12 Days Tanzania & Malawi – Southern Highlands & Lake Escape
12-Day Tanzania & Malawi Southern Highlands & Lake Escape
A quiet safari in Mikumi, a drive through the Southern Highlands, then six slow days on Lake Malawi and in Lilongwe.
Tour Overview
This twelve-day trip is for travellers who want to slow down. You start with a quiet safari in Mikumi National Park in southern Tanzania, then drive through the Southern Highlands and cross into Malawi for several days beside Lake Malawi, with snorkelling, village visits and beach time, and finish in Lilongwe. There's only one safari park, and half the trip is relaxed lake time. It suits nature lovers and repeat visitors who want quieter places.
Trip Highlights
Mikumi Safari
Two days of game drives across the park's floodplains.
Southern Highlands
A scenic drive through Iringa, tea country and the Mbeya highlands.
Lake Malawi
Four nights by the lake with swimming, snorkelling and kayaking.
Fishing Villages
Visit local fishing communities and walk along the shore.
Plan Your Tanzania & Malawi Trip
Tell us your dates and group size. We'll check lodge availability and send you a quote.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Dar es Salaam
Your guide meets you at Julius Nyerere International Airport and takes you to your hotel. Dinner is included.
- Airport pickup
- Hotel in Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam → Mikumi National Park
You drive west across rural country and open savannah to Mikumi National Park. In the afternoon you take your first game drive.
- Drive to Mikumi
- Afternoon game drive
Mikumi National Park
Two game drives take you across Mikumi's floodplains. Elephants, lions, giraffes and large herds of plains game are all possible, and what you see depends on the day.
- Morning game drive
- Afternoon game drive
Mikumi → Iringa
You drive into the cooler Southern Highlands toward Iringa. The afternoon is free to enjoy the change of scenery.
- Drive to Iringa
- Free afternoon
Iringa → Mbeya
You continue south through tea plantations and mountain scenery to the Mbeya area.
- Scenic drive to Mbeya
Mbeya → Lake Malawi
You cross into Malawi and drive on to the shore of Lake Malawi. We handle the border logistics for you. The afternoon is free by the lake.
- Border crossing
- Drive to Lake Malawi
- Afternoon by the lake
Lake Malawi: Free Day
A free day by the lake. You can swim, snorkel, kayak or walk through the villages along the shore. Some of these are optional activities that cost extra.
- Swimming and snorkelling
- Kayaking
- Village walks
Lake Malawi: Free Day
Another free day to relax on the beach or take an optional boat trip on the lake.
- Beach time
- Optional boat trip
Lake Malawi: Optional Activities
Optional activities include snorkelling with cichlid fish, cultural visits to fishing communities and guided nature walks.
- Snorkelling with cichlids
- Cultural visits
- Guided nature walk
Lake Malawi → Lilongwe
You drive to Malawi's capital, Lilongwe, past rural villages and farmland, and check in to a hotel.
- Drive to Lilongwe
Lilongwe: Free Day
A free day in Lilongwe, with optional short excursions around the city and to nearby markets.
- Free day
- Optional markets and excursions
Depart Lilongwe
After breakfast you transfer to Lilongwe International Airport for your flight home.
- Airport transfer
What's Included
Included
- 11 nights at midrange lodges and hotels
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
- Private vehicle and professional guide
- Mikumi park and conservation fees
- All game drives in the itinerary
- Border crossing logistics and assistance
- Airport transfers
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees (Tanzania and Malawi)
- Travel and medical insurance
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Optional activities, such as boat trips, snorkelling and kayaking
- Tips and gratuities
Price Per Person
| Group Size | Price per Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 traveller | $4,450 | Private vehicle and guide |
| 2 travellers | $3,550 | Per person |
| 3 travellers | $3,250 | Per person |
| 4 travellers | $3,050 | Best group value |
Before You Book
Good to Know
- Pace: Only one safari park, and four nights on Lake Malawi with free days. Expect long road days between Mikumi, Iringa, Mbeya and the lake.
- Wildlife: Mikumi is a quieter park, and sightings can't be guaranteed.
- Lake activities: Snorkelling, kayaking, boat trips and village visits are optional and are not included in the price. We can book them for you.
- Roads: Prices and timings depend on road conditions, especially on the Mbeya to Lake Malawi stretch and the border crossing.
- Flights: Fly into Dar es Salaam and out of Lilongwe. Both flights are your own and aren't included.
- Visas: You need visas for Tanzania and Malawi. Requirements depend on your nationality, so check before you travel.
- Health: Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended, so see a travel clinic before you go. Also check yellow fever requirements for your route. Travel and medical insurance is strongly advised.
- Where you'll stay: Midrange lodges, a beach lodge on the lake and hotels in the cities. Upgrades are possible on request.