Tranquil Islands and Wildlife

Lake Malawi Retreat:

Tranquil Islands and Wildlife

Apr - Nov

From £6,450pp

Land-only

14 Nights

Aerial View Blue Zebra Island Lodge Malawi

Elephant Drinking Water Liwonde National Park Malawi

Exterior Kumbali Country Lodge Lilongwe Malawi

Where lakes, islands and wildlife shape the quiet beauty of Malawi

Along the shores and islands of Lake Malawi, tranquil waters meet gentle landscapes and abundant wildlife, inviting quiet observation and reflection. Secluded lodges and lakeside retreats offer space to swim, kayak, snorkel or simply absorb the rhythms of life on and around the water, while inland, Liwonde National Park presents elephants, hippos and a rich diversity of birdlife against fertile floodplains and riverine forest. Thoughtful accommodation and attentive guidance allow the environment and local communities to take precedence, framing each experience with subtlety and depth. Days unfold with a calm, deliberate rhythm, revealing the understated beauty and enduring character of Malawi’s lakes, islands and plains.

Itinerary highlights

Swim, snorkel, and kayak in the crystalline waters of Lake Malawi, where colourful cichlids dart among tranquil coves and golden sands invite barefoot exploration.

Wander forested island paths and discover secluded beaches on Blue Zebra Island, embracing the rare tranquillity of a UNESCO World Heritage setting.

Connect with local lakeside communities at Norman Carr Cottage, meeting families and learning about daily life along the shimmering shores.

Track elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and other wildlife across Liwonde National Park on game drives and river safaris, with the bush alive under wide African skies.

Relax at Pure Likoma, where white sand beaches, turquoise shallows, and sweeping lake views offer the perfect retreat for reflection and leisure.

Explore charming island villages by bike, visit the striking St Peter’s Cathedral, and witness life unfolding at a gentle, unhurried pace.

Savour the quiet rhythm of Malawi’s shores from elegant lakeside lodges, where candlelit dinners, fragrant gardens, and the soft lap of water create a sense of serene immersion.

Where lakes, islands and wildlife shape the quiet beauty of Malawi

Itinerary highlights

Swim, snorkel, and kayak in the crystalline waters of Lake Malawi, where colourful cichlids dart among tranquil coves and golden sands invite barefoot exploration.

Wander forested island paths and discover secluded beaches on Blue Zebra Island, embracing the rare tranquillity of a UNESCO World Heritage setting.

Connect with local lakeside communities at Norman Carr Cottage, meeting families and learning about daily life along the shimmering shores.

Track elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and other wildlife across Liwonde National Park on game drives and river safaris, with the bush alive under wide African skies.

Relax at Pure Likoma, where white sand beaches, turquoise shallows, and sweeping lake views offer the perfect retreat for reflection and leisure.

Explore charming island villages by bike, visit the striking St Peter’s Cathedral, and witness life unfolding at a gentle, unhurried pace.

Savour the quiet rhythm of Malawi’s shores from elegant lakeside lodges, where candlelit dinners, fragrant gardens, and the soft lap of water create a sense of serene immersion.

Day 1

Journey begins

Start your journey with a flight to Lilongwe, gateway to the shimmering shores of Lake Malawi. As you travel south towards Africa’s warm heart, anticipation builds for days of tranquil islands, gentle waters and remarkable wildlife waiting to unfold.

Day 2

Lake Malawi, Malawi

Arrive in Lilongwe and set off by private transfer towards the shores of Lake Malawi, a scenic journey of around three hours through rural villages and open countryside. At Kumbali Lake Retreat, calm arrives instantly. The lake stretches wide and blue before you, its clear waters inviting a refreshing swim. Stroll along the quiet beach, feel the warm sand beneath your feet and listen to fishermen calling across the water. As dusk settles, enjoy a relaxed lakeside dinner, the sky glowing pink and gold as the sun sinks behind the horizon.

Day 3-5

Blue Zebra Island, Malawi

A boat carries you across the clear waters of Lake Malawi to Blue Zebra Island Lodge, hidden within Lake Malawi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island rises green and peaceful from the water, promising rare seclusion. Your executive chalet looks out across the lake, with an elevated deck and airy interiors designed to catch the breeze. Days unfold gently. Swim in crystalline waters, snorkel among brightly coloured cichlid fish, kayak along quiet coves or wander forested paths. As evening falls, drift out on a sunset cruise, the lake glowing copper beneath the fading light.

