Cornelius Amann
October 06, 2026
5/5
Malawi and Zambia: Lake Malawi, Liwonde and South Luangwa
10 days from Lilongwe to Mfuwe: the Shire river at Liwonde, two nights on Lake Malawi, a road crossing into Zambia and three nights in South Luangwa.
10 days · Lilongwe to Mfuwe · up to 12 guests
Elephants crossing the Luangwa River, South Luangwa National Park, photographed in July 2011 Photo: Geoff Gallice, CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/), via Wikimedia Commons, resized
The facts
At a glance
- Length
- 10 days, 9 nights
- Start and end
- Lilongwe to Mfuwe
- Group size
- 7 to 12 guests
- Activity level
Moderate
Plan for boat safaris, game drives of 3 to 4 hours and guided bush walks of 2 to 3 hours on uneven ground, plus long road days. Walking activities depend on park permits. Easier options exist but are not step-free, and all timings are estimates.
- Meals included
- 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
- Season
- Dry-season safari and lake
Highlights
Why this trip
- A boat safari on the Shire river at Liwonde, a park run by African Parks (reported)
- Game drives at Liwonde, where black rhinos were reportedly reintroduced in 2019
- Two nights on Lake Malawi at Cape Maclear, with an island boat trip to be quoted
- A village walk with a local guide
- A road crossing from Malawi into Zambia at Mchinji and Mwami
- Game drives in South Luangwa, with walking safaris and night drives if permitted and quoted
What makes this trip different
Free time is part of the plan
Free time and choices are marked on the days they fall.
Day by day
Itinerary
Tap any stop on the map to open that dayClick any stop on the map to open that day
Arrive in Lilongwe
Lilongwe Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) to a lodge or hotel in Lilongwe
- Dinner
- Stay in Lilongwe
Fly into Lilongwe's Kamuzu International Airport (international flights are not included) and transfer to a lodge or hotel in the capital. If you land early, rest, or visit the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre or a craft market if the guide judges the day suitable. Canada's advice of 14 October 2026 warns of violent crime in Lilongwe, so we avoid walking after dark and use arranged transport.
Evening
In the evening your guide, once appointed, meets the group for a briefing on the ten days: boat and game drives on the Shire river, time on the lake, a border crossing into Zambia, and walking safaris in South Luangwa. We also discuss malaria prevention and why we avoid freshwater contact. A welcome dinner is planned.
Included
- Airport transfer
- Group briefing
- Welcome dinner
Free time: Free until the evening briefing
To Liwonde
Lilongwe to a lodge at Liwonde National Park
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Stay in Liwonde
- By boat
We travel south toward Liwonde and the Shire river. We estimate about four hours on the road, plus stops, but this is our estimate and not a verified time.
Afternoon
We aim to reach the lodge in the afternoon for a first boat cruise on the Shire, where hippos, crocodiles and a rich birdlife can be watched from the water. Fuel shortages are nationwide in Malawi, and Canada's advice of 14 October 2026 says to expect delays and keep the tank at least half full, so the vehicle operator must confirm fuel and a reserve plan before every departure. Liwonde is run by African Parks with Malawi's national parks department, according to the operator's published information (not re-checked for this itinerary), and black rhinos have reportedly been reintroduced there, but we cannot promise to see any. The lodge is expected to be on or near the river and is not yet chosen.
Included
- Road transfer
- Shire river boat safari
Free time: Free time at the lodge
Activity: Lodge, fuel arrangements and board basis not confirmed.
Boat and game drives at Liwonde
Liwonde National Park: Shire river boat safari and game drives
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Stay in Liwonde
- By boat
Afternoon
A full day in Liwonde with a morning boat safari on the Shire and an afternoon game drive, or the reverse. On the water, the guide watches for hippo, crocodile, elephant at the bank and birds such as African fish eagles and kingfishers. On land, we look for elephant, antelope and, if lucky, signs of the black rhinos that were reportedly brought back to the park in 2019, which are rare and shy. Sightings are never guaranteed and today's numbers are not verified. Wear neutral colours, bring binoculars and sun protection, and keep hands inside the boat; hippos are dangerous. We do not plan any swimming at Liwonde; hippos and crocodiles are in the river, and freshwater contact carries schistosomiasis risk in this part of Africa, according to CDC guidance. Easier option: one outing only.
