Visit one of Africa’s authentic wildlife destinations on our Lake Malawi & Majete Safari – from the white sandy beaches of Likoma Island to Majete Reserve.
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Ker & Downey® Africa > Trips > Lake Malawi & Majete Safari
Discover the vast waters of Lake Malawi and the raw terrain of the Majete Wildlife Reserve on this 9-day LuxVenture® to one of Africa’s authentic wildlife destinations – Malawi. The landlocked African country boasts diverse landscapes from the dramatic peaks of Mt Mulanje to the shimmering waters of Lake Malawi. Previously dismissed as a safari destination, the reintroduction of lion at the Majete Wildlife Reserve- under the management of leading conservation organization, African Parks – has catapulted Malawi to a top wildlife-watching and conservation destination. Starting in Johannesburg, you will make your way from the iconic City of Gold to the white sand shores of Lake Malawi. With award-winning Kaya Mawa beach lodge as your base, spend the next 4 days exploring Likoma Island on the back of a quad bike or on a cycling tour. For travelers with a love for water – Lake Malawi offers exhilarating watersports from waterskiing, sailing, paddle boarding, diving to snorkeling. Next up, board a charter flight to Majete Wildlife Reserve and learn about their unparalleled story of restoration and conservation. Your next 4 days will be spent at Mkulumadzi Lodge on the banks of the Shire River, leaving you plenty of time to spot the Big 5 on your Malawi safari. Expect motor-boat safaris, bush walks alongside expert trackers, hiking expeditions and visits to local villages in the reserve.
Touch down at O.R Tambo International Airport where you will be greeted by a Ker & Downey® Africa representative who will accompany you to the Saxon Hotel, a mere 45 minute drive away. Located in the tree-lined suburb of Sandhurst, the Saxon boasts panoramic views over the indigenous gardens towards the city skyline. The hotel features a collection of South African art, a world-class spa and a variety of dining experiences from afternoon tea in the Piano Lounge to a buffet brunch served on the Fig Terrace. After a seamless check-in, enjoy an afternoon at leisure on the pool terrace or exploring the lush grounds. Reboot after your travels at the fitness center or choose from a variety of revitalizing treatments at the award-winning spa. At sunset, make your way to the Terrace for a refreshing drink before a South African-inspired dinner under the fig trees at the Saxon Qunu Restaurant.
Wake up at your own pace before a filling, cooked breakfast at Qunu. After check-out, your driver will meet you to transfer you from the Saxon Hotel to OR Tambo International Airport for your onward flight to the capital of Malawi, Lilongwe. After collecting your visa at Lilongwe International Airport, you will be escorted to board a 1-hour charter flight to Kaya Mawa’s private airstrip, located on Likoma Island in Lake Malawi. Surrounded by white sandy beaches, the island has a lush vegetation consisting of baobab forests and mango trees. Recently voted the Best Beach Property in Africa by the Good Safari Awards, the Kaya Mawa beach lodge consists of 11 secluded rooms, each with a private, concealed deck overlooking the pristine waters of Lake Malawi. After check-in, you will have time to unpack and reboot at the lodge. Choose to fill your days with a number of water sports from exhilarating waterskiing to gentle kayaking or enjoy time at leisure at your private pool, on the beach or at the lodge spa. At sunset, visit the beachfront bar for a drink before making your way to the award-nominated restaurant at Kaya Mawa. Serving up fresh, healthy dishes the kitchen uses local organic products, homegrown herbs from the garden and fresh fish caught from the lake.
Wake up to the sound of the waves crashing on the lake shore and make your way to the restaurant for a hot cooked breakfast or keep it light with a fresh fruit salad. After breakfast, you will be given the option to visit the Katundu Workshop, a local community project producing unique art pieces from recycled materials, bespoke lighting piece and exquisite handmade textiles. Katundu’s objective is to empower women through artisanal training and to create a sustainable income for the local community. Return to the lodge for a light lunch of homemade bread and dips followed by the chefs’ unique creation for the day. In the afternoon you will have time at leisure to relax on the beach or grab your snorkel and discover the island’s shoreline. For dinner, you can choose to dine at the restaurant or have your meal brought to your room for a private dinner under the stars.
