Crossing the Highhands, you will now head east and see Lake Malawi, which stretches to the horizon and seems like an ocean, as it is the third largest lake in Africa with a length of 580 km! Here you are already expected at the Sunbird Chinteche Inn. Between palm trees on the beach, you will have the feeling of having found a piece of paradise.

2 nights: Sunbird Chinteche Inn, Standard Room, breakfast included.
https://www.sunbirdmalawi.com/hotels/sunbird-chintheche 

For the more adventurous, Chinteche Inn offers a range of water sports including sailing and windsurfing. The snorkelling opportunities in the area are excellent, as deR Lake Malawi is known for the largest variety of freshwater fish. There are hiking trails and mountain bike tracks. And you can learn about Malawian cultures on an excursion to a fishing village.

A short drive further south inland from Lake Malawi you will reach your next lodge, which is situated directly on the banks of the beautiful Bua River in the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve. It is a piece of pristine wilderness, nature and beauty.

2 nights: Bua River Lodge, Namkundi Room, full board.

https://www.buariverlodge.com

You can go on an exploration of the forest and river area with a guide from your lodge or go on a hike through the wildlife reserve with a ranger. Your lodge is a peaceful and paradisiacal retreat where you can relax on the deck of your safari luxury tent or enjoy the view of the ever-changing river and landscape in the main area of the lodge. 

To the south, Lake Malawi merges into Lake Malombe before the Shire River flows through Liwonde National Park. Mvuu Camp on the banks of the Shire River is your next stop and a haven for Malawi's wildlife. Here you will spend the following three days on unforgettable safaris (already included on all three days).

3 nights Mvuu Camp, Chalet, full board + safari activities
https://cawsmw.com/mvuu-camp

The safari activities at your lodge range from classic safari game drives to bush walking safaris and boat safaris. You will be accompanied by qualified rangers who will introduce you to the wilderness and wildlife in many ways.

From the numerous crocodiles and hippos on the riverbanks to the large herds of elephants, antelopes and the newly introduced black rhinos, cheetahs and lions, you will experience the animals of the African wilderness up close.

The trail continues today to the Zomba Nature Reserve. The Zomba Plateau is part of the Shire Highlands, extending from the southern end of Lake Malombe. Your Zomba Forest Lodge is located south of the reserve and is beautifully integrated into the natural surroundings.
 
2 nights:  Zomba Forest Lodge, Double Room, Full Board.
http://www.zombaforestlodge.com/

After a relaxing morning at Zomba Forest Lodge, an experienced ranger from your lodge will take you out for an extensive plateau walk in the afternoon (activity already included).

For the crowning finale of your trip, you will visit Lake Malawi once again - Cape Maclear, a headland that extends into the lake. Here you will find the Chembe Eagles Nest Lodge. The lodge, my last insider tip on this trip, has its own private beach on Lake Malawi. The lodge has a series of small, picturesque chalets overlooking the lake. The lounge bar offers panoramic views of beautiful gardens and the lake.
 
2 nights: Chembe Eagles Nest Lodge, half board + activities.                                           http://www.chembenest.com

Today you can relax at Lake Malawi and review the highlights of the trip. You can also choose from the non-motorised water sports offered at your accommodation (already included): Kayaking, snorkelling, paddle boarding and of course swimming in Lake Malawi or a trip to Chembe Village.

Today your unforgettable Malawi tour ends and you return to Lilongwe and the airport in time for your flight home. Here you check in: with many unforgettable memories in your luggage.