This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines now closed

User menu
FROM US$4,340-US$5,700

Utaka Cichlid Safari

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.

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 Lodge

Days 1-4

Overlooking tumbling rapids at the confluence of the Shire and Mkulumadzi (sometimes written 'Mukulumadzi' or even 'Mkurumadzi') rivers, is the smart and solidly built Mkulumadzi Lodge. Opened in 2011, it is owned by Robin Pope Safaris and incorporates some innovative 'eco' ideas. The lodge is located in a 70km² private concession, within the newly revitalised Majete Wildlife Reserve.

View full itinerary

Kuthengo Camp

Days 4-7

Kuthengo Camp is a small intimate bush camp in the unspoilt Liwonde National Park. It is located on a bend of the Shire River, under shady fever trees and baobabs, and is a great spot for wildlife viewing.

View full itinerary

Pumulani

Days 7-11

Pumulani is a luxury beach lodge located high on a hill on the west side of Nankumba Peninsula, towards the southern end of Lake Malawi. It is within the Lake Malawi National Park so is a great spot for walking, snorkeling or simply relaxing.

View full itinerary
Mkulumadzi Lodge

Mkulumadzi

Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi

Kuthengo Camp

Kuthengo Camp

Liwonde National Park, Malawi

Pumulani

Pumulani

Shore of Lake Malawi, Malawi

About image

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

About image
PUMULANI in LAKESHORE

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.


Eland

100% chance

Elephant

100% chance

Hippo

100% chance

Sable antelope

100% chance

Zebra

92% chance

Buffalo

91% chance

Lion

88% chance

Giraffe

67% chance

Roan antelope

61% chance

Cheetah

47% chance

Spotted Hyena

29% chance

Black Rhino

16% chance

Leopard

14% chance

Aardvark

0% chance

Pangolin

0% chance

Wildebeest

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.

Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Inspire me

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.


Map

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$3,400 - US$4,500 per person

Read more about the Red Zebra Cichlid Safari

Map

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$3,430 - US$4,480 per person

Read more about the Peacock Cichlid Safari

Map

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$3,400 - US$4,500 per person

Read more about the Red Zebra Cichlid Safari

Map

Tawny Eagle Fly-in Safari

7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Explore Laikipia and the Maasai Mara ecosystem with stays in the Ol Pejeta and Naboisho conservancies. Two smart yet authentically rustic bush camps provide a traditional safari experience, offering a high standard of guiding and excellent level of care.

Visiting Laikipia, Mara Conservancies

US$4,340 - US$8,630 per person

Read more about the Tawny Eagle Fly-in Safari

Map

Dwarf Mongoose Fly-in Safari

6 days • 2 locations • 1 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Stay in two eco-friendly, rustic bush camps in Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park. Remote wilderness, a diversity of habitats and a good range of activities are available in these two wildlife havens.

Visiting Ruaha, Nyerere

US$4,450 - US$5,320 per person

Read more about the Dwarf Mongoose Fly-in Safari

Map

Nile Monitor Safari

6 days • 2 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

Great-value South Luangwa safari to two sister camps: a classic safari camp for 4WD safaris by day and night and its simpler sibling: a remote, seasonal bushcamp for expert-guided walking safaris.

Visiting South Luangwa

US$4,570 - US$4,800 per person

Read more about the Nile Monitor Safari

Map

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$4,690 - US$8,310 per person

Read more about the Wattled Crane Safari

Map

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$4,810 - US$6,070 per person

Read more about the Hadeda Ibis Guided Safari

Map

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$6,080 per person

Read more about the Fruit Bat Safari

Map

Wahlberg's Eagle Fly-in Safari

6 days • 2 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

A great value safari in Laikipia and the Maasai Mara that provides an immersive, authentic bush camp experience with activities for families of all ages.

Visiting Laikipia, Mara Conservancies

US$5,000 - US$6,450 per person

Read more about the Wahlberg's Eagle Fly-in Safari

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.


Itinerary image

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$3,950 - US$7,330 per person

Itinerary image

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$4,760 - US$5,830 per person

Itinerary image

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$3,720 - US$7,720 per person

Itinerary image

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$5,000 - US$6,830 per person

Itinerary image

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$5,100 - US$6,220 per person

Itinerary image

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$3,560 - US$4,890 per person

Itinerary image

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$3,340 - US$4,300 per person

Itinerary image

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$6,830 per person

Itinerary image

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$3,000 - US$4,420 per person

Itinerary image

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$2,900 - US$5,190 per person

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Africa