Malawi: Self-Drive Safari North

Welcome to the warm heart of Africa! Upon your arrival at Lilongwe International Airport, you will be greeted by one of our staff members & receive all your documents with information you will need for the next 13 days. Your first two nights will be at the Blue Zebra Lodge on Zebra Island. The lodge's chalets are nestled in an unspoiled landscape where guests are surrounded by nature and luxury. You have the choice to relax by the infinity pool, rent kayaks to circle the island, play volleyball or use the complimentary snorkeling equipment. Meals: Full board. Distance: About 131 KM, approx. 2 hours from the airport and 30 minutes by boat from the mainland to the island.

The Tongole Wilderness Lodge is a 4-star eco-tourism project located deep in the wild and beautiful Miombo forest of the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve. The lodge has been designed to showcase the best of Malawian culture and blend stylishly into the impressive nature. Just 30 km west of Lake Malawi, also known as the “Lake of Stars,” directly on the forested banks of the idyllic Bua River, Tongole is the only luxury lodge of its kind in this region. It attracts nature lovers seeking an extraordinary wilderness experience – in one of Africa's last relatively untouched wildlife conservation areas, and perhaps Malawi's as well. Meals: Full board. Distance: About 191 KM, 3 hours drive from Blue Zebra.

From Tongole Wilderness Lodge, the safari journey continues to Chelinda in Nyika National Park. The Chelinda Lodge is located in the midst of a small Hagenia forest and offers a breathtaking view of the endless, gently undulating grasslands of Nyika Nature Park, which are interspersed with large herds of roan antelope, eland antelope, and zebras. Here, safari experiences are available from the terrace. The dense forest behind Chelinda Lodge provides a perfect, sheltered backdrop for an idyllic break in Malawi's elevated wild steppe. Meals: Full board. Distance: About 490 KM, 8 hours drive from Nkhotakota.

Now it's time to fly, strengthened by a delicious Malawian breakfast, to the evergreen north of the country in the heart of Africa. You will spend your last four nights in the fascinating Kaya Mawa Lodge. The Kaya Mawa Lodge is located at the tip of a crescent-shaped bay on Likoma Island, surrounded by mango and ancient baobab trees. The main camp is situated on a rocky outcrop and includes amenities such as a bar, a restaurant, and a natural pool. The lodge offers several stone-clad cottages with thatched roofs, two family beach villas, and a luxurious romantic private villa on its own island. It was entirely handcrafted and in collaboration with the local community (Community Based Tourism). Meals: Full board. Distance: About 45 minutes by plane from Chelinda to Likoma.

All good things come to an end, including (unfortunately) your safari journey through northern Malawi. Today you will fly back to Lilongwe International Airport, and from there back to your homeland or to another destination in Africa (we are happy to help with a combination trip). Hopefully, we will see you again very soon! Distance: About 1.5 hour flight from Likoma to Lilongwe.