Malawi Liwonde & Majete Big Five Safari
The Warm Heart of Africa's Great Conservation Comeback
Overview
Malawi's transformation is one of the great conservation stories of our age. A little over a decade ago its parks had been all but emptied by poaching; today, thanks to African Parks and a series of landmark rewildings, Liwonde and Majete once again hold the Big Five. This six-day journey follows that comeback along the palm-fringed Shire River in Liwonde — where elephant wade at the water's edge and hippo and crocodile crowd the shallows — and into the miombo-clad hills of Majete, the reserve that brought lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo back to Malawi.
This is a safari for travellers who want wildlife without the crowds. You explore by open vehicle, by boat along the Shire and on foot, staying in the intimate riverside tents of Mvuu Lodge and the stone-and-thatch luxury of Mkulumadzi, hidden at the confluence of two rivers in Majete. Between them lies some of the most exciting rewilded wilderness in Africa — and the deep, genuine warmth for which Malawi, the Warm Heart of Africa, is famous.
Who It's For
Perfect for experienced safari-goers, conservation-minded travellers and couples seeking a quieter, uncrowded Big Five experience with exceptional boat safaris, birdlife and a powerful rewilding story.
Package Highlights
Shire River Boat Safaris
Glide past elephant, hippo and hundreds of birds on Liwonde's palm-lined river
A Big Five Comeback
Majete's rewilding brought lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo back to Malawi
Elephant at the Water
Liwonde's elephant herds gather along the Shire in unforgettable numbers
World-Class Birding
Over 400 species, from fish eagles to the rare Pel's fishing owl
Uncrowded Wilderness
Two of Africa's finest rewilded parks, still gloriously off the beaten track
Intimate Riverside Lodges
Mvuu on the Shire and Mkulumadzi at the meeting of two rivers
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Fly into Malawi and transfer to Liwonde National Park, the country's premier safari destination on the banks of the great Shire River. Settle into Mvuu Lodge, and as the afternoon cools set out on your first boat safari, drifting past pods of hippo and elephant coming down to drink as fish eagles call overhead.
🏨 Accommodation: Mvuu Lodge
🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Featured Lodges & Accommodation
Mvuu Lodge
📍 Liwonde National Park
An intimate tented lodge on a private lagoon off the Shire River, where elephant and hippo wander through camp and the boat safaris are the best in Malawi. Relaxed, characterful and perfectly placed for Liwonde's wildlife.
From $480 per person per night
Mkulumadzi Lodge
📍 Majete Wildlife Reserve
Eight stone, glass and thatch chalets on a private 7,000-acre concession, reached across a suspension bridge at the confluence of two rivers. A serene, design-led retreat in the heart of Malawi's Big Five comeback.
From $640 per person per night
Pricing & Options
All prices per person sharing. Customize any tier to your preferences.
Luxury
(~$720/night)
Riverside and reserve lodges, shared activities, all meals and boat safaris
Get QuotePremium Luxury
(~$920/night)
Leading suites and private guided activities
Get QuoteExclusive
(~$1,280/night)
Private vehicle and guide, exclusive-use, all-inclusive fine dining
Get QuoteWhat's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ 5 nights luxury lodge accommodation
- ✓ All meals, teas and house beverages
- ✓ Game drives, boat safaris and walking safaris
- ✓ Reserve and national park fees
- ✓ Internal road transfers between parks
- ✓ Transfers from Lilongwe or Blantyre
- ✓ Laundry
- ✓ Conservation levies supporting African Parks
✗ Excluded
- ✗ International and domestic flights
- ✗ Travel insurance
- ✗ Premium wines and champagne
- ✗ Visas and Malawi entry fees
- ✗ Private vehicle upgrade (unless selected)
- ✗ Gratuities (guidelines provided)
- ✗ Personal expenses
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Travel
Malawi's dry season from May to October is prime time, when wildlife concentrates along the Shire River and the bush thins for superb viewing. The green season is quieter and excellent for birding.
Why Choose This Package
One of Africa's Great Comebacks
Witness the rewilding that returned the Big Five to Malawi through African Parks — a living conservation success story.
The Best Boat Safaris in the Region
Liwonde's Shire River delivers elephant, hippo and extraordinary birdlife from the water.
Genuinely Uncrowded
Two superb parks with a fraction of the visitors of the better-known safari circuits.
Land, Water and Foot
Game drives, boat safaris and guided walks combine for a richly varied wilderness experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience the Malawi Liwonde & Majete Big Five Safari?
From $3,600 per person | 6 Days / 5 Nights
⚡ Limited availability for peak season 2026 — book early to secure your dates