Wake up and make your way to a filling breakfast on the beach front. If you’re feeling active today you can choose to take to the water on a snorkeling excursion and observe Lake Malawi’s sheer abundance of freshwater fish. Got your PADI license? We will be happy to arrange a dive alongside the lodge’s two in-house dive instructors. Back on land, saddle up on a mountain bike and discover the island with a bit of off-road cycling or take in the sights of Likoma on a guided quad bike tour. After lunch at the lodge, pull on your walking shoes and wander off to the St Peters cathedral – one of the largest churches in Africa, or browse the stalls at the village’s market.
Order breakfast to your room or visit the restaurant for one last breakfast buffet, before your onward journey to Majete Wildlife Reserve. Board a charter flight from Kaya Mawa’s private airstrip to Lilongwe airport and onwards to Majete, a mere 2 hours away. Located in the south-west of Malawi in Africa’s Great Rift Vally, the 70,000 hectare Majete Wildlife Reserve is home to black rhino, leopard, lion and elephant. Your friendly guide will meet you on arrival and transfer you to the suspended footbridge at Mkulumadzi, your base for the next 4 nights. Dotted under the shade of giant leadwood and mango trees, the 8 exclusive chalets feature private viewing decks overlooking the Shire River. After an easy check-in, you will have time to unpack and reboot afternoon tea at the main lodge’s outdoor dining area. The late afternoon calls for the first game drive of your Malawi safari. Traverse the Majete Reserve alongside your expert guide in a 4×4 safari vehicle in search of big game before returning to the lodge for a 3-course dinner under the stars.
Expect an early knock on the door as your ranger wakes you for your first morning game drive. The lodge will have a strong coffee and morning snack ready for you before your departure to the reserve. Learn about the sustainable Big 5 Park’s conservation success story on your drive and how the Malawi government alongside Africa Parks were able to eradicate extensive poaching and reintroduce endangered species to the Reserve. Return to the lodge for a breakfast buffet of fresh fruit, cereals, homemade pastries and a hot cooked breakfast. If you’re feeling active you can explore Majete on foot with your expert guide. A light lunch will be served in the outdoor dining area before time at leisure at the lodge’s pool or overlooking the river on the lodge’s viewing deck. After tea, explore the Shire River on a boat safari and spot elephants drinking from the banks and hippos and crocodiles wallowing in the water below. Watch the sunset over Majete with a gin and tonic in hand before returning to the lodge for dinner and a nightcap around the fire in the Lapa.
Need some shut-eye? Today you can choose to sleep in or join your guide on an early morning hike to the top of Chimwala hill. After a hearty breakfast at the lodge, you can visit the nearby village to learn about their local culture and day-to-day experiences living alongside the wildlife reserve. Return to the lodge for lunch followed by a final game drive to the through the reserve. In the evening, have dinner to brought to your room and listen to the hippos grunting in the river below as you dine on your deck under the night sky.
Day 8 marks the final day of your Malawi safari before your onward journey to Johannesburg. Wake up and make your way to the breakfast buffet before check-out. Your guide will be waiting to transfer you to the Majete Wildlife Reserve private airstrip for your charter flight to Lilongwe Airport and your onward flight to OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa. A guide will meet you to transfer you to the Saxon Hotel where you can spend the day relaxing by the swimming pool or explore the city. Dinner can be enjoyed at the hotel or your Adventurist can arrange an exclusive dining experience at top fine-dining restaurants in Johannesburg.
Today marks the end of your Lake Malawi & Majete LuxVenture®. After a final breakfast at Qunu Restaurant and a simple check-out of the Saxon Hotel, your driver will meet you to transfer you to OR Tambo for your international flight home.
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