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
Browse this Expert Africa website, then call us. We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you.
Set up your itinerary
Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.
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.
Travel with peace of mind
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.
Other ideas for Malawi trips
Look at these ideas in Malawi: then talk to us. Will will design a trip that's perfect for you.
Utaka Cichlid Safari
10 days • 3 locations • 1 country
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.
Visiting Lakeshore, Majete and 1 other area
US$3,730 - US$4,240 per person
Orange Cap Cichlid Safari
7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
LILONGWE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT
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.
Visiting Lakeshore, Liwonde
US$3,860 - US$4,360 per person
Blue Neon Cichlid Safari
4 days • 1 location • 1 country
LILONGWE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT
Four nights at a charming eco-camp on Mumbo Island in Lake Malawi National Park surrounded by some of the world’s best freshwater snorkelling. A great value end to your safari.
Visiting Lakeshore
US$2,010 - US$2,150 per person
Peacock Cichlid Safari
4 days • 1 location • 1 country
LILONGWE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT
Snorkel in Lake Malawi’s famously clear freshwater, relax on the beach and explore Likoma Island from the award-winning Kaya Mawa. A chilled luxury add-on to end your safari.
Visiting Likoma Island
US$1,940 - US$2,520 per person
Utaka Cichlid Safari
10 days • 3 locations • 1 country
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.
Visiting Lakeshore, Majete and 1 other area
US$3,730 - US$4,240 per person
Orange Cap Cichlid Safari
7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
LILONGWE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT
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.
Visiting Lakeshore, Liwonde
US$3,860 - US$4,360 per person
Lovebird Fly-in Safari
5 days • 2 locations • 1 country
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Visit two consistently impressive wildlife destinations during this excellent-value safari in northern Tanzania. Enjoy a range of walks and cultural visits from sister camps at the Ngorongoro Crater and in the heart of the Serengeti.
Visiting Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti
US$3,190 - US$4,730 per person
Side-striped Jackal Safari
6 days • 2 locations • 1 country
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
Get an in-depth experience of Zimbabwe’s colossal Hwange National Park, staying at two experience-focused camps with excellent guiding in contrasting areas. An adventurous safari for the real enthusiast.
Visiting Hwange
US$3,180 - US$4,220 per person
Sable Self-drive Safari
12 days • 7 locations • 3 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
A great value southern African self-drive adventure from Namibia along the Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Zimbabwe, combining otherworldly landscapes, unforgettable wildlife spectacles, rarely visited places and ending at Victoria Falls.
Visiting Etosha, Chobe and 4 other areas
US$3,090 - US$4,140 per person
Wattled Crane Safari
5 days • 2 locations • 1 country
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A good-value Botswana safari staying at comfortable lodges in prime wildlife-viewing areas – Chobe National Park and the Moremi Reserve in the Okavango Delta.
Visiting Chobe, Moremi
US$3,690 - US$5,820 per person
Other trip ideas across Africa
Talk to us: help us to understand what you like and we can create a trip that will really suit you.
Cape Genet Self-drive Safari
20 days • 8 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
Enjoy fine-dining in Cape Town, whale-watching in Hermanus, and a range of walking and water-based activities throughout De Hoop’s Nature Reserve, the Klein Karoo and Plettenberg. This relaxed self-driven safari concludes with stays in The Winelands and Namaqualand.
US$3,280 - US$3,930 per person
Namaqua Chameleon Self-drive
12 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
A classic 12-night self-drive adventure around the highlights of eastern and northern Namibia taking in Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha and a final stop at Okonjima. Comfortable lodges and great value.
US$3,190 - US$3,570 per person
Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari
19 days • 10 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
Journey from South Africa’s cosmopolitan Cape Town to central Namibia’s Okonjima Nature Reserve during this self-driven safari. The route passes through a stunning variety of landscapes, offering access to this beautiful continent’s rich diversity.
US$3,860 - US$3,960 per person
Waterbuck self-drive
12 days • 6 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT
A classic Cape and Garden Route self-drive taken at a leisurely pace and staying in charming boutique hotels. Great food and wine paired with spectacular scenery and an exciting array of activities.
US$2,680 - US$3,040 per person
Cape Mountain Zebra Self-drive Safari
12 days • 4 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
Fine dining, luxurious accommodation and a wide of range of leisurely activities make this a superbly comfortable self-driven safari. Visit the cosmopolitan Cape Town, tranquil coastal retreats, stylish wine farms and spectacularly peaceful nature reserves.
US$4,070 - US$6,860 per person
Hartebeest Self-drive Safari
16 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
This self-drive safari focuses on the best cultural experiences in Namibia. Visit a Himba village and enjoy three days living with the San Bushmen interspersed with some excellent wildlife watching.
US$4,110 - US$4,500 per person
Caracal Self-drive Safari
14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
The quintessential Namibian self-drive adventure exploring the highlights from Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert to Damaraland’s wilderness and a safari in Etosha. A great mix of accommodation and excellent value.
US$2,580 - US$3,440 per person
Quiver Tree Self-drive Safari
14 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
An offbeat Namibian self-drive adventure exploring the epic Fish River Canyon and fascinating Kolmanskop ghost town in the south, before turning north via the classic highlights of Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and Damaraland.
US$2,550 - US$2,620 per person
Elephant Safari
10 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
This example of a mid-range Kenya safari and beach trip explores the wildlife of Tsavo west's volcanic plains and woodlands, Tsavo East's immense plains and the white sand beaches and lush environment of Diani Beach.
US$4,300 - US$4,610 per person
Cape Grysbok Self-drive Safari
20 days • 8 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
Explore Cape Town, Hermanus, Franschhoek and Namaqualand, amongst other memorable destinations, during this leisurely self-driven safari. Fine dining, varied activities and impressively comfortable lodges, estates and country houses await.
US$4,320 - US$6,510 per person