Malawi 2026 - Go Big or Go Home...
Overview
Malawi is one of those places that is just special. They say of Uganda it is the pearl of Africa, and yes it sits inside Africa like a pearl, but it is also as beautiful as a pearl.
Malawi has that same feel to it, relaxed, scenic, lake, mountains and parks.
We do a large loop through Malawi, but ultimately we start in Eastern Zambia and its splendid South Luangwa. Then in to Malawi to the northern region then slowly down the lakes edge and out in the south.
The scene of a short naval battle. On 16 August 1914, Lake Malawi was the scene of a brief naval battle when a British gunboat commander heard that World War I had broken out, and he received orders from the British Empire’s high command to “sink, burn, or destroy” the German Empire’s only gunboat on the lake. The British disabled the German boat with a single cannon shot from a range of about 1,800 metres (2,000 yd). This very brief gunboat conflict was hailed by The Times in England as the British Empire’s first naval victory of World War I.
Today Malawi is one of those places where you can loose yourself in tall drinks on the fresh water beaches, or scuba diving or snorkelling the vast species of fish in the lake.
The ultimate in fish and chips at a lodge beach pub. Or a game drive in one of the splendid parks. Safari through the tea plantation region or take a sundowner cruise on a river bordering a national park.
Malawi just has the ability to slow you down and bring you back to original Homo Sapiens pace. Take a swim in fresh water that feels like an ocean. Snorkel with the millions of fish. It is very different from what you might be used to…
The Itinerary
Day 1.
We meet in Nata Botswana. It will put us in a good position to get in to Vic falls Livingstone early the next day.
Day 2.
We head up to Kasane and then cross the border in to Zambia. The new bridge makes life easier.We stay in Livingstone for the night.
The Zambezi river levels should not be very high and normally the Victoria falls would not be too spectacular at this point, But nothing stops you from doing a chopper flight over the falls. We stock up on a bit of groceries whilst we are here.
Day 3.
After breakfast and a little early we make our way to Lusaka. The plan is to get through the city to avoid the morning traffic the next day.
Day 4
Another push east will take us to the gateway of South Luangwa National park, voted best park in Africa a few times, this is a rather special spot. We make our way to Chipata town and then on to the South Luangwa park camp for the night.
Day 5
After breakfast we make our way in to the park and enjoy a game viewing day. Picnic under a tree, lunch in the bush.
Day 6
A late morning and short day. We make our way back to Chipata. and stop for shopping and stock up before heading to camp.
Day 7
After breakfast, we cross in to Malawi and make our way to a highlands camp for the night.
Day 8
We continue north, stop for groceries at the Shoprite in Mzuzu and then the last push to our camp for the next 2 nights on the Nyika Plato.
It is a bit of work to get there but the contrast with the rest of Malawi is just amazing.
Day 9
We take a day in the highlands of Malawi. Being on the edge of the rift valley, Malawi has some of the most beautiful mountain landscape in our region.
Day 10
We start our journey to the lake edge. On the way we again stop for groceries and then on to our camp site next to the iconic Lake Malawi.
Day 11
We continue our journey south and follow the road on the lake edge. All the way around until we reach Cape McClear. Here we are for 3 nights.
Day 12, 13
Cape McClear is well known and we will spend three nights here.
Lots of activities around:
Kayaking, boat cruises, feed the fish eagles, snorkelling and scuba in the fresh water. Also good meals in the restaurant.
Day 14
We continue our journey south, and down to Majete game reserve. Two nights here visiting the area with newly introduced big 5 game will make for a good time.
Day 15
We head in to the park for the day to see what animals are around. A day to choose your activities. The park is not big and easy to drive in just a few hours.
Day 16
We make our way to the Mozambique border to take the shortcut home. In to Mozambique and then we head to Tete for the night.
Day 17
We head further south and make our way to Harare. Trying not to drive ourselves in to the ground we stop short of Harare.
This is the last night of our tour and from here you can split off, visit friends, spend more time in Zimbabwe, or join me early morning heading to Beitbridge.
Those heading to Botswana will also split off here.
Day 18
I make my way further down and depending on road conditions will sleep either side of the RSA border. You are welcome to join me as I am heading direction JHB.
Tour specific comments
Vehicle:
A normal 4×4 as you buy them from the shop floor, ground clearance will be the thing. No special kit required. Normal tyres or all terrain tyres are good
Drivers:
No experience required, I personally guide the tour and will give you everything you need as we go.
Towing:
You are welcome to bring something to tow. Only off road trailers and vans please. Malawi has some very narrow roads, but I have had trailers and small off road vans on this route before.
Other:
Bring your swimming kit and camera