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FROM US$3,400-US$4,500

Red Zebra Cichlid Safari

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.

Red Zebra Cichlid Safari: Day-by-day

More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Red Zebra Cichlid Safari. Everything we do is completely tailor-made so while this is an idea which works well, we’ll always design an itinerary just for you.


Day 1

Starts: Blantyre International Airport

Day 1

Blantyre to Majete by road

A driver will meet you at Blantyre Airport for the two-hour drive to Mkulumadzi. Soak in the views as you head down the escarpment on tarmac roads, passing through small villages before reaching Majete Wildlife Reserve. During the final 20 minutes, on gravel roads, keep an eye out for wildlife.

Mkulumadzi Lodge
Days 1-4

Mkulumadzi

3 nights
Full BoardMajete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi

The only luxury lodge in Majete, Mkulumadzi is very much a part of this wildlife reserve’s conservation success story This elegant contemporary-styled lodge is part of highly respected Robin Pope Safaris’ portfolio and was built in 2011, at a time when NGO African Parks were transforming Majete into the wildlife-rich reserve that it is today.

Mkulumadzi Lodge

The only luxury lodge in Majete, Mkulumadzi is very much a part of this wildlife reserve’s conservation success story This elegant contemporary-styled lodge is part of highly respected Robin Pope Safaris’ portfolio and was built in 2011, at a time when NGO African Parks were transforming Majete into the wildlife-rich reserve that it is today.

It’s consistently offered great service, beautiful accommodation and friendly staff, along with excellent eco credentials. The eight rooms are stylish and vast, with a lounge area, minibar, dressing area, writing desk and Evening Breeze aircon above the beds, and expansive terraces overlooking the Mkulumadzi River.

If you’re in Room 6, keep an eye out for a little bush baby who likes to sleep in the thatch – he was born there and feels it’s his home. You might also encounter two bull elephants who are almost resident here too, along with a family of warthogs. They all clearly have good taste.

"first impression of the camp was "wow"... thoroughly enjoyed our time in Majete."

Mrs K.fromMiddlesex

Arrived 16 Oct 2019, 5 nights

The main lounge, bar and dining area is relaxed and meals are extremely good, with light lunches and imaginative dinners – you won’t go hungry. Activities include walking, game drives and boating and check out the new African Parks' Heritage Centre for an insight into the reserve’s history. See our full report on Mkulumadzi Lodge

93%
28 reviews of Mkulumadzi by travellers since August 2007

Activities

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Guided walking safari

Night drive

Day 4

Majete to Lake Malawi by road

Bid farewell to Mkulumadzi after breakfast before travelling on tarmac roads to the shores of Lake Malawi. Initially you'll return up the escarpment towards Blantyre, before continuing north through villages and roadside markets to reach Pumulani, on the southern shore of the lake, after around five hours.

Pumulani
Days 4-8

Pumulani

4 nights
Full BoardShore of Lake Malawi, Malawi

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.

Pumulani

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.

"the place is really beautiful and perfect to rest"

SamanthafromBrazil

Arrived 22 Nov 2023, 2 nights

Pumulani is a relaxed, comfortable beach lodge and is a great spot to end a trip after a safari in either Zambia or Malawi. The staff here are friendly and the service and food good. It appeals to guests who wish to just relax and unwind, or those who prefer to be kept more active. Please note, however, that with all the steps here it is not suitable for the elderly or guests with walking disabilities. See our full report on Pumulani

92%
28 reviews of Pumulani by travellers since August 2007

Activities

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Cultural excursion

Fishing

Scuba-diving

Snorkelling

Watersports

Day 8

Lake Malawi to Lilongwe by road

Say farewell to Pumulani as you set off in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for today's journey of around four hours. Travelling largely on smooth tarmac, you'll pass small villages before reaching the outskirts of Malawi's capital, Lilongwe, and on to the airport in the north-west of the city.

Day 8

Ends: Lilongwe International Airport

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