storytelling.
From there, we travel to Mangochi, where the lake meets heritage—with visits to Fort Mangochi, Mwala wa Mphini, archaeological sites, and the striking Malape Pillars.
We continue to the old capital, Zomba, known for its colonial architecture and historical charm, before ending the journey in Mulanje, beneath the towering mountain rich in local legend and spiritual importance.
This is Malawi beyond the safari—a route for those who value story, culture, and the soul of a place.
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 4:00 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.
Norman Carr Cottage is a peaceful, boutique retreat nestled on the quiet shores of Lake Malawi, near Monkey Bay. It’s the kind of place where relaxation meets natural beauty, and every detail is thoughtfully designed to make you feel at home.
With just five king rooms and one additional twin room (which can connect to form a family-friendly suite), the lodge offers an intimate and personalised experience. Each room features a private outdoor shower and a well-equipped kitchenette, blending indoor comfort with the charm of the outdoors.
The kitchen makes delicious, home-style meals served from a set menu, while drinks from the bar are also available.
And while you're there, make sure you spend some time with Taffy, the owner—one of Malawi’s best storytellers, full of insight, humour, and local knowledge that adds a whole other layer to your stay.
Zomba
Day 6 - 9
We leave the lakeshore behind and head south toward the historic town of Zomba, but not without an intriguing stop at the Malape Pillars. These towering, naturally formed red sandstone columns rise dramatically from the earth in the middle of a rural village—not only a geological wonder, but a place of cultural significance and local legend, often used for community ceremonies.
This will be the longest drive of the trip, but still very manageable—around 4 hours in total including the stop. The road winds through varied landscapes, offering great views and glimpses of village life along the way.
We arrive in Zomba, Malawi’s former capital, known for its cooler climate, colonial charm, and dramatic surroundings. Nestled at the base of the Zomba Plateau, the town is steeped in history and folklore.
While here, we’ll explore local highlights including:
-
🕳️ Chingwe’s Hole – A mysterious deep pit located near the edge of the plateau, rumoured to have been used as a burial or punishment site. Its origins remain unclear, adding to its eerie intrigue.
-
👑 Emperor’s View – A stunning lookout point named after Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, who visited and was so taken by the panorama that the spot now bears his name. From here, you’ll see views stretching across to Lake Chilwa and even Mount Mulanje on a clear day.
Zomba is a peaceful stop in the highlands, perfect for unwinding, exploring local markets, and taking in Malawi’s colonial-era history against a lush and mountainous backdrop.
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.
Mulanje
Day 9 - 12
Today we leave the highlands of Zomba and make our way to the towering presence of the Mulanje Massif, a journey of about 2.5 hours through scenic southern Malawi.
Mount Mulanje isn’t just a mountain—it’s a place of legend and lore. Locals speak of a mysterious old man seen in the rock pools, and of magical food that appears along the trail which, if found, must be eaten. Stories like these add to the mystique of a mountain already rich in beauty and character.
Climbing Mulanje is an experience that stays with you for life. While parts of the trek can be challenging, especially for those not used to physical activity, the climb is generally accessible and immensely rewarding.
Your first night in Mulanje will be spent at the foot of the mountain at Likhubula CCAP House. This is a very basic, no-frills accommodation—expect clean, functional rooms, simple but tasty local meals, and limited phone signal. What it lacks in luxury, it makes up for in location: Likhubula is the ideal starting point for your Mulanje trek, just steps from the main trailhead.
From here, your guides and porters will accompany you on a 2-night, 3-day hike into the massif, staying in rustic mountain huts with stunning views, fresh mountain air, and total immersion in nature.
If you prefer to keep your feet on lower ground, you can skip the overnight trek and instead explore the surrounding tea estates and hills, staying at the charming and more comfortable Africa Wild Truck Lodge nearby. Both options offer an unforgettable way to experience Mulanje’s beauty—whether you're chasing summits or simply soaking in the scenery.
Further to this itinerary
On Day 13, we’ll bring your journey to a close with two return options:
-
We can drop you at Blantyre International Airport for a domestic flight to Lilongwe and onward travel,
-
Or, if you prefer to stay on the road, you can drive back with us to Lilongwe—a scenic but longer journey of around 7–8 hours.
This itinerary is well-suited for families, couples, or small groups of up to 10 people. For larger groups, we may adjust the accommodation options to ensure everyone is comfortably accommodated and well taken care of.
Think of this itinerary as a starting point—it’s flexible and fully customisable. If you have specific interests, travel dates, or would like to adjust the pace or route, just reach out to us at expeditions@kumbali.com and we’ll build a trip that fits your style.
And if you're looking to extend your adventure, we can also arrange a journey into South Luangwa National Park in Zambia—just across the border—for a world-class safari experience to complete your time in this part of Africa.