Malawi Self Drive itinerary – The Prefect Road Trip itinerary 2 weeks
Self Drive East Africa offers classic Self drive itineraries and roads to explore Malawi , Zambia and cross border rentals from Tanzania to see the wilderness of African wildlife on road trip adventures with us . We are classic about the rental jeeps offered and these include the landcruiser lx of Toyota brand only as they are known to be for Africa.
Welcome to Lilongwe, and Malawi – the warm heart of Africa! On arrival, a representative from Self Drive East Africa will meet and greet you at the airport. You will be given the maps and information you need for your trip and directed to your first night’s accommodation.
14 DAYS SELF DRIVE CAMPING TRIP IN MALAWI
Day 1: Arrive in Lilongwe
You land in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi. Pick up your 4×4 rental car with a rooftop tent or camping gear. Stock up on food, water, and fuel from the supermarket or market. You can spend the night at Barefoot Camp or Mabuya Camp, both great places for campers with basic facilities, Wi-Fi, and a friendly atmosphere.
Day 2: Drive to Nkhotakota (about 4 hours)
Drive east toward Lake Malawi and arrive at Nkhotakota Pottery Lodge & Campsite, right on the lakeshore. You can swim, relax on the beach, or walk around the nearby villages. There’s also Bua River Lodge Campsite inside Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve if you prefer a wilder experience. Both places have toilets, showers, and peaceful natural settings.
Day 3: Explore Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve
Spend the day in Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, which is quiet and full of nature. You can go on a guided walk or a game drive to see elephants, antelopes, and birds. Bua River Lodge can help you arrange these activities. Return to your campsite in the evening and enjoy a fire under the stars.
Day 4: Drive to Nkhata Bay (about 3 hours)
Head north along the lake to the beautiful town of Nkhata Bay. Camp at Mayoka Village or Njaya Lodge, which offer great views, lake access, and basic camping facilities. Spend the rest of the day swimming, kayaking, or exploring the local markets.
Day 5: Rest Day at Nkhata Bay
Enjoy a relaxing day at the lake. You can go snorkeling, take a boat ride, or hike to nearby waterfalls. The lake water is warm and clean, and the locals are welcoming. Mayoka Village even offers free use of kayaks for campers. Have dinner at the lodge restaurant or cook your own meal at the campsite.
Day 6: Drive to Nyika National Park (6–7 hours)
Start early and drive inland to Nyika National Park. The road is rough, so a 4×4 is important. Camp at Chelinda Campsite, located on the high Nyika Plateau. The campsite is basic but scenic, with cold weather and clear skies. You may see antelopes and zebras right near your tent.
Day 7: Explore Nyika National Park
Spend a full day exploring this unique park. Take a self-drive game drive or hike through rolling grasslands and pine forests. Wildlife includes elands, bushbucks, reedbucks, and leopards (if you’re lucky). The plateau is also perfect for photography and birdwatching. Return to Chelinda Campsite and enjoy a warm drink by the fire.
Day 8: Drive to Livingstonia (about 5 hours)
Descend from the plateau and drive down the steep Gorodi Road to Livingstonia. Camp at The Mushroom Farm Eco-Lodge, a popular camping spot with amazing views over the lake. It has compost toilets, hot showers, and a cozy restaurant. You can relax in a hammock and enjoy the peaceful mountain setting.
Day 9: Explore Livingstonia and Manchewe Falls
Take a walk to the historical Livingstonia Mission, the old stone church, and the small museum. Then hike down to Manchewe Falls, a beautiful waterfall hidden in a green forest. In the afternoon, return to The Mushroom Farm, enjoy a homemade pizza or vegetarian meal, and watch the sunset over Lake Malawi.
Day 10: Drive to Nkhata Bay or Kande Beach (about 4–5 hours)
Drive back down toward the lake. You can either return to Nkhata Bay or stop at Kande Beach, a popular campsite for overlanders. Kande Beach Campsite is right on the sand and has toilets, showers, and a lively bar. It’s great for swimming, horse riding, or just relaxing with a cold drink.
Day 11: Drive to Dedza (about 5–6 hours)
Start heading south toward Dedza, passing through Mzuzu and central Malawi. Camp at Dedza Pottery Lodge, which has a nice camping area and a great café. You can also visit Chongoni Rock Art nearby, a UNESCO site with ancient paintings on the rocks.
Day 12: Drive to Zomba Plateau (about 4 hours)
Drive further south to Zomba Plateau and camp at Pakachere Backpackers or Ku Chawe Inn Campsite. The plateau is cool, forested, and full of hiking trails. You can enjoy great views from the top, see waterfalls, and maybe spot baