Day 1: Lilongwe – Get Acquainted with Malawi’s Capital
Arrive in Lilongwe, the laid-back capital of Malawi. Spend the day getting familiar with the city.
Start with a visit to the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, Malawi’s only animal sanctuary. It’s a good introduction to the country’s commitment to conservation.
In the afternoon, stroll around Old Town and visit the local markets. This gives you a chance to experience local life and maybe pick up a few souvenirs.
If you have time in the evening, try a local restaurant for some Malawian food. Nsima (a type of maize porridge) is a staple you’ll want to try.
Day 2: Dedza – Art and History Along the Way
Today, head south to Dedza, about 1.5 hours from Lilongwe. Dedza is famous for its pottery, so make sure your first stop is Dedza Pottery. You can even buy some handcrafted pieces to take home.
Visit the Chongoni Rock Art Area afterward. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can find ancient rock paintings. It’s a humbling experience to connect with such an old piece of human history.
Spend the night in Dedza or drive a bit further to Zomba if you prefer to continue the journey.
Day 3: Zomba – Hike the Old Colonial Capital
Start your day with a walk around Zomba town. Zomba used to be Malawi’s colonial capital, and you can still see some of the old buildings.
Afterward, head up to the Zomba Plateau for a hike. The views from the top are fantastic, and the cool breezes up there are refreshing. It’s not a difficult hike, and you can ask locals for trails that suit how much time you want to spend.
End your day with a visit to the Mulunguzi Dam, a peaceful spot ideal for photo ops or a quiet evening walk.
Day 4: Liwonde National Park – Go on Safari!
Drive about two hours to Liwonde National Park, one of the best places in Malawi for wildlife spotting. You can do a game drive in the morning or late afternoon to catch sight of elephants, hippos, and crocodiles.
Boating safaris are also a great way to see wildlife in Liwonde, especially along the Shire River. Keep your camera ready!
At night, stay in one of the lodges or camps inside the park. It’s an amazing feeling to fall asleep to the sounds of nature.
Day 5: Lake Malawi – Relax at Cape Maclear
Today, head to Cape Maclear, on the southern tip of Lake Malawi. It’s a 3-hour drive, but it’s worth it. Lake Malawi is often called the “Lake of Stars” because of the stunning reflection of stars on its surface at night.
Once you get there, spend the afternoon swimming or relaxing by the lake. Cape Maclear is a great spot for water activities like kayaking or snorkeling.
If you have the energy, hike up to the nearby hills for a panoramic view of the lake and islands.
Day 6: Lake Malawi – Explore More of the Lake
Take a boat trip to one of the small islands nearby for a peaceful day out. The water is clear, and you’ll likely see colorful fish while snorkeling.
If you’re into diving, this is a great place to try it. Lake Malawi has more species of fish than any other lake, and you’ll see some amazing underwater biodiversity.
Spend another evening by the lake. Sunset here is one of the most beautiful you will see, so don’t miss it.
Day 7: Return to Lilongwe (Optional Stop at Salima)
On your final day, head back to Lilongwe. If you have time, stop in Salima for lunch and some last-minute lake views before getting back to the city.
Once in Lilongwe, take it easy. Finish off your trip by revisiting any areas you might have missed or just enjoy a quiet evening preparing for your next adventure.
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