Red Zebra Cichlid Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Red Zebra Cichlid Safari. Everything we do is completely tailor-made so while this is an idea which works well, we’ll always design an itinerary just for you.
Starts: Blantyre International Airport
Blantyre to Majete by road
A driver will meet you at Blantyre Airport for the two-hour drive to Mkulumadzi. Soak in the views as you head down the escarpment on tarmac roads, passing through small villages before reaching Majete Wildlife Reserve. During the final 20 minutes, on gravel roads, keep an eye out for wildlife.
Mkulumadzi
The only luxury lodge in Majete, Mkulumadzi is very much a part of this wildlife reserve’s conservation success story This elegant contemporary-styled lodge is part of highly respected Robin Pope Safaris’ portfolio and was built in 2011, at a time when NGO African Parks were transforming Majete into the wildlife-rich reserve that it is today.
The only luxury lodge in Majete, Mkulumadzi is very much a part of this wildlife reserve’s conservation success story This elegant contemporary-styled lodge is part of highly respected Robin Pope Safaris’ portfolio and was built in 2011, at a time when NGO African Parks were transforming Majete into the wildlife-rich reserve that it is today.
It’s consistently offered great service, beautiful accommodation and friendly staff, along with excellent eco credentials. The eight rooms are stylish and vast, with a lounge area, minibar, dressing area, writing desk and Evening Breeze aircon above the beds, and expansive terraces overlooking the Mkulumadzi River.
If you’re in Room 6, keep an eye out for a little bush baby who likes to sleep in the thatch – he was born there and feels it’s his home. You might also encounter two bull elephants who are almost resident here too, along with a family of warthogs. They all clearly have good taste.
"The lodge is stunning and very well maintained."
The C familyfromDorsetArrived 27 May 2022, 3 nights
The main lounge, bar and dining area is relaxed and meals are extremely good, with light lunches and imaginative dinners – you won’t go hungry. Activities include walking, game drives and boating and check out the new African Parks' Heritage Centre for an insight into the reserve’s history. See our full report on Mkulumadzi Lodge
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Night drive
Majete to Lake Malawi by road
Bid farewell to Mkulumadzi after breakfast before travelling on tarmac roads to the shores of Lake Malawi. Initially you'll return up the escarpment towards Blantyre, before continuing north through villages and roadside markets to reach Pumulani, on the southern shore of the lake, after around five hours.
Pumulani
Pumulani is a luxury beach lodge located high on a hill on the west side of Nankumba Peninsula, towards the southern end of Lake Malawi. It is within the Lake Malawi National Park so is a great spot for walking, snorkeling or simply relaxing.
Pumulani is a luxury beach lodge located high on a hill on the west side of Nankumba Peninsula, towards the southern end of Lake Malawi. It is within the Lake Malawi National Park so is a great spot for walking, snorkeling or simply relaxing.
"snorkeling was beautiful"
Mr & Mrs. E.fromZurichArrived 20 Nov 2022, 3 nights
Pumulani is a relaxed, comfortable beach lodge and is a great spot to end a trip after a safari in either Zambia or Malawi. The staff here are friendly and the service and food good. It appeals to guests who wish to just relax and unwind, or those who prefer to be kept more active. Please note, however, that with all the steps here it is not suitable for the elderly or guests with walking disabilities. See our full report on Pumulani
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Fishing
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Lake Malawi to Lilongwe by road
Say farewell to Pumulani as you set off in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for today's journey of around four hours. Travelling largely on smooth tarmac, you'll pass small villages before reaching the outskirts of Malawi's capital, Lilongwe, and on to the airport in the north-west of the city.
Ends: Lilongwe International Airport
