Utaka Cichlid Safari: Summary
Utaka Cichlid Safari in a nutshell
Malawi is not the first place that springs to mind when thinking of an African safari, 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 is a pretty special opportunity. The trip takes in Majete Wildlife Reserve, then continues in Liwonde National Park before finishing within Lake Malawi National Park, staying in top-notch lodges run by Robin Pope Safaris, with high standards of accommodation, food and service. With all transfers by road, rather than by air, this trip is a great introduction to the "warm heart of Africa", giving you a feel for the country as you pass through rural areas and towns, perhaps stopping to visit an interesting market or to grab a cold beer at a local shop.
Begin with a safari in the 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 the ambitious reintroduction of black rhino and lion, Majete has become a thriving model of sustainable development. Malawi’s only "big five" park, it retains a truly wild atmosphere, yet still receives only a few thousand visitors a year. You'll stay at the stylish Mkulumadzi Lodge, which offers 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 is getting better by the year, the birding is fantastic - and by spending time here you’ll be supporting the ongoing restoration of the park.
From Majete, you'll drive via Blantyre to the Liwonde National Park, where your home for three nights is the small, secluded Kuthengo Camp, set beneath huge trees on the banks of the Shire River.
The final stop is at Pumulani, a lovely beach lodge overlooking Lake Malawi. Relax on the beach or by the pool, or explore the blue waters while kayaking, snorkelling, diving, sailing and water-skiing. On land, head out on birdwatching walks or cycle to a neighbouring village for an insight into local traditions. Then in the evening, watch the sunset from a dhow as stars appear overhead: an unforgettable way to round off your trip.
At a glance
| Starts: | Blantyre International Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights | Mkulumadzi - Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi | Full Board & Activities |
| 3 nights | Kuthengo Camp - Liwonde National Park, Malawi | Full Board & Activities |
| 4 nights | Pumulani - Shore of Lake Malawi, Malawi | Full Board & Activities |
| Ends: | Lilongwe International Airport |
Mkulumadzi
Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi
Kuthengo Camp
Liwonde National Park, Malawi
Pumulani
Shore of Lake Malawi, Malawi
Highlights
Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Utaka Cichlid Safari.
- Discovering the wilderness of Majete and Liwonde
- Playing your part in a conservation success story
- Snorkelling in Lake Malawi's crystal-clear waters
- Watching the sunset from a traditional dhow
- Gaining an insight into Malawi’s welcoming people
Activities
Some activities which can be included in the Utaka 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 Utaka Cichlid Safari
Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Utaka Cichlid Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
77% chance
54% chance
51% chance
45% chance
20% chance
18% chance
18% chance
0% chance
0% chance
0% chance
Let us help you customise your trip
All of our holidays on this site are just ideas; none are fixed. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us help you to work out your perfect trip.
Talk to an Expert
Call us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.
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.
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$4,280 - US$5,310 per person
Red Zebra Cichlid Safari
7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
BLANTYRE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT
Explore two of Malawi's highlights, with a safari in rugged, remote Majete Wildlife Reserve before some beach time: relaxing, snorkelling and sailing in Lake Malawi National Park.
Visiting Lakeshore, Majete
US$3,440 - US$4,730 per person
Peacock Cichlid Safari
4 days • 1 location • 1 country
LILONGWE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT
Snorkel in Lake Malawi’s famously clear fresh water, 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$2,520 - US$3,650 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$4,280 - US$5,310 per person
Red Zebra Cichlid Safari
7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
BLANTYRE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT
Explore two of Malawi's highlights, with a safari in rugged, remote Majete Wildlife Reserve before some beach time: relaxing, snorkelling and sailing in Lake Malawi National Park.
Visiting Lakeshore, Majete
US$3,440 - US$4,730 per person
Hadeda Ibis Guided Safari
7 days • 3 locations • 1 country
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This great-value safari, in a private 4WD with your own driver-guide, journeys through the stunning landscapes of northern Tanzania’s Great Rift Valley, focusing on its three top national parks.
Visiting Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and 1 other area
US$4,470 - US$5,650 per person
Aardwolf Safari
5 days • 2 locations • 1 country
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Two sister-camps within private concessions bordering Moremi Game Reserve offer access to excellent game, varied landscapes and a range of land and water-based safari activities. A great-value safari in one of Botswana’s best wildlife regions.
Visiting Moremi, Okavango Delta
US$4,400 - US$7,660 per person
Black-backed Jackal Safari
6 days • 2 locations • 1 country
KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A classic Botswana safari to Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta. Staying at highly rated tented camps with strong guiding teams, this trip delivers game viewing and is excellent value.
Visiting Okavango Delta, Chobe
US$4,920 - US$10,640 per person
Fruit Bat Safari
6 days • 2 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Offering a highly specialised experienced, this safari uses two simple bases for access to South Luangwa and Kasanka National Parks. Visit between October and December when you will witness the world’s largest mammalian migration of millions of fruit bats.
Visiting Northern Zambia, South Luangwa
US$4,980 - US$5,530 per person
Steppe Eagle Fly-in Safari
7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Two comfortable tented camps overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro and Mara River put you at the heart of the action. Experience spectacular diversity in species and habitat with safari in Samburu and the Masaai Mara National Reserve.
Visiting Maasai Mara, Samburu
US$5,000 - US$8,240 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.
Rock Agama Self-drive Safari
9 days • 6 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
Big on experience and light on time, this self-drive trip packs in Namibia’s highlights while staying in a selection of luxury camps and lodges for an unforgettable 10 days.
US$4,590 - US$8,900 per person
Dune Lark Fly & Drive Safari
14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
A combination fly-in self-drive exploration of Namibia, with quick, easy and scenic flights in and out of Sossusvlei before a classic road trip adventure of the country’s rugged north.
US$4,450 - US$5,720 per person
Flamingo Fly-in Safari
6 days • 3 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
Short on time but big on experience, this luxury fly-in safari takes in Sossusvlei’s famous dunes and Etosha National Park’s captivating wildlife with stays at two excellent luxury lodges.
US$4,850 - US$6,620 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$5,130 - US$5,790 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$3,840 - US$6,350 per person
Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari
18 days • 10 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
A truly epic southern African self-drive safari adventure from Namibia’s mountains and deserts, along the lush Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, staying at luxury lodges throughout.
US$5,450 - US$8,800 per person
Turaco Safari
12 days • 4 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
This top-value holiday idea combines two safari areas with a week on the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar. Photograph lions and elephants, then relax under the palms on a powder-sand beach.
US$5,460 - US$6,330 per person
Francolin Fly-in Safari
10 days • 5 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
Fly between northern Namibia’s highlights – Sossusvlei’s dunes, quaint Swakopmund, Damaraland’s mountains and a safari in Etosha – on this spectacular aerial adventure with a relaxed pace and luxury but good value accommodation.
US$5,470 - US$7,700 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$3,610 - US$6,690 per person
Pelican Fly & Drive Safari
10 days • 5 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
A unique itinerary visiting the must-see highlights combining the adventure of a classic Namibian self-drive with the ease and spectacular views of a fly-in safari.
US$5,660 - US$7,520 per person