8 nights · Lake and safari
River and Island
Begin on a Lake Malawi island, then travel south to the Shire River for four nights at Mvuu Lodge.
8 nights
Full board
Local drinks and scheduled activities included.
Road from Lilongwe to the lake, boat to Nankoma Island, then road or a suitable private charter south to Liwonde.
Guests aged 16 and above who want two complete waterside stays rather than a rushed lake add-on.
Why this route works
Two waterside stays. Two different rhythms.
The island opens the journey slowly before Liwonde brings guided safari days beside the river.
The journey
A route with room to arrive.
Arrival: Kamuzu International Airport, Lilongwe · Departure: Chileka Airport, Blantyre
Nights 1–4 · Nankoma Island
Blue Zebra Island Lodge
Partner stay
Arrive through Lilongwe and cross to Nankoma Island for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, island trails, birdlife and unstructured time on Lake Malawi.
1 / 2Nights 5–8 · Shire River
Run by CAWS
A quieter river stay with two scheduled safari activities each day. Guided walking safaris are for guests aged 18 and above.
1 / 5Day 9 · Departure
Chileka Airport, Blantyre
Travel south for your international flight or continue your journey.
Partner stays are independently operated. Specific travel arrangements are confirmed for your dates.
What the route brings together.
Included
Four nights at Blue Zebra Island Lodge, Nankoma Island
Arrive through Lilongwe and cross to Nankoma Island for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, island trails, birdlife and unstructured time on Lake Malawi.
Four nights at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde National Park
A quieter river stay with two scheduled safari activities each day. Guided walking safaris are for guests aged 18 and above.
Full board at both lodges, with local drinks and scheduled activities
Local drinks are included as stated in this itinerary. Each property defines its own local selection; premium drinks are excluded unless specifically stated.
Standard boat crossing to and from Nankoma Island
The standard crossing between the lakeshore and Nankoma Island is included; its timing is arranged with Blue Zebra.
Road transfers from Lilongwe to the lake, from the lake to Mvuu Lodge and from Mvuu Lodge to Blantyre
A quieter river stay with two scheduled safari activities each day. Guided walking safaris are for guests aged 18 and above.
Journey planning and coordination by CAWS
Our Malawi reservations and operations teams coordinate the stays, transfers and activity arrangements through one point of contact.
Not included
International flights and visas
International air tickets and visa arrangements are outside the journey price.
Travel insurance
Arrange suitable travel insurance separately, including cover for the activities in your itinerary.
Park fees and levies not covered by the lodge rate
National park charges depend on the applicable category and length of stay. Your quotation confirms the current fees.
Premium drinks
Premium drinks are charged separately. Each partner property confirms its own local drinks selection.
The optional private charter to Liwonde
An optional private charter is quoted separately and is not included in this journey price.
Private activities and optional excursions
Private activities and optional excursions are arranged in advance and quoted separately.
Gratuities and personal expenses
Gratuities are discretionary. Shopping and other personal spending remain for your own account.
How you will travel
Across the lake, then south to Liwonde.
Transfers are arranged as part of the route, with final timing shaped around arrival details and the complete itinerary.
Plan your time in Malawi
Tell us what you know.
We will help with the rest.
You do not need a finished itinerary. Our reservations team will get back to you promptly.
Plan your safari