Malawi Safari & Lake Malawi Beach
Big Game on the Shire, Then the Clear Blue of the Great Lake
Overview
This eight-day journey pairs Malawi's finest wildlife with the freshwater paradise of Lake Malawi, one of the great lakes of the world and the beating blue heart of the country. You begin along the Shire River in Liwonde National Park, where boat safaris drift past elephant and hippo and the reintroduced Big Five roam the palm-studded floodplains. Then you slow right down on the shores of Lake Malawi — a vast, clear, tropical lake fringed with golden sand and home to more fish species than any lake on Earth.
Staying in the classic tented comfort of Kuthengo Camp on the Shire and the hillside villas of Pumulani, a Robin Pope lodge set in its own bay on the lake's southern shore, this is the ultimate safari-and-beach combination. Snorkel among jewel-coloured cichlids, kayak the still morning water, sail a dhow at sunset or simply lie on the sand — the perfect, unhurried finale to a Malawian adventure.
Who It's For
Ideal for honeymooners, couples and families wanting to combine a genuine Big Five safari with tropical lake relaxation, water sports and some of the most beautiful sunsets in Africa.
Package Highlights
Shire River Safaris
Boat and vehicle safaris through Liwonde's elephant and hippo country
Lake Malawi Beaches
Golden sand and clear tropical water on the world's most biodiverse lake
Snorkelling & Kayaking
Swim among hundreds of colourful cichlid fish found nowhere else on Earth
Sunset Dhow Sailing
Glide across the lake as the sky turns to fire at day's end
Rewilded Big Five
Liwonde now holds lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo
The Perfect Honeymoon
Safari thrills followed by pure barefoot lakeside relaxation
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Fly into Malawi and transfer to Liwonde National Park on the Shire River. Settle into Kuthengo Camp, a classic tented camp overlooking the floodplain, and enjoy your first afternoon boat safari as elephant come down to drink and the river glows in the evening light.
🏨 Accommodation: Kuthengo Camp
🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Featured Lodges & Accommodation
Kuthengo Camp
📍 Liwonde National Park
Four classic tented rooms raised on decks above the Shire floodplain, with uninterrupted views of elephant and antelope coming to drink. Intimate, authentic and beautifully positioned for Liwonde's land and water safaris.
From $520 per person per night
Pumulani Lodge
📍 Lake Malawi
Ten spacious villas set into a forested hillside above a private bay on the southern lakeshore, a Robin Pope Safaris retreat. Infinity pool, sailing dhow and a private beach make it the finest lodge on Lake Malawi.
From $620 per person per night
Pricing & Options
All prices per person sharing. Customize any tier to your preferences.
Luxury
(~$614/night)
Riverside camp and lakeside lodge, all meals, safaris and water activities
Get QuotePremium Luxury
(~$786/night)
Leading villas and private guided activities
Get QuoteExclusive
(~$1,086/night)
Private vehicle, boat and guide, exclusive-use, all-inclusive
Get QuoteWhat's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ 3 nights Liwonde safari camp, 4 nights Lake Malawi lodge
- ✓ All meals throughout
- ✓ Game drives, boat safaris and walking safaris in Liwonde
- ✓ Snorkelling, kayaking and non-motorised water sports on the lake
- ✓ One sunset dhow cruise
- ✓ National park fees and internal transfers
- ✓ Transfers from Lilongwe
- ✓ Laundry
✗ Excluded
- ✗ International and domestic flights
- ✗ Travel insurance
- ✗ Premium wines and champagne
- ✗ Scuba diving and motorised water sports
- ✗ Spa treatments
- ✗ Gratuities (guidelines provided)
- ✗ Personal expenses
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Travel
The dry season from May to October is ideal for both safari and lake, with excellent wildlife on the Shire and warm, calm, clear water at Lake Malawi. The lake is beautiful year-round.
Why Choose This Package
The Ultimate Safari & Beach
Big Five game viewing on the Shire River followed by tropical relaxation on the world's most biodiverse lake.
The Best of Lake Malawi
Pumulani's private bay offers snorkelling, sailing and barefoot luxury on the lake's finest shore.
A Freshwater Wonder
Lake Malawi holds more fish species than any lake on Earth — snorkelling here is like swimming in an aquarium.
Uncrowded and Warm-Hearted
Experience Malawi's genuine warmth far from the crowds of the classic safari circuits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience the Malawi Safari & Lake Malawi Beach?
From $4,300 per person | 8 Days / 7 Nights
⚡ Limited availability for peak season 2026 — book early to secure your dates
