On arrival into Blantyre Airport in the South of Malawi we have a single timed transfer of approximately 1 hour to our lodge located within the Private Chimwenya Game Park. This enterprise brings together tourism, wildlife conservation whilst supporting the surrounding communities. On arrival we are out and about to enjoy our first glimpses of the beautiful African wildlife. In the park we can see giraffe, zebra and several antelope such as eland, waterbuck and kudu. There are also wildebeest (recently relocated here as part of wildlife conservation in Malawi) and jackal to add some excitement. There are no big predators such as lions and cheetahs so we are free to roam at ease in the park. Time allowing there are also additional excursions available (payable locally) for a bike ride or a game drive through the park.

As we wake this morning we can appreciate the peace of the African dawn in this tranquil setting. Leaving the lodge we drive 2-3 hours to Likhubula at the base of the Mulanje Massif. After refuelling with some lunch we'll enjoy a 2 hour leg stretch as a short acclimatisation walk to the nearby Lankhalamba falls and rock pools. Typical of our walk over the next several days, we head through dense forest which leads into idyllic scenes of rock pools and waterfalls that have felt untouched over time. Returning to the lodge we enjoy views to the distant Mulanje Massif, and rest up so we are ready for our first full day of trekking tomorrow.

Greeted by our trekking and support crew, after breakfast we ascend to our objective for the day, the Licehnya Plateau. Following a simple trail we make our way through the forest with views to the distant Thyolo plantations. More commonly known as tea, Thyolo has been grown in the region since 1908 as the fertile soils, regular rains and abundant supply of sunshine make for perfect tea growing conditions. Dotting the countryside, many colonial tea estates are still in full operation providing valuable employment. Continuing our path upwards and east we'll have views of Chilemba Peak above (2882m). On our arrival into camp we are rewarded with glorious views across the surrounding plateau and plains below. Time dependent, for those trekkers wanting a little more and depending on conditions, there is an optional 2 hour round-trek onto the scenic emerald green pool of Linje.

After a hearty trekkers breakfast we continue our ascent towards the distinct granite tops of Mulanje and its highest point Sapitwa. Our trail leads around the massif, where we are surrounded by a wild and dramatic rocky landscape. Enjoying a picturesque lunch with magnificent views across the plateau, our walk then continues to the Chisepo Refuge. From our camp we spend the rest of our afternoon relaxing ahead of tomorrow's climb and appreciate the far reaching panorama to Chambe Peak (2557m) and North Peak (2891m).

It is an early start for the optional trek to the summit of Mulanje's highest point - Sapitwa (3002m). Taking a steady pace, we follow a steep path with the objective of the granite peaks in sight. The exciting and challenging route involves sections of scrambling and negotiating fields of large boulders which we have to go round, over and under. The summit is not in sight until we are almost at this spectacular view point on the top of Malawi's highest point. From the top we are rewarded with views south into nearby Mozambique and further north in Malawi to Zomba Mountain. After taking in the views and some photos, we retrace our steps to our camp at Chisepo. This is a long day and is harder than the overall grade of this holiday. However it is manageable for most fit regular walkers and the guides are extremely helpful in assisting over the rocks, and it's certainly worth the effort.

We begin our return via an alternative route west. We first contour around and then follow the main water courses downwards on the other side of the valley. As we walk we have great views of Chambe Peak on the top of the smooth rocky plateau. We pass flowering shrubs and our guides will show us some of the colourful lizards which scatter off the rocks as we pass. As we descend off the plateau, we walk through the trees and back to the trail head at Likhubula, and the hut. This is a lovely walk for the last day of our Mulanje trek.

Leaving the mountains we stop on the way back to our lodge at the Satemwa Tea Estate at Huntingdon House, where we have a tea tasting experience. We will learn about the estate and the process of tea production. There are many different teas to sample including white, green, black, oolong and other Satemwa specialities. Some of the tea from here ends up in leading UK tea such as PG tips, Lipton Yellow Label and Tetleys. Satemwa tea is indeed, also served at Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck. We then continue back to our lodge near Blantyre where we have lunch. We are now familiar with this peaceful setting in the indigenous forest and grasslands of the Shira Highlands, making it ideal to relax after our trek. This afternoon we have the option to enjoy additional excursions available (payable locally), such as another game walk, drive or a bike ride through the park. Alternatively we can enjoy a beer, a book and a swim in the pool.