Evening
A night drive may be quoted if the park permits it.
Included
- Shire river boat safari
- Game drive
Optional experiences
- Night drive (if permitted)
Easier option: One outing only
More active option: Both outings plus a short walk with a park guide
Free time: Mid-day at the lodge
Activity: Rhino sightings are not guaranteed.
To Cape Maclear on Lake Malawi
Liwonde to Cape Maclear
- Breakfast
- Stay in Cape Maclear
We drive to Cape Maclear, a village on the Nankumba peninsula at the southern end of Lake Malawi, close to Lake Malawi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site (listed in 1984, according to UNESCO's published listing) known for its colourful cichlid fish. We estimate about three hours on the road from Liwonde, which is our own estimate and not a verified time.
Afternoon
In the afternoon you have time to look at the lake from the shore, and the guide discusses the fishing communities here and the cichlids that make the lake biologically famous. Lake Malawi can carry the schistosomiasis parasite, which is why this itinerary does not include swimming or snorkelling; see the health notes. We stay two nights at a lodge on the lakeshore, expected to be simple but comfortable and not yet chosen.
Included
- Road transfer
- Introduction walk on the shore
Free time: Free afternoon
Activity: Lodge and lake access not confirmed.
Lake Malawi islands and a village walk
Cape Maclear: a boat to the islands and a walk with a local guide
- Breakfast
- Stay in Cape Maclear
- By boat
Morning
A morning boat trip takes us toward rocky islands in the lake, with a chance to see fish eagles and cormorants and the clear water, which we look at from the boat. The boat and the islands are operator-run and to be quoted, so the exact stops are not fixed. We do not plan to swim, snorkel or dive. CDC guidance names Lake Malawi as a transmission area for schistosomiasis, states that no vaccine or preventive drug exists, and warns against relying on local claims that a spot is parasite-free. We do not offer kayaking, because capsizing and splash exposure cannot be ruled out.
Afternoon
In the afternoon a local guide takes us on a village walk, with a talk about fishing, boats and daily life on the lake.
Included
- Boat trip toward the islands (operator and price to be quoted)
- Village walk with a local guide
Easier option: Village walk only
Free time: Free late afternoon
Activity: No swimming or snorkelling is planned; operator not confirmed.
Back to Lilongwe
Cape Maclear to Lilongwe
- Breakfast
- Stay in Lilongwe
We return to Lilongwe, a long road day. We estimate about five hours on the road with stops. Fuel supply may cause delays.
Afternoon
We arrive in the late afternoon and settle at a lodge in Lilongwe, to be chosen.
Evening
The evening is free, and you can pack for the border tomorrow, which is a long day. Lilongwe is also where the Zambia arrangements are finalised: the guide checks passports, any visa needs, yellow fever certificates where relevant and the Zambian vehicle. We keep the evening low-key. Internal flights are not part of the plan and would be quoted separately if you want them. Dinner is not included. Keep a small bag with water, snacks and sun protection within reach during the drive.
Included
- Road transfer
Free time: Free evening
Activity: Fuel supply and lodge to be confirmed.
Across the border to South Luangwa
Lilongwe to the Mchinji and Mwami border, then Chipata and South Luangwa
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Stay in South Luangwa
This is a long road day with a border. We leave early from Lilongwe for the Mchinji border post, exit Malawi and enter Zambia at Mwami, near Chipata. Allow generous time for formalities, since crossing hours and procedures are not confirmed and will be checked before departure. From Chipata the road continues to Mfuwe, the gateway to South Luangwa. We estimate six to seven hours in total with the crossing, which is our own estimate and not verified. Canada's Zambia advice flags major road safety issues, including on the Great East Road, so we plan to arrive in daylight. Mfuwe is not a border: the route uses Mwami. Your passports, any visas and yellow fever certificates, where they apply, and vehicle papers are checked at both posts, and the Zambia leg needs its own entry arrangements.
Evening
We arrive at a riverside camp by evening.
Included
- Border crossing at Mchinji and Mwami
- Road transfer to South Luangwa
Free time: Free evening at camp
Activity: Crossing hours, visa fees, vehicle arrangements and camp not confirmed; to be quoted.
