Ulendo Safaris
Ulendo Safaris has been a cornerstone of Malawian travel since 1998, growing from a small inbound marketing agent into the country’s premier destination management company. As a fully Malawian‑owned and managed outfit, Ulendo offers end‑to‑end itinerary planning: international and regional flights, meet‑and‑greet services, road and air transfers, guided safaris, accommodation bookings, specialist tours, and IATA‑accredited ticketing. Their expert team tailors each itinerary to individual guest preferences—whether a multi‑day wildlife safari through Liwonde or Majete, cultural immersions in Gutu and Mua, or lake‑based experiences on Malawi’s islands. Ulendo’s in‑house services ensure consistent quality control, from custom menus that showcase local cuisine to logistics coordination across remote dirt roads. Their “travel experience” ethos emphasizes seamless service without sacrificing authenticity, making Ulendo Safaris the go‑to choice for international tour operators, corporate groups, and individual travelers seeking a truly Malawian adventure.
Website: https://ulendo.net/
Land & Lake Safaris
Family‑run since 1986 and based in Lilongwe, Land & Lake Safaris specializes in bespoke private and small‑group safaris that blend Malawi’s freshwater wonders with its Big Five reserves. Their offerings include boat safaris on Lake Malawi’s UNESCO‑protected national park, game drives in Liwonde National Park, birding excursions around the Viphya Plateau, and photographic hide experiences in Majete Game Reserve. Vehicles are open‑sided 4×4 Land Cruisers equipped for long drives, and their guides deliver in‑depth natural‑history interpretation on wildlife behavior, bird identification, and conservation challenges. Land & Lake’s hallmark is attention to dietary needs—menus feature fresh fish from Lake Malawi, organic produce from local farms, and chef‑prepared bush breakfasts. Their tailor‑made approach accommodates families, honeymooners, and corporate retreats, with options for mobile camping under the stars or stays in comfortable lodge camps. This personalized focus has made them one of Malawi’s most respected safari providers.
Website: https://www.landlake.net/
Blue Zebra Safaris
Blue Zebra Safaris operates two intertwined experiences: exclusive eco‑lodges on Nankoma Island in Lake Malawi National Park, and curated wildlife safaris to Liwonde, Majete, and the Zambian Luangwa Valley. Their safari‑style tented chalets and eco‑cabins on the island are powered by solar energy and offer private decks overlooking clear waters rich in endemic cichlids. Guests rise to morning kayak trips, snorkeling between fish shoals, or guided nature walks to spot African fish eagles. Blue Zebra’s safari division partners with select bush camps to extend the island adventure into Big Five game‑viewing drives, mokoro canoe safaris, and night‑drive excursions. Their small‑group model—maximum eight guests per vehicle—ensures personalized commentary from resident guides. Culinary offerings blend local ingredients (fresh lake fish, tropical fruits) with international flair, and family‑friendly programming includes junior ranger activities and conservation‑awareness sessions. Blue Zebra’s seamless lake‑to‑land itineraries create a true “bush-and-beach” safari holiday.
Website: https://bluezebrasafaris.com/
Africa Wild Truck
Since 2005, Africa Wild Truck has invited adventurous travelers to explore Malawi’s hidden corners aboard custom‑built overland vehicles. Specializing in expedition‑style safaris, they cover key wildlife areas—Majete, Liwonde, Nkhotakota, and Nyika—alongside cultural stops in Mulanje’s tea plantations and Lake Malawi’s shoreline communities. Their itineraries combine off‑road bush camping under canvas with stays in local eco‑lodges, allowing for immersive experiences in remote bush camps. Guides with deep regional knowledge lead game drives, walking safaris, bird‑watching treks, and cultural exchanges with village artisans. Africa Wild Truck emphasizes responsible tourism: they support village schools, employ local community guides, and adhere to “leave no trace” camping ethics. Groups are kept small (max 12), fostering camaraderie among travelers while preserving wildlife viewing quality. With a focus on authentic overland adventure rather than luxury, Africa Wild Truck is the leading choice for intrepid safari explorers in Malawi.
Website: https://www.africawildtruck.com/
1 2 Travel Africa
1 2 Travel Africa brings Dutch precision to Malawi’s safari scene, operating from their Africa House and Mitengo House lodges in Lilongwe. As a boutique operator, they design fully personalized escapes that span primate tracking in Nkhotakota, birding hikes on the Nyika Plateau, and sunset dhow cruises on Lake Malawi. Their small‑group and private tours cater to families, photography enthusiasts, and retirees, balancing structured wildlife drives (in Liwonde and Majete) with flexible “off‑the‑beaten‑path” options like community homestays and park‑concession visits. 1 2 Travel Africa manages every detail—from multi‑leg charter flights into remote bush camps to curated cultural meals with Malawian families—ensuring transparency in pricing and environmental impact. Their dedication to sustainable tourism extends to conservation fees, community‑empowerment projects, and eco‑certified lodges. For travelers seeking a thoughtfully crafted, deeply immersive Malawi journey, 1 2 Travel Africa delivers unmatched expertise and attention to detail.