This morning we have an early start as we make our way north on the next stage of our journey through beautiful Malawi. We drive up onto the Zomba Plateau at nearly 2200m, the high peaks on the rim afford some of the most stunning views in Africa with a special micro-climate and a large biodiversity of birds and animals. We have a late breakfast at a hotel on the rim with these glorious views. We then continue the short distance into Zomba Town and visit the market with its array of vibrant colours and neatly piled fruit and veg. Leaving before lunch we make the rest of the journey into Liwonde National Park. We arrive at our lodge in time for lunch. Our accommodation is located on the shores of the River Shire, and one of the only accommodations in the park. The setting is ideal and truly incredible. From here we can enjoy safaris by boat, on foot and in the 4x4 vehicle. All of these options are available over the next few days that we are here and each have their own merits to see this beautiful park. We have the next 3 nights in Liwonde National Park allowing us to be truly submersed in the wildlife and the atmosphere of this unique place.

Liwonde National Park is one Malawi's conservation success stories. Taken over by African Parks in 2015 they have worked very hard to resolve the wildlife-human conflict, with huge success. In 2017 cheetah were reintroduced and in 2018 lion where also reintroduced. Both of these cats are thriving. Plans are in the pipeline to also reintroduce leopard - and then this will be a Big 5 National Park. These cats join a large population of elephant, hippo, crocodile and antelope including kudu and bushbuck. If we are lucky we might also spot zebra, buffalo, hyena and the critically endangered black rhino. Our day will revolve around our activities. One of the best times to see the wildlife is in the early morning, and then we will spend time at our accommodation before having another excursion in the late afternoon. The lodge decide if we are to take a boat cruise or go out in the vehicle. For those wanting something extra it might be possible (dependent on various factors) to go out on foot on a game walk with armed guard. This is an additional cost and must be booked on check in. A 'sundowner' (a drink whilst watching the African sun go down) is an important part of the day before dinner at our accommodation.

To ensure that we have time to enjoy all aspects of this park, and the activities that are on offer, we have another full day at Liwonde. If yesterday we have been out on the river for a boat safari watching the elephant cool down, the hippo wallow and the crocodile slip into the waters, then today we may be able to have a walking safari (at additional cost). Away from the river we can have a bush walk in the safety of our armed guides stopping to learn about tracks, habitats, birds and of course the wildlife. This afternoon we can go on a game drive or if we are lucky on a night game drive to discover the hyena, owls, civets and various species of mongoose. The lodge decide if we are to take a boat cruise or go out in the vehicle. There is so much to see in this wildlife haven, on the banks of the river teeming with wildlife. On occasion an elephant might wonder past our accommodation or stop to enjoy the river as we sip our sundowners.

Turning our attention to the jewel of Malawi, we head north and drive approximately 2-3 hours to reach the exquisitely tranquil shores of Lake Malawi. Our stay for the next 2 nights is at Cape Maclear. This peninsula into Lake Malawi was declared a National Park in 1980 and included some of the lake, making it the first freshwater National Park in the world. This is a unique environment of African bush, soft sandy beaches and clear blue waters. It is a haven to relax in the shade and the leader will discuss options for the next day such as kayaking or a boat trip to spot the resident fish eagles.

Today is yours to spend at leisure. There are a number of optional activities you may wish to do. Your guide and the staff at your hotel will be able to assist you with any questions and make arrangements for you. Lake Malawi has often been compared to the Galapagos Islands in its importance of the study of evolution. Please note that bilharzia is present in Lake Malawi and you swim at your own risk, please see 'Health & Vaccinations' for further details. The clear blue waters, sandy beaches and dense bush land that border Lake Malawi make for a very easy day in paradise before we enjoy our last group meal on this African adventure.

After an early breakfast, KE land only services end with a single timed transfer to Lilongwe Airport (4-5hrs).