Southern Malawi & South Luangwa Luxury

Your journey begins in the remarkable Majete Wildlife Reserve, one of Africa’s leading conservation success stories and Malawi’s premier Big Five safari destination. Nestled at the confluence of the Shire and Mkulumadzi Rivers, Mkulumadzi Lodge offers an exclusive safari retreat surrounded by riverine forest, mature woodland, and unspoiled wilderness. The lodge combines understated luxury with exceptional wildlife experiences, creating an elegant introduction to the journey.

Spacious chalets overlook the surrounding bush while the central lodge area provides panoramic river views, outdoor dining spaces, a swimming pool, and tranquil relaxation areas immersed in nature. Guests enjoy professionally guided safari activities including game drives, wildlife viewing, and opportunities to explore the reserve’s thriving ecosystems, home to elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and abundant birdlife.

Transfers & Flights: A scenic road transfer by a Crafted Africa guide connects Chileka Airport – Blantyre with Majete Wildlife Reserve through the picturesque landscapes of Southern Malawi up to Mkulumadzi Lodge.

The journey continues into the rolling tea estates of Thyolo, one of Malawi’s most scenic and historically rich regions. Located within the renowned Satemwa Tea Estate, Huntingdon House combines colonial elegance with refined country hospitality. Originally the family home of the estate’s founders, the property now offers an intimate luxury experience surrounded by manicured gardens, tea plantations, and forested hills.

The peaceful atmosphere invites guests to relax and enjoy the cool highland climate while exploring the estate’s tea and coffee heritage. Activities include tea tastings, estate walks, mountain biking trails, and visits through the surrounding plantations. The combination of history, scenery, and warm hospitality creates a tranquil and sophisticated highland escape.

Transfers & Flights: A scenic overland transfer linking Majete Wildlife Reserve with the tea-growing landscapes of Thyolo onto the Huntingdon House for your stay.

Travelling north, the itinerary reaches Zomba, Malawi’s former colonial capital known for its mountain scenery, cool climate, and relaxed atmosphere. Situated beneath the Zomba Plateau, Kefi Hotel Café offers a stylish boutique stay blending historic architecture with contemporary comfort. Surrounded by forested gardens and scenic viewpoints, the property provides a peaceful retreat within one of Malawi’s most charming towns.

Guests can enjoy guided walks, nearby plateau excursions, local cafés, artisan markets, and panoramic views stretching toward Mulanje Mountain on clear days. The intimate atmosphere, fresh local cuisine, and relaxed setting create an enjoyable balance between adventure and comfort.

Transfers & Flights: A scenic road transfer by a Crafted Africa guide connecting Thyolo with Zomba through Southern Malawi.

The trip continues into Liwonde National Park, Malawi’s leading wildlife destination and one of Southern Africa’s most successful conservation areas. Positioned along an open plain near the Shire River, Kuthengo Camp offers an intimate and luxurious safari experience within a remote wilderness setting. Surrounded by fever trees, baobabs, and abundant wildlife, the camp combines comfort with authentic safari immersion.

Activities include expertly guided game drives, walking safaris, boating safaris, and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities across Liwonde’s varied habitats. Elephant, hippo, crocodile, buffalo, antelope, and prolific birdlife are frequently encountered throughout the park. Private decks, elegant safari chalets, and panoramic bush views create an atmosphere of exclusivity and relaxation after each day’s safari activities.

Transfers & Flights: Overland transfers by a Crafted Africa guide from Zomba connecting seamlessly into Liwonde National Park, through Charlie Charlie followed by a short 20 Minuytes boat transfer into Kuthengo Camp.

Leaving the safari landscapes behind, the journey transitions to the tranquil shores of Lake Malawi, famously known as the “Lake of Stars.” Set along the forested hills of the Nankumba Peninsula, Pumulani Lodge offers one of Malawi’s most exclusive lakeside experiences. The lodge’s private villas are positioned to maximize panoramic lake views while maintaining privacy and serenity.

Guests can enjoy kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, boat excursions, cultural visits, lakeside relaxation, and exceptional freshwater experiences within one of the world’s most biodiverse lakes. The combination of luxury accommodation, peaceful surroundings, and spectacular scenery creates an idyllic lakeshore retreat.

Transfers & Flights: A short return boat transfer from Kuthengo to the mainland – Charlie Charlie and onward road transfer connecting Liwonde National Park with the southern shores of Lake Malawi to Pumulani Lodge for your stay.

The final stage of the itinerary takes guests into Zambia’s legendary South Luangwa National Park, regarded as one of Africa’s finest safari destinations and the birthplace of the walking safari. Located in the remote Nsefu Sector overlooking the Luangwa River, Tena Tena Camp delivers an intimate and authentic wilderness experience within one of Zambia’s richest wildlife regions.

The camp’s luxury safari tents provide sweeping river views while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding environment. Days are spent exploring the park through professionally guided game drives, walking safaris, night drives, and wildlife-viewing experiences led by some of the region’s most experienced guides.

South Luangwa is renowned for exceptional leopard sightings, large elephant herds, lions, giraffes, hippos, and extraordinary birdlife, making it one of Africa’s most rewarding safari ecosystems.

Transfers & Flights: Guests transfer from Lake Malawi to Club Makokola Airstrip for a regional flight into Mfuwe, followed by a road transfer into South Luangwa National Park.

Following breakfast, guests transfer to Mfuwe Airport for their scheduled onward flight to Lusaka and international departure arrangements.