Malawi Self-drive | 12 night Self drive in Northern Malawi

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Mid-Range

Day 1-3: Ntchisi Forest Lodge- Cabin, Ntchisi

Ntchisi Forest Lodge sits on the foot of one of the last remaining indigenous rainforests in an isolated spot near Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital. You can relax whilst enjoying stunning mountain and lake views, experience the warm-hearted hospitality of a part of rural Malawi where tourists are still a rarity and enjoy relaxing and walking in the beautiful scenery.

Accommodation
Cabin: Full board. Drinks are on pay as you go basis.

Distance to Drive
About 88.5km/2 hours from Lilongwe airport to Ntchisi.

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Day 3-5: Bua River Lodge (Island Rooms), Nkhotakota

On the banks of the beautiful Bua River in Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, Central Malawi, Bua River Lodge offers fine, en-suite, tented accommodation to a very high standard but at moderate prices. Bua River Lodge is already highly acclaimed for the friendliness of their staff, the quality of the accommodation, the standard of service and excellent food! Take a walk down to the river or kayak if you prefer, watch the amazing sunsets or go bird watching.

Accommodation
Bua River Lodge: Full Board. Drinks are on pay as you go basis.

Distance to Drive
About 135km/ 3.75 hours drive from Ntchisi.

Day 5-8: Chelinda Lodge, Nyika Plateau

Today you will now start heading further north to Nyika National Park. After your breakfast, get ready and drive out of Nkhotakota to Nyika National Park. You will drive straight to Chelinda Lodge where you will be accommodated for the next few days.

The lodge nestles in the alpine high lands of Nyika National Park, Chelinda Lodge lies against a magnificent backdrop.

Accommodation
Chelinda Lodge: Full board. Drinks are on pay as you go basis.

Distance to Drive
About 415 km/ 7.25 hours drive from Nkhotakota.

Day 8–11: Chintheche Inn, Chintheche

Chintheche Inn is set on the northern shores of Lake Malawi, boasting a white sand beach and crystal clear water. The surrounding area is characterised by pristine, palm-fringed beaches and dotted by fishing villages and patches of lowland tropical forest.

Ten comfortable, brightly furnished rooms with en-suite bathrooms look out over the panoramic shoreline.

Accommodation
Chintheche Inn: Full board. Drinks are on pay as you go basis.

Distance to Drive
About 285 km/ 6 hours from Nyika.

Chintheche Inn Room Interior (Juliet Lemon)

Day 11 - 13: Blue Zebra (Luxury safari tents), Cape Maclear

After breakfast, you will then start driving to Senga Bay – Salima where you will get your Boat transfer to Nankoma Island. Your last three nights will be at the Blue Zebra Lodge.

The chalets are set in an unspoilt environment and guests are surrounded by nature and luxury. Guest is free to chill at the infinity pool, kayak around the island or enjoy a game of volleyball as part of the board packages. The Lodge also offers free use of snorkelling equipment to view the unique colourful fish that inhabit every inch of the coastline.

Accommodation
Blue Zebra: Full board. Drinks are on pay as you go basis.

Distance to Drive
About 270 km/ 3 hours 40 minutes from Liwonde. Boat transfer: 30 minutes from Senga Bay.

Day 13: Departure, Lilongwe

All good things must come to an end, and today is the day you will be driving back to Lilongwe. You have a 2-hour drive ahead of you, before arriving at the airport where the car rental company will meet you to fetch your car.

Distance to Drive
About 131 km/2 hours from Cape Maclear to Lilongwe International Airport.

If you would like to book or tailor this tour, or you simply want to know more, please email info@malawianstyle.com or fill the contact us form and one of our team will get back to you, promptly.

Tour Details

Duration
13 days

Country
Malawi

Tour Highlights

Lilongwe
Lake Malawi
Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve
Nyika Plateau
Blue Zebra Island

Safari Prices

From US$2650* per person

*Please note: the price may change depending on several variables; the number of people travelling, vehicle allocated, time of year, room type etc.

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Included

Accommodation and meals mentioned in the itinerary
Activities/game drives mentioned in the itinerary
Non-motorised water sports such as kayaking, snorkelling etc

Not Included

Drinks
Visas
Car hire (USD)
Park fees

VIEW WETU BROCHURE

For more information or if you have any questions, get in touch.

High End

Day 1-3: Blue Zebra Island (Executive Chalet), Lake Malawi

Welcome to Lilongwe, and Malawi – the warm heart of Africa! On arrival, a representative from Malawian Style will meet and greet you at the airport. You will be given the maps and information you need for your trip and directed to your first night’s accommodation: Blue Zebra Island.

Accommodation
Full board. Drinks are on pay as you go basis.

Distance to Drive
About 131 km/ 2 hours from the airport to Blue Zebra + 30 minutes boat from Salima.

Day 3-6: Tongole, Nkhotakota

Tongole Wilderness Lodge is an exciting 4* eco-tourism venture set deep within the rugged and breathtakingly beautiful miombo woodland of Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve. Tongole has been expertly designed to incorporate the very best of local Malawian culture whilst blending in perfectly with its stunning natural setting. A mere 30 km west of the Lake of Stars and hugging the forest-clad banks of the lovely Bua River, Tongole is the only luxury lodge of its kind in the region, drawing those who seek an exceptional wilderness experience in one of Africa’s – and possibly Malawi’s last – truly unspoilt wildlife areas.

Accommodation
Tongole: Full Board. Drinks are on pay as you go basis.

Distance to Drive
About 191km/ 3 hours from Blue Zebra.

Day 6-9: Chelinda Lodge, Nyika

From Tongole, the journey will continue to Chelinda in Nyika National Park. Chelinda Lodge is set against a pocket of hagenia woodland and overlooking vast tracts of Nyika National Park’s rolling grasslands dotted with large herd of roan, eland and zebra. This forest backdrop to Chelinda Lodge provides perfect shelter for an idyllic escape in the highland wilderness of Malawi.

Accommodation
Chelinda: Full board. Drinks are on pay as you go basis.

Distance to Drive
About 490 km/ 7.75 hours from Nkhotakota.

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Day 9–13: Kaya Mawa, Likoma Island

It is now time to fly to the evergreen northern part of Malawi. You will spend your last four nights at the dazzling Kaya Mawa.

Kaya Mawa Lodge is at the head of a crescent-shaped bay on Likoma Island, surrounded by mango trees and ancient baobabs. The main camp is located in a rocky outcrop, consisting of a bar, dining room and rock pool. Kaya Mawa has a number of stone thatched cottages and 2 family beach villas, with a luxurious & romantic villa on its own private island. The lodge was entirely built by hand, in partnership with the local community.

Accommodation

Kaya Mawa: Full board. Drinks are on pay as you go basis.

Distance to Drive
About a 45 minute flight from Chelinda to Likoma.