water safari in malawi

escape to the warm heart of africa

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THE FACTS

Price:	from £3,300 pp
Location:	Malawi
Flight Time:	from UK: 12hrs 30mins; from US: 25hrs
When to go:	May - October
Ideal length:	7 nights

LOOK FORWARD TO...

Waking up in your luxury en suite tent and exploring your lush surroundings on a boat safari, game drive or nature walk.

Getting up close to hundreds of wild African species, like the sable antelope, impala, waterbuck, crocodile and elephant.

Heading to Likomo Island to quad bike your way to your own deserted sandy beach.

Snuggling down in your hand-crafted mahogany four poster bed or heading for the rope beds of the private beach.

Heading out on a traditional dhow or a dug-out canoe, or windsurfing, water-skiing, wakeboarding, or scuba diving.

Taking in the fabulous Lake of Stars music festival which kicks off on these shores in October.

Is it time to slow down and chill out? For a smiling welcome and a total change of pace, get yourself to the calm waters and calmer atmosphere of Lake Malawi. A hassle-free journey kicks off with 3 days safari in the wild and undiscovered Liwonde National Park and 4 days undisturbed relaxation at the rustic-luxury of Kaya Mawa Lodge on Lake Malawi. This trip will have you truly believing in the local mantra ‘Maybe Tomorrow’.

rugged safari and lounging hippos
Start at Mvuu Wilderness Lodge, nestled discreetly on the banks of the Shire River, a tributary of the Zambezi. Mvuu means “hippo”, and you’ll see lots of these water-loving mammals here. Their languid lagoon lifestyle summarises Mvuu life: after a busy day on safari you’ll wallow in your own shady pool watching them wallow in theirs. Wake up each morning in your luxury en suite tent at Mvuu Wilderness Lodge and get up close to the wildlife on a boat safari, game drive or nature walk at dawn and dusk. Too lazy for the morning game drive? No worries, your friendly staff will take you to see the game whenever you wish.

fiery lakeside sunsets

view of lake malawi

Next hop north by plane to rugged Likomo island for some beachside luxury. Hand built by the very same locals that serve you your drinks, Kaya Mawa is more than just a beautiful island resort, it’s a community where time stands still. Stay in a remote thatched hut on the southern tip of Likoma, known as one of the few places where you can see both sunrise and sunset. Sunsets over Lake Malawi create fiery oranges and hot pinks across the sky, the intensity of which we promise you’ve never seen before.

friendly faces and beachside treats
But there’s more than just beach flopping. Wander through nearby village markets and talk to locals who, refreshingly, won’t see you as a walking, talking wallet. Fresh, delicious dishes can be served in a new mystery location each evening (if you wish), always with a stunning sunset view.

local choir sing at sunset

Drift off to sleep in your queen-size mahogany bed, perched on its own rocky outcrop, listening to the lap of waves. You could also go water skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, windsurfing, fishing or scuba diving.

After a few days of slow-paced beach life, it will be time to hop on a flight back home refreshed and ready to face the real tomorrow.