Collect you from the airport and transfer you to Dzalanyama or Dedza Forest where you will meet the rest of the group – Afternoon walks into the surrounding forest. Overnight Forestry house and chalets on all meals included basis.
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Day 2: Thyolo / Game Haven
Breakfast then it’s a scenic drive through Malawi, along the Mozambique border, with good views of the lake, through the commercial Capital of Malawi - Blantyre- till we reach our overnight. There are a number of interesting sights en route like the rock paintings, viewpoints overlooking the lake from the escarpment and market stalls alongside the road. Your guide will indicate what is possible to visit, according to the time available en route. Game Haven is a serene, beautiful game park and the lodge is set in the indigenous forests and grasslands of the Shire highlands of Southern Malawi. Experience exceptional viewing of the wildlife which includes kudu, roan, eland, sable, giraffe, zebra, and prolific birdlife. As part of the unique Game Haven experience, enjoy the internationally designed Matkovich & Hayes 9-hole golf course, beautiful but challenging; The relaxing sound of the cascading waterfall at the swimming pool and fishing and braaing on the scenic lawns of Lake Bvumbwe. As the sun sets, enjoy a drink in the Victorian-styled bar followed by exceptional international cuisine at our Ambrosia restaurant. Overnight Dinner, bed and breakfast basis. [360 km, 7 hrs. driving time]
After breakfast, we explore the area. A highlight will be a walking tour of the world-recognized Satemwa Tea estate, followed by a tea-tasting workshop. They produce a variety of white, black, gold and flavoured teas. After the tasting, return to the luxurious Huntingdon House where we will have a superb lunch. After lunch, if the group wants, we drive further to and visit Thyolo viewpoint - a wonderful view site with excellent views of the estate and the lower shire valley. For keen birders, the forest surrounding this site is home to the rare and endemic Thyolo Alethe. Midafternoon, return to Game haven to relax around the pool, walking, mountain biking or even a round of golf. Overnight Chalets on a Dinner bed and breakfast basis.
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Day 4: Cape Maclear 2* lodge
Drive to Lake Malawi - Cape Maclear. En route, we pass Zomba and a visit to the vibrant Zomba Market is offered, then cross the Shire River, through the historical Mangochi town and continue to follow the lakeshore northwards. Arrival at Cape Maclear is mid the Afternoon with time to enjoy a sundowner whilst relaxing on the beach. Here we again stay in a choice of 3 similar lodges - Chembe Eagles Nest, Cape Mac Lodge or Annie's Lodge - depending on availability. Each lodge offers en suite chalet accommodation, nicely situated on the beach and in an area to enable easy exploration of the surrounding village. Overnight Lodge on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. [280 km, 6 hrs. journey time]
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Day 5: Cape Maclear 2* lodge
Day on the beach at leisure - non-motorised watersports included. Explore the village, walks into the surrounding mountains, visit local pubs, and historical graves, swimming, snorkeling, scuba to skiing is all possible. Overnight Lodge on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.
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Day 6: Cape Maclear 2* lodge
This morning, after breakfast there is a full-day trip on the lake offered. We board the lodges catamaran and sail around the islands for a full day. The trip will include a visit to an island with snorkelling and kayaking possibilities, and a light lunch, it includes park fees and offers you a relaxing way to experience the sheer beauty of the area. Return to the Lodge in time or a sundowner. Overnight Lodge on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.
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Day 7: Senga Bay / Blue Waters
Depart and it's a 2.5 hr. drive to Mua Mission - Mua is the site of the KuNgoni Centre of Culture & Art. It provides insights into the history and culture of Malawi through the Chamare Museum, the Carving Centre and the new Research Centre/Library. The museum describes the Chewa, Ngoni and Yao cultures, their rites of passage, their interaction with one another and their encounters with Islam and Christianity. It also holds a unique display of Gule Wamkulu masks, texts and images and dances that can be arranged. It is also home to a thriving community, including an arts and crafts centre whose students create Malawi’s finest wood carvings and who go on to make a living from their own handiwork throughout Malawi. After this, it’s a 1.5 hr. drive to our overnight. Overnight at Blue Waters lodge on a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis. [210 km, 6 hrs. journey time].