Website: https://12travelafrica.com/en/
Budget Safari
Budget Safari offers value‑driven tailor‑made tours across Malawi’s top wildlife and scenic regions, ideal for families and solo travelers on a mid‑range budget. Their signature multi‑day packages cover Liwonde National Park boat safaris, night drives on the Nyika Plateau, and wildlife viewing in Majete Game Reserve—home to the country’s reintroduced Big Five. Beyond lodging in comfortable tented camps and local guesthouses, they provide optional self‑drive itineraries with 4×4 hire and detailed route planning. Budget Safari’s guides handle all permits and park fees, and itineraries include Shire River canoe trips and cultural market visits in Zomba. They also coordinate cross‑border extensions into Zambia’s South Luangwa and Mozambique’s coastal areas. With a focus on flexibility, Budget Safari crafts experiences that align with travelers’ time frames and financial plans without compromising on wildlife encounters or logistics.
Website: https://www.budget-safari.com/
Central African Wilderness Safaris
Established in 1987, Central African Wilderness Safaris (CAWS) is a family‑run ecotourism pioneer in Malawi. Their portfolio includes classic lodges—Mvuu in Liwonde, Chelinda on the Nyika Plateau—and mobile camps that follow wildlife movements in Nkhotakota. Guests can track elephant herds on foot, glide through hippo‑populated rivers by boat, and view sable antelope at secluded waterholes from elevated hides. CAWS balances mid‑range comfort with authentic bush immersion: canvas tents, crisp linen, and open‑air dining under acacia trees. Their professional ranger‑guides are trained in wildlife biology and first aid, delivering expert natural‑history interpretation. Committed to “tourism with purpose,” CAWS channels a portion of revenue into anti‑poaching units, community education, and sustainable resource management projects. Their longstanding local relationships ensure off‑season departures, exclusive concession access, and a genuine “Malawi bush” safari for every traveler.
Website: https://cawsmw.com/
Crafted Africa
Crafted Africa is Malawi’s bespoke ground‑handler and DMC, blending local expertise with international service standards since 2008. Based in Lilongwe, they design high‑end adventure safaris that include walking safaris in Liwonde, canoe trips on the Shire River, helicopter transfers into remote bush camps, and island‑hopping excursions in Lake Malawi. Their portfolio features handpicked boutique lodges and camps—Chelinda on the Nyika Plateau, Pumulani on Likoma Island, and Mvuu Lodge—ensuring each property meets rigorous sustainability and comfort criteria. Crafted Africa’s consultants collaborate closely with guests to tailor itineraries that balance wildlife viewing, cultural interactions, and wellness activities (yoga on the lake shore, spa treatments using local botanicals). Their on‑the‑ground support includes 24/7 emergency assistance, seamless permit handling, and local partnerships that amplify community benefits. For travelers seeking a fully custom, ultra‑personalized Malawi safari, Crafted Africa sets the benchmark.
Website: https://craftedafrica.com/
Kayak Africa
Kayak Africa specializes in water‑based adventure safaris on Lake Malawi’s Mumbo and Domwe islands, combined with guided wilderness tours on the mainland. Operating eco‑camp lodges since 1996, they offer six reed chalets on each island, complete with hot‑bucket showers, “eco‑loos,” and private hammocks among ancient baobabs. Activities focus on sea kayaking, snorkeling over cichlid reefs, and sustainable small‑boat safaris to neighboring islands. Their Cape Maclear reception in Malawi is backed by a tour‑operator office in Cape Town, coordinating flights, road transfers, and multi‑destination packages that include Liwonde boat safaris and Majete game drives. Kayak Africa is renowned for its ongoing staff development—Malawian guides lead all island and mainland excursions—and stringent eco‑principles, from solar‑powered lighting to plastic‑free operations. This blend of aquatic adventure and authentic bush experiences makes Kayak Africa a unique gateway to Malawi’s “warm heart.”
Website: https://kayakafrica.co.za/
Warm Heart Adventures
Warm Heart Adventures is a fully Malawian‑owned, female‑led operator based in Cape Maclear, delivering authentic, community‑focused tours around Lake Malawi and beyond. Founded by Kay de Silva—one of the country’s few qualified female safari guides—the company offers tailor‑made itineraries: snorkeling and fish‑eagle‑feeding boat cruises, village walks with the Sinthana Community Centre, hiking on the Zomba Plateau, and kayak expeditions to Thumbi Island. Warm Heart integrates local culture through cooking demonstrations in Chembe village, school conservation education visits, and homestay experiences. Their adventure tourism arm arranges multi‑day packages combining beach lodge stays in reed‑thatched chalets with guided bush walks in Liwonde and Vwaza Marsh. Emphasizing female empowerment, Warm Heart employs local women staff, supports youth leadership workshops, and adheres to eco‑friendly practices. For travelers seeking a socially conscious, off‑the‑beaten‑path Malawi safari, Warm Heart Adventures offers unmatched local insight and heartwarming hospitality.
Website: https://www.warmheartadventurelodge.com/
