Malawi Honeymoon Escape

Upon arrival into Chileka International Airport you will be met by your private driver in arrivals for your transfer to Majete Wildlife Reserve, around a 1.5-hour drive. Majete is situated at the base of Africa’s Great Rift Valley and, despite its blossoming wildlife population arising from recent conservation efforts, it remains off-the-beaten-track in comparison to other safari destinations in Africa. Expect remote luxury and first-class guiding deep in the unspoiled bush.

You’ll stay in the most luxury lodge in the whole of Majete, Mkulumadzi, for the next three nights in the honeymoon chalet, set in total seclusion. Activities at Mkulumadzi are very flexible, led by experienced first-class guides with extensive training, so use this evening to plan out exactly what you would like to do in the next couple of days here. With boating, walking and vehicle safaris and the option to visit local villages, you certainly won’t fall short on things to do here.

This evening, settle in to life in the bush and enjoy an ice cold Malawian gin and tonic on your private veranda listening out for hippos down below and be sure to look for the resident bush babies with your guide.

You’ll wake early this morning to the sound of birdsong surrounding your chalet with enough time to have a hot cup of coffee and make your way over the footbridge for your first sunrise safari. Early game drives are brilliant for spotting big cats in action and the pastel skies, cool breeze in the morning dew create a cosy atmosphere. Snuggle up under the blanket in your 4x4 vehicle as Majete awakens around you.

Following poaching and habitat destruction, Majete has blossomed back to the thriving wildlife haven it once was, with over 12,000 animals including the ‘Big Five’, zebra, eland, hippo and birds such as Boehm’s bee eater and the elusive African finfoot.

Return to your lodge for a delicious, hearty breakfast as the temperature starts to warm up. You have the day to relax by the pool, in your spacious breezy chalet or in the plush lounge. Cultural visits to learn about local Malawian life can be organised for this time too. Between activities you certainly won’t go hungry, with a three-course lunch and afternoon tea served before your evening safari.

After your evening safari, sit down to your three-course a la carte dinner before heading out for an unforgettable experience: sleeping out in the bush under the twinkling galaxies above on Mkulumadzi’s ‘star deck’. This cosy set up includes a double bed, bedside tables, a canopy mosquito net, lanterns and seating. It really is the perfect, isolated setting to share with your other half amid true wilderness.

As the sun rises, turning the sky a pastel pink with cotton clouds, you will arise from your skybed and spot wildlife from your platform. Being the first in the park and in total seclusion, you are likely to get some unique sightings. Return to Mkulumadzi for breakfast and a rain shower at your chalet before having the rest of the day at your leisure.

Head out into the bush on safari as the sun sets with fiery orange hues and keep an eye out for Majete’s nocturnal animals waking from their slumber. Afterwards, celebrate your last evening in Majete by sitting around the fire with your guide and search for resident bush babies in the trees.

After your morning activity and breakfast, you will check out and cross the foot bridge for your transfer to Liwonde, taking approximately 3.5 hours. You arrive into Kuthengo Camp by boat across the Shire River where you will stay for the next four nights.

Nestled among Fever trees and Baobabs, Kuthengo Camp is an intimate, exclusive, rustic camp with no barriers to nature. You’ll often have elephants, antelope, warthogs and more milling around your veranda, along with hippos in the Shire beyond your tent. With near 360 views from your veranda, take a quiet moment with a cold drink and take it all in together before heading out on your first boat safari.

There are just four contemporary en suite safari tents at Kuthengo, with panoramic views on a private deck, large king-size beds with air conditioning and a large bath with views onto the Shire river. After your evening safari, return to camp for a delicious dinner, prepared fresh by the local chef, and finish the night off sharing stories around the campfire.

You have 3 full days to immerse yourself in Liwonde’s wilderness. Activities centre around nature at Kuthengo, with morning and evening game drives in open top vehicles, boat safaris on the Shire and walking safaris to occupy your days.

In between activities, lounge around the pool or in your breezy safari tent. In the evenings, relax in the snug lounge and bar with a cold beverage and simply soak up this harmonious corner of the world.

After your morning activity and breakfast, you will check out and cross the Shire for your transfer to Liwonde airstrip to catch your flight to Likoma Island via Lilongwe.

Land into paradise in the afternoon, where you will be collected for a short transfer to your lodge, Kaya Mawa, where you will stay for the next five nights in the honeymoon suite. Translating to ‘maybe tomorrow’ in the local Nyanja language, it’s easily the finest property on Lake Malawi and a truly laid-back paradise where time seems to stand still.

Voted one of the top ten most romantic places to stay by Conde Naste Traveller, Kaya Mawa is the ultimate hotel for your honeymoon with its white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and huge rocky outcrops.

The honeymoon room is situated on its own islet with a private deck and a stone bath with views directly over Lake Malawi. Dine al fresco on the beach tonight and tuck into Kaya Mawa’s famously delicious food, looking out onto the dazzling ‘lake of stars’.

You have four days to slow down and adapt to the ‘no-shoes-no-news’ way of life here. You may be content simply lazing in a hammock reading your book, but for the more adventurous travellers you can explore one of the most biodiverse lakes on the planet with snorkelling, kayaking, water sports and scuba diving excursions finding hidden coves and caves.

You can even learn to sail or kitesurf with a local instructor. On land, head out on foot or on bicycles or quad bikes to explore the island which is breathtakingly scenic and well worth exploring. Likoma Island is the perfect spot to try Scuba diving for the first time due to the calm waters. You can launch straight from the beach with your instructor.

There is a huge cathedral, a market, textiles workshop and community projects to explore, where you will be met with warm smiles and authentic hospitality from the local people. After a day of exploring, indulge in a spa treatment overlooking the lake before dinner.

After a leisurely morning you will check out and be transferred to Likoma airstrip to catch your flight to Lilongwe from Likoma for your international flight home.