6-Day Itinerary for Exploring Malawi

Day 1: Arrival & Lake Malawi (Likoma Island)

Places to Go: Likoma Island, situated on the border between Malawi and Mozambique in Lake Malawi.

Activities: Visit St. Peter’s Cathedral, snorkeling or scuba diving, boat trips, beach relaxation.

Things to Know: Likoma Island is a tranquil paradise with beautiful beaches and clear waters. It’s a great place for relaxation and water activities.

Visa Requirements: For most nationalities, a 30-day visa can be obtained upon arrival at the airport. However, it’s always best to check the latest requirements on the Malawi Government’s official website or with your local embassy before travel.

Transportation: Ferry services are available from Monkey Bay in Malawi to Likoma Island.

Day 2: Lake Malawi (Chembe Beach & Livingstonia)

Places to Go: Chembe Beach and Livingstonia on the northern shores of Lake Malawi.

Activities: Swimming, hiking, cultural village visits, boat trips.

Things to Know: The northern part of Lake Malawi is less touristy and offers a more authentic experience.

Transportation: Boat or plane (small charter flights) from Likoma Island or Monkey Bay to Livingstonia.

Day 3: Nyika National Park

Places to Go: Nyika National Park, one of Africa’s largest and highest national parks.

Activities: Game drives, hiking, bird watching, scenic drives.

Things to Know: The park is known for its rolling grasslands, heath moorland, and afro-alpine vegetation. It’s a great destination for nature lovers.

Transportation: Self-drive or guided safari tours are available from Rumphi or Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve.

Day 4: Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve

Places to Go: Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve, a small but diverse wildlife reserve.

Activities: Game drives, bird watching, night drives.

Things to Know: The reserve is home to species like sable antelope, roan antelope, and African wild dog. It’s a great destination for animal enthusiasts.

Transportation: Self-drive or guided safari tours are available from Mzuzu or Rumphi.

Day 5: Liwonde National Park

Places to Go: Liwonde National Park, famous for its elephants and hippos.

Activities: Game drives, boat safaris, walking safaris.

Things to Know: The park is located along the Shire River and offers a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities.

Transportation: Self-drive or guided safari tours are available from Blantyre or Zomba.

Day 6: Departure

Places to Go: Departure from either Chileka International Airport (Blantyre) or Kamuzu International Airport (Lilongwe).

Activities: Depending on your flight time, you might want to explore the local markets in Blantyre or Lilongwe for last-minute souvenirs.

Things to Know: Allow plenty of time to get to the airport as traffic can be heavy and roads may be in poor condition.