Self-Driving Adventure in the Warm Heart of Africa
As a destination, Malawi is the perfect choice for self drive adventures. With a stunning backdrop round every corner, Malawi has become a hit when self-drive tourists plan their African holidays. We’re delighted to share this blog by Sarah Kingdom as she takes a look at why self drive holidays in Malawi are so rewarding.
Self-Driving in Malawi: The Ultimate Exploration
Now, let’s really get into the art of self-driving in Malawi. Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or a first-time explorer, Malawi offers the perfect self-driving experience. With Lake Malawi taking up a third of Malawi’s land-mass, it basically means that very few areas in Malawi are truly remote. This means that, whilst driving across the country can be an exciting challenge, it’s also very easy for those less experienced drivers.
You can choose from a fully equipped camping 4×4 vehicle for off-the-beaten-path adventures, or opt for a comfortable saloon car to cruise between lodges. Malawi self-holidays can be tailored to your preferences, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
A Road Less Travelled: Scenic Drives Across Malawi
Driving in Malawi offers a blend of excitement and immersion in local life. As you journey through the country, you’ll pass through bustling villages and see vibrant markets and roadside cooking, you’ll pass cattle grazing, maize grinding and farmers at work. You’ll see first-hand the everyday activities of Malawians. The journey is never dull, though be prepared to navigate your way round dogs, goats, the occasional pothole and a minibus or two – it’s all part of the adventure.
You may need to engage 4 wheel drive in the rainy season through the game reserves, or is heading up to Nyika Plateau, but most locations are easy enough to get to, even in a saloon vehicle, during the summer months.
Discover the Beauty of Malawi: Navigate with Confidence
Whether you choose north, south, east or west, Malawi has something extraordinary to offer. With a range of accommodation and camping options to suit your budget, you can set out on your self-driving adventure with just a spirit to explore and Google Maps or a GPS, or set out with a planned, and detailed itinerary in hand. Malawi is yours to explore.
Malawi’s road network is user-friendly, especially along the main routes connecting major cities. Many roads are tarred, and ongoing infrastructure improvements are making travelling smoother. While the older northern routes may have potholes and narrow sections, the experience is unforgettable. Self-driving is an ideal way to really explore this beautiful country.
Land & Lake Safaris: Planning, Logistics and Itineraries
Land & Lake Safaris a small family-owned and operated tour company, was first established in 1986 and they’ve been running excursions here ever since. They offer a wide range of options, experiences and itineraries to your timeframe, budget and interests – individual travellers, groups, families or couples looking to adventure in this special destination. From lodge-based self-drives to fully kitted 4×4 safari expedition vehicles for those looking to camp, they have a range of vehicles on offer. All vehicle hire includes comprehensive vehicle handover, unlimited mileage, insurance coverage, and a free-of-charge rescue and replacement service, and a 24hr call line for guidance on your journey – your choices of travel are unlimited!
Land & Lake offer set-date departures that run throughout the year to some of the best locations across Malawi or alternatively, they can advise and create tailor-made itineraries to suit all preferences. They can also book hotels and lodges, provide transfer services, and arrange domestic flight reservations for Malawi.
We have set-date departures that run throughout the year to some of the best locations across Malawi and Zambia. We offer advice and guidance on travel and create tailor-made itineraries to suit you!
As well as being a DMC service for the region, we book hotels and lodges, offer transfer services, as well as internal flight reservations for Malawi and Zambia.
With our own fleet of extended, expedition safari vehicles as well as a range of Fully equipped Toyota Hilux's available for self-driving and camping expeditions, your choices of travel across the region are unlimited!
Guided in the Green Season Self-Drive in the Green Season What makes this time of year the best?
The Green Season is one of our favorite times to travel - and more often than not our only time for our personal travel.
So here's why we love it...
The most popular destinations like Liwonde National Park, Cape Maclear and South Luangwa are without the crowds - You're spoilt with a swimming pool to yourself, a private viewing of a leopard kill and sometimes even a private game drive without the additional cost.
Not only the quiet though, we love it for the new life - Wildlife starts having babies and suddenly you're surrounded by cubs and lambs and calves. Not only the wildlife though as new foliage floods your eyes, making photography bright and vibrant.
Many animals tend to avoid the puddles and long grass so they stick to the road network - making viewing just as good as the dry season, and even a little bit closer!
The cost is Lower!! Green Season rates kick in and suddenly your dream safari is affordable with all the bells and whistles.
The sky is clear - By that we mean the dry season dust is nestled happily under a new blanket of rain and suddenly you can see for miles. Standing at the top of a mountain, the views are incredibly clear.
It's the perfect temperature...
The middle of the day is hot enough to enjoy swimming and sunbathing and the nights cool down with a fresh bout of rain.
The dramatic storms are probably the best. Looking out at the expanse of Lake Malawi with your gin and tonic, the sky glittering with lighting and the distant rumble of thunder. Watch the wall of water approach as you nestle into fluffy white sheets across the African Savannah...
1-15 Days - $99.00 Per Day
+ 16 Days - $85.00 Per Day
Valid for any Car Hire from 01 December 2023 - 15 March 2024
Malawi & Zambia Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Lilongwe & Overnight in Africa House
Day 2: Vehicle Handover and drive down to Liwonde National Park - Get a boat up the Shire River to Mvuu Camp & Nights spent here including all food, accommodation, game park entrance fees and all your activities!
Day 3 & 4: Two full days exploring Liwonde National park with Mvuu Camp.
Day 5: Boat back down the river to your vehicle and drive up to Cape Maclear. Night at Chembe Eagles Nest including your dinner and breakfast and accommodation facing the lake.
Day 6: Another glorious night here on the lake including dinner and breakfast.
Day 7: Drive back to Lilongwe and overnight before heading across to South Luangwa National park for an all-inclusive safari with Track & Trail River Camp.
Day 8, 9 & 10: Stay in a chalet facing the mighty Luangwa River. Included is all your game park entrance fees, all your food, two activities per day and of course your accommodation.
Day 11: Return to Lilongwe and off-hire your vehicle, overnight in town then before your flight the next day!
Day 12: We'll take you to the airport in time for your international flight out.
Itinerary Above can be customised!
Go to basic accommodation & Save
or
Up-grade your accommodation to the best!
Itinerary Above can be customised!
Go to basic accommodation & Save
or
Up-grade your accommodation to the best!