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Day 8: Nkhotakota Reserve / Rafiki Camp
This morning some of the group will be departing back to Lilongwe, whilst you would continue for a 3hr. drive to Nkhotakota reserve. Rafiki Camp, located adjacent to the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve and the Bua River, offers magnificent views across the Miombo woodland forest. Set in private expansive and mature natural gardens, the lodge has a Malawi feel that incorporates thatched roofs with Luxury Safari tents for its guest rooms and thatched public areas Arrive after lunch and if time allows a short afternoon a walk in the grounds is offered. Overnight chalets on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. [160 km, 4 hrs. journey time]
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Day 9: Chintheche Makuzi Beach Lodge
A morning game walk for those that wish then return for a later breakfast [Brunch] after which we depart to Chintheche. Makuzi Beach Lodge is located along the northern shores of Lake Malawi. Delightfully sited in its own private bay, the lodge is ideal for that perfect “Retreat to Paradise”. Makuzi Beach has stylish en suite thatched chalets - all nestled in manicured gardens overlooking the lake’s warm, clear waters. The lodge is perfectly positioned to offer guests spectacular views of the lake while enjoying a quiet drink at the bar. The restaurant has an excellent reputation for outstanding cuisine and guests are encouraged to enjoy the full African experience while dining under the stars. There’s a wide variety of activities: swimming, snorkelling, fishing, kayaking or just wallowing in the lake. Makuzi Beach is involved in community projects, one of which is the village tour and includes a visit to the historical missionary site, museum and a taste of the local cuisine. Horse riding and scuba diving can be arranged off-site. Bird-watching opportunities are some of the best along the lake. Overnight Standard Chalet on a Dinner, bed and breakfast basis. [110 km, 3 hrs. journey time].
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Day 10: Makuzi Beach Lodge
Day at Leisure on the beach and exploring the area - visits to Bandawe Point, the nearby local village to see the community project. Overnight Standard Chalets on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.
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Day 11: Nyika Park Chelinda Lodge
Today is a long day in the car, so it’s an early departure [06h00], we drive through Mzuzu and continue up to Nyika Plateau. Picnic lunch en route and arrival in Nyika is late afternoon. Chelinda Lodge- each beautiful pine chalet has large windows, and spacious balconies, are comfortably furnished, en suite with a fireplace. The communal public area and bar are well-appointed with superb views and comfortable facilities as well as a sauna. Activities include game drives, walking, mountain biking, birding and fly fishing for trout. [320 km, 8 hrs. journey time].
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Day 12: Chelinda Lodge
Morning and afternoon game drives and walks - Optional Night drive. Overnight Rooms inclusive all meals.
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Day 13: Chelinda Lodge
Morning and afternoon game drives and walks - Optional Night drive. Overnight Rooms inclusive all meals
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Day 14: Viphya Plateau Luwawa Forest lodge
From Nyika continue through Mzuzu again and onto the Viphya Plateau. Luwawa Forest Lodge is an international guesthouse and outdoor adventure centre in the unspoilt wilderness of the Viphya Plateau. At 1600m, the area is malaria-free. The lodge overlooks a large, well-stocked lake. Much of the Lodge’s electricity is from solar energy and the water supply is from a mountain stream. Fresh vegetables prepared in the kitchen are from the lodge’s permaculture garden. The lodge is dedicated to being in tune with its natural surroundings. The latest addition to the facilities is a Sauna & bush shower. Luwawa has prolific birdlife and antelope can be seen close to the lodge. Further afield are monkeys, baboons, leopards and hyenas. Numerous activities are offered such as squash, canoeing, abseiling, and orienteering. Luwawa is ideal for family and individual holidays. The lodge is committed to responsible tourism through its many local community assistance projects in which guests can be directly involved. Overnight Lodge on a dinner bed and breakfast basis. [385 km, 8hrs. journey time] .
Today we coordinate our departure to arrive in Lilongwe in time for your return flight or onward journey [Luwawa to LLW is a 4-hr. drive and check-in is 2 hrs. before your international flight]. Breakfast. [210 km, 4 hrs. journey time]