Description
Malawi may be one of Africa’s smallest countries but when it comes to exploration and adventure, it has tremendous amounts to offer, from grasslands and forests, mountaintops and unspoilt wildlife parks to Africa’s third largest and most beautiful Lake!
Situated on the Great Rift Valley, Malawi is dominated by Lake Malawi, a magnificent body of water 365 miles long and 52 miles wide, sometimes referred to as the calendar lake! The lake is teaming with life including over 400 species of cichlid fish, a lot of which are endemic to it. Most of Lake Malawi’s astounding underwater diversity is protected within the Lake Malawi National Park which is a World Heritage site and also one of the first in the world set aside for the protection of freshwater fish.
The wildlife parks in Malawi are picturesque as well as diverse in game. Also unlike many other African parks these have a very exclusive feel to them with only a few lodges operating in each. Reserves such as Majete Wildlife Reserve are virtually undiscovered by tourists thus visiting it feels more like an expedition, making for unique and exciting safaris. Majete is also the only official Big 5 Park in Malawi. Malawi is not an economically wealthy country, but there are great riches in the people and their culture.
Malawians are never short on smiles and hospitality making you feel welcome in the, ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ right from the start of your unforgettable journey.
Itinerary
Day 1 – 3 : Mkulumadzi
On arrival at Blantyre International Airport a representative of Robin Pope Safaris will be there to meet and assist you. The drive to Mkulumadzi is approximately 2.5 hours through colourful local scenes of villages, agriculture and bush. The camp is located on the confluence of the Shire and Mkulumadzi River, within Majete Wildlife Reserve 70km south west of Blantyre in southern Malawi. Majete is Malawi’s only Big Five Reserve and one of the largest protected areas, covering an area of over 70 000 ha. The reserve is located within the Miombo woodland ecoregion and much of the higher lying areas in the west of the park are dominated by Miombo/Brachystegia woodland. Mixed Combretum woodlands and mosaics of riparian forest can be found in the east of Majete. Depending on your arrival time in the day you will enjoy a lunch looking out over the Shire River or if you arrive in the afternoon, you can enjoy afternoon tea and the evening game drive. This is the perfect location to start your safari as Livingstone is recorded to have entered Malawi by way of the Shire River.
The luxurious lodge is in a stunning location, the activities include game drives, boating safaris, bush walks, hiking Majete Hill, black rhino tracking, cultural tours, birding trips on the Shire River and to nearby Elephant Marsh, and game viewing from a hide. Guests are free to be as energetic or idle as they please although at least one activity per day is encouraged to best enjoy Majete.
Day 4 – 7 : Pumulani
Transfer to Pumulani will be after breakfast, where you can enjoy a beautiful and scenic drive through both game area and village life of around 5 hours reaching the Nankumba Peninsula of Lake Malawi. This is recognised as one of the most beautiful shores of the lake and borders Lake Malawi National Park. This Park was established in order to protect the cichlid fish unique to the area. In 1984 the park was designated a World Heritage Site.
Pumulani is exclusively situated on the west side of the Nankumba Peninsula, surrounded by the National Park. The ten villas are scattered around the hillside and are individual in shape and style but all have a spacious bedroom, bathroom and extensive sitting area. The front sliding doors open onto the deck, which is elevated above the ground giving optimal views. Our remote beach setting is ideal for those who simply want to soak up the sun and swim in the clear blue waters of the lake. For those who prefer to take a dive in the swimming pool, there is an infinity pool near the central dining area with grand views over the lake, as well as another infinity pool on beach level. For those seeking activity we offer many water sport activities like snorkelling, fishing, sailing, kayaking, water skiing, wake boarding and fun tube rides (all motorised activities are excluded). At the end of the day climb aboard our dhow and let our experienced local crewmen take you sailing into the sunset.
Lake Malawi is the world’s most ecologically diverse lake. Its crystal clear waters are home to more than a thousand species of fish, including hundreds of species of colourful cichlids. We offer special diving courses at the best diving spots near one of the islands. For those who are interested in the real Malawian village life we offer guided walks through one of the local villages. Malawians are renowned for being amongst the friendliest people in Africa and during your stay you will have the opportunity to experience this for yourself. You can also simply relax in the beautiful and tranquil scenery or enjoy the many other activities.
Day 8 : Transit
On the final day of your stay at Pumulani you will bid farewell to the lodge and be transferred back to Lilongwe in time for your onward connection.
Valid March to beginning of January.
Included
All transfers by road starting in Blantyre and ending in Lilongwe, local drinks, accommodation on full board basis, activities (except motorized water sports), laundry.
Excluded
Gratuities, visa fees where applicable + international flights.
FAQ's
Our approach to travel is defined by our motto “Constantly in Pursuit of Excellence”, as we strive to provide top quality tour or safari options. We’d love to hear from you, so please contact us with your questions, comments or suggestions through our Support System and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Please also review our FAQ’s to save you time in case your question has already been answered.