Game drives and a walking safari
South Luangwa National Park: game drive and a guided walk
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Stay in South Luangwa
Evening
South Luangwa is known for walking safaris, which, as we understand park rules, are led by a trained guide with an armed scout, and for night drives, offered by licensed operators where permitted. We plan a morning walk if permitted and quoted, with a talk on tracks, birds and insects, and a late-afternoon game drive that may continue into the night if permitted and quoted. Leopard sightings are sometimes reported on night drives, but a leopard sighting is not promised. The park's hippos, elephants and giraffe are other highlights. Park fees are as published by the park and are shown in the quote. The camp is expected to be simple, close to the Luangwa River, and is not yet chosen. Walking is only possible when guides and rules allow. Easier option: game drives only, without the walk. Bring a headlamp, binoculars and warm layers for night drives.
Included
- Guided walking safari (if permitted and quoted)
- Game drive and night drive (if permitted and quoted)
Easier option: Game drives only
More active option: Longer walk with the guide
Free time: Mid-day at camp
Activity: Walking and night driving are subject to park rules.
A second day in the park
South Luangwa: game drives and a chosen activity
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Stay in South Luangwa
A second full day, shaped by what you saw yesterday and by what the guides see in the field.
Morning
The choices might include a longer walk, a morning drive to the river, a visit to a village or school if the camp offers it, or a quiet day at camp. Late in the dry season, animals often concentrate along the shrinking river, and the guides may stay near it. Wildlife in the Luangwa Valley includes elephant, lion, hyena and many birds, but none can be guaranteed. Dust, heat and early starts are part of the day.
Evening
The afternoon is for rest, with a final game drive at dusk. A farewell dinner is planned at camp. Meals are taken at camp, and the guide adjusts the timing to heat and to what the animals are doing.
Included
- Game drives and a guided activity
Optional experiences
- Village visit (if offered)
Easier option: One drive only
More active option: Longer walk
Free time: Mid-day at camp
Activity: Activities depend on the camp.
Departure from Mfuwe
South Luangwa camp to Mfuwe Airport
- Breakfast
Morning
After breakfast we transfer to Mfuwe Airport; the time depends on which camp is chosen and has not been confirmed. Onward flights from Mfuwe, whether to Lusaka or elsewhere, have not been checked and would be quoted if you want us to arrange them, so we do not state days or times. Do not book your onward flight until we have agreed an airport arrival window with you. If you need to connect to an international flight, leave a generous margin of at least a day.
Evening
An extra night at the camp is not included and would need a separate quote. Check passports and any exit paperwork the night before, keep your camera batteries charged, and remember that luggage allowances on small aircraft can be stricter than on international flights, so ask us before you pack.
Included
- Airport transfer
- Lilongwe1 night
- Liwonde2 nights
- Cape Maclear2 nights
- Lilongwe1 night
- South Luangwa3 nights
- Mfuweend
- Overnight stop
- Day trip
- By boat or train
Wildlife and weather: May to October is the dry season. Days are warm to hot, nights can be cool, and heat builds toward the rains. Canada's Zambia advice says secondary roads deteriorate badly in the December to April rains, which is why the proposal avoids the wet months. Wildlife, rhino and leopard sightings cannot be guaranteed.
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Before you book
Right for you?
Good for you if you want
- Travellers who want lake, river and walking safari in one trip
- Guests who accept long road days and a border
- Anyone interested in a slower safari with local guides
Not for you if you want
- Step-free access: bush walks, boats and camps are uneven
- Travellers who want to swim or snorkel in Lake Malawi: it is excluded for health reasons
- Anyone wanting a confirmed departure now: this itinerary is still in development
Book flights after we confirm your seat.
9 nights
Where you'll stay
Your hotels are named in your trip confirmation.
- Lilongwe1 night
- Liwonde2 nights
- Cape Maclear2 nights
- Lilongwe1 night
- South Luangwa3 nights
One price
What's in the price
Included
Accommodation
- 9 nights in lodges and camps: 1 in Lilongwe, 2 at Liwonde, 2 at Cape Maclear, 1 in Lilongwe, 3 in South Luangwa
- Rooms shared, or your own for a supplement
- Properties named only when confirmed
Transport
- Airport transfers at Lilongwe and Mfuwe
- Our own vehicle and driver in Malawi; a Zambian vehicle after the border, to be confirmed
- Safari vehicles and boats at the parks and the lake
Your guide
- A See Sight Tours guide with the group, appointment to be confirmed
- Park guides, including armed scouts for walks if permitted
Activities
- Liwonde: boat safari and game drive
- Cape Maclear: island boat trip (to be quoted) and village walk
- South Luangwa: game drives, with walking safaris and night drives if permitted and quoted
Meals
- Breakfast daily from day 2 (9)
- 5 lunches: days 2, 3, 7, 8 and 9
- 6 dinners: days 1, 2, 3, 7, 8 and 9
Not included
- International flights to Lilongwe and from Mfuwe, and any domestic connection
- Travel insurance
- Visa or travel authorisation fees, including Zambian entry, if any apply to your passport
- Park fees not listed in the quote
- Meals not listed
- Drinks
- Tips
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
Extras
- Room of your own
- Price on request
When you can go
Dates and prices
Pick your start date when you request to book. We check that date and confirm it in your quote.
Prefer to travel without a group or guide? Ask us about arranging hotels, transport and city tours for you to travel independently.
Before you book
Booking terms
Nothing is charged now. Full terms and the cancellation schedule come with your quote, before you accept.
Business addresses
See Sight Tours Trips (USA): 3172 N Rainbow Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89108, United StatesSee Sight Tours Trips (Canada): 5305 50 Avenue, #1091, Red Deer, AB T4N 4B6, Canada+1-888-961-6584Guest reviews
What guests say
Reviews from guests on our day tours.
Jane
October 06, 2026
5/5
Susan
October 06, 2026
5/5
Tom L
October 05, 2026
5/5
MandL83
October 05, 2026
5/5
Darren O
October 05, 2026
5/5
Good to know
Questions
Is this trip bookable now?
No. It is a proposed itinerary you can enquire about, not an available departure. Lodges, guides, vehicles and the border arrangements have not been confirmed. An enquiry takes no payment and confirms no booking; the written quote sets the final price, taxes, inclusions, operator and terms.
Can we swim or snorkel in Lake Malawi?
Not on this itinerary. CDC guidance names Lake Malawi as a schistosomiasis area, says there is no vaccine or preventive drug, and warns against trusting claims that a spot is safe. Snorkelling is skin contact, so it is excluded.
Is there a Mfuwe border?
No. Mfuwe is the Zambian gateway to South Luangwa, not a crossing. The road route goes through the Mchinji border post in Malawi and Mwami in Zambia, near Chipata, then on to Mfuwe. Hours and fees are not confirmed and will be checked for the quote.
Do I need a visa or a yellow fever certificate?
It depends on your passport. The Government of Canada's advice (read 8 November 2026) says Malawi requires a visa, available on arrival or online, and that Canadian tourists do not need a Zambian visa for up to 90 days a year. A yellow fever certificate is required in both countries if you arrive from or transited a country with yellow fever transmission. Check your own government's advice.
How long is the border day?
Day 7 is long. Our own estimate is six to seven hours in total from Lilongwe to Mfuwe including the crossing, but formalities and road conditions vary and the figure is not verified. A daytime crossing is planned.
Can we fly instead of driving?
Internal flights are not part of the plan and would be quoted separately if you want them. The trip ends with a transfer to Mfuwe Airport, and onward connections there have not been checked.
Will we see rhino or leopard?
Not guaranteed. Black rhinos were reportedly reintroduced to Liwonde in 2019, but sightings are rare. Leopard sightings are sometimes reported on night drives in South Luangwa, where they are permitted, and no sighting is promised.
Are walking safaris and night drives included?
They are planned if permitted and quoted. As we understand park rules, South Luangwa walks are led by a trained guide with an armed scout and need arranging ahead, and night drives are run by licensed operators. Park fees are as published by the park and are shown in the quote.
What are the safety and fuel risks?
Canada's advice for Malawi (14 October 2026) says to exercise a high degree of caution because of nationwide fuel shortages and crime, and warns of violent crime in Lilongwe. For Zambia it flags major road safety issues. We plan reserve fuel and arranged transport, and the plan may change.
Is malaria a risk?
Yes. The Government of Canada recommends antimalarial medication for most travellers to Malawi and to Zambia and advises bite prevention. Ask a travel clinic about prophylaxis well before departure.
Does it connect with other trips?
Yes. See our Zambia South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi walking safari and our Victoria Falls short break. Transfers between trips are not included and need a quote.
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