Day 6-7

Monkey Bay, Malawi

Drive south along the shores of Lake Malawi, a journey of around four hours through fishing villages and baobab dotted landscapes, until you reach Norman Carr Cottage. This intimate lakeside retreat honours the legacy of Norman Carr, one of Africa’s pioneering conservationists. Life here moves at an unhurried rhythm. Swim in the warm, clear lake, set out on gentle boat excursions or visit nearby villages to meet local families and learn about daily life by the water. Between outings, relax in shaded gardens fragrant with flowers, listening to the soft lap of waves against the shore.

Day 8-9

Liwonde National Park, Malawi

Travel inland for around three hours to Liwonde National Park, where the landscape shifts from open lakeshore to fertile floodplains and riverine forest. At Mvuu Camp, set beside the Shire River, wildlife gathers at the water’s edge. Head out on game drives across golden grasslands in search of elephant, antelope and perhaps lion. Boat safaris offer a different rhythm as hippos grunt in the shallows and crocodiles bask on the banks. Evenings are soft and atmospheric, with lantern light, attentive service and the distant sounds of the bush settling under a wide African sky.

Day 10

Lilongwe, Malawi

Return to Lilongwe for a restful overnight stay before your onward island flight. Enjoy time to refresh and unwind, perhaps with a leisurely dinner and a quiet evening, as you prepare for the next chapter of your journey to Likoma.

Day 11-13

Likoma Island, Malawi

Fly to Likoma Island, one of the most beautiful corners of Lake Malawi, where life slows to the rhythm of water and wind. At Pure Likoma, barefoot luxury meets a strong sense of place. White sand beaches curve into turquoise shallows, and wooden decks open to endless lake views. Days are yours to shape. Snorkel among darting fish, kayak along quiet shores or cycle between villages where daily island life unfolds with warmth and curiosity. Visit the remarkable St Peter's Cathedral, a striking reminder of the island’s history. Evenings bring calm waters, candlelit dinners and a gentle, fitting close to your journey.

Day 14

Depart Likoma Island

Transfer to the airstrip on Likoma Island for your domestic flight to Lilongwe. From here, connect with your onward flight to the UK, carrying with memories of tranquil waters, warm encounters and Malawi’s gentle, unspoilt beauty.

Day 15

Arrive home

Arrive home with lasting memories of Lake Malawi, its tranquil islands and remarkable wildlife still vivid in your mind. The warmth of Malawi, its gentle landscapes and welcoming communities, linger long after the journey ends.

What's Included

International return flights from the UK
Domestic flights
Seamless ground transfers
Handpicked accommodations
Meals as indicated
All activities in lodges
All park fees

What's Included

International return flights from the UK
Domestic flights
Seamless ground transfers
Handpicked accommodations
Meals as indicated
All activities in lodges
All park fees

Bespoke Excursions

Enhance your journey with our bespoke excursions, thoughtfully tailored to your interests, pace, and sense of adventure.

South Luangwa Safari Exploration

3 Nights

From £1,930

In the wild heart of the Luangwa Valley, South Luangwa National Park offers one of Africa’s most immersive safari experiences and is renowned for its remarkable leopard sightings. Here, the rhythm of the bush sets the pace. Set out on expertly guided walking safaris, feeling the thrill of tracking wildlife on foot as your senses sharpen to every footprint, birdsong and distant rustle in the grass. Later, venture deeper by open game drive, seeking out elusive leopards along the track, vast elephant herds, and prowling lions in golden light. Intimate camps, warm hospitality and uninterrupted wilderness create a profound connection to nature in one of the continent’s most respected parks.

Curate your exclusive expedition

Let’s get started. Share your details below and your personal Expedition Expert will be in touch to design your dream adventure.

First Name*

Surname*

Email*

Phone*

When would you like to travel?

How many travellers?

Estimated budget range for this trip?

How should we contact you?

Phone Email Phone & Email WhatsApp

Any other comments or requests?

Yes, I would like to receive communications by e-mail

Your information will be treated in accordance with our Privacy Policy

Speak to one of our team

+44 (0)808 164 4210

[email protected]

Every journey I plan starts with a conversation. Tell me what excites you, what you've always dreamed of experiencing, and I'll craft something extraordinary. The best expeditions begin with a single question: What would make this unforgettable for you?

Ashley | Expedition Planner

Tranquil Islands and Wildlife

Lake Malawi Retreat: