Red Zebra Cichlid Safari: Summary
Red Zebra Cichlid Safari in a nutshell
Malawi doesn’t often come top of many traveller lists, but for those after a great value adventure where you’ll get to know some of the most welcoming people in the world, support some inspiring conservation work and explore some real wilderness, this trip is a great introduction to the ‘warm heart of Africa’.
Begin with a safari in Majete Wildlife Reserve, 700km² of forested hills flanking the fast-flowing Shire River in the south of the country. By the late 1990s, much of the wildlife here had been poached but thanks to efforts supported by NGO African Parks, including ambitious reintroduction of black rhino and lion, Majete is now Malawi’s only ‘Big Five’ park and a thriving model of sustainable development. It still only receives a few thousand visitors a year, retaining a truly wild atmosphere, and you’ll be supporting the ongoing restoration of the park by spending time here.
Stay at Mkulumadzi Lodge, run by the venerable Robin Pope Safaris, a stylish set up which hosts a great mix of activities including game drives, walking safaris, boat trips on the river, visits to a nearby village, time in the photographic hide and even a night out on the star deck. Wildlife viewing here is getting better by the year and the birding is fantastic.
Follow the Shire back to Lake Malawi. On this trip, the transfers are done by road which gives you a view of ‘the real’ Malawi passing through rural areas and towns. There’s always the chance to stop occasionally – for an interesting market or even just a cold beer at a local shop.
The second stop is at Pumulani, also run by Robin Pope Safaris, a luxury lodge overlooking Lake Malawi’s blue waters. Relax on the beach or your villa, with ample opportunity to keep active kayaking, snorkelling, diving, sailing and water-skiing. On land, head out on birdwatching walks or cycle to the neighbouring village for an insight into local traditions. Watching the sun set over the lake’s waters as the stars appear overhead from a dhow is an unforgettable way to round out your week.
At a glance
| Starts: | Blantyre International Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights | Mkulumadzi - Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi | Full Board |
| 4 nights | Pumulani - Shore of Lake Malawi, Malawi | Full Board |
| Ends: | Lilongwe International Airport |
Mkulumadzi
Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi
Pumulani
Shore of Lake Malawi, Malawi
Highlights
Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Red Zebra Cichlid Safari.
- Discovering Majete’s off the beaten track wilderness
- Playing a part in an incredible conservation success story
- Snorkelling with clouds of cichlids in Lake Malawi
- Watching the sun set and stars come out over the lake
- Getting in insight into Malawi’s welcoming culture
Activities
Some activities which can be included in the Red Zebra Cichlid Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Key species to see on the Red Zebra Cichlid Safari
Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Red Zebra Cichlid Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
77% chance
77% chance
26% chance
22% chance
22% chance
22% chance
22% chance
0% chance
0% chance
0% chance
0% chance
Let us help you customise your trip
Like all of our holidays on this site, this is just an idea. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you.
Talk to an Expert
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Set up your itinerary
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Prepare for your trip
The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.
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After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.
When you return
We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.
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Utaka Cichlid Safari
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BLANTYRE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT
Explore two of Malawi's safari parks - Majete Wildlife Reserve and Liwonde National Park - before finishing your trip with some beach time relaxing, snorkelling and sailing in Lake Malawi National Park.
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Combine a safari in the lush and resurgent Liwonde National Park with down time at an island eco-retreat in the middle of Lake Malawi. A great way to explore Malawi.
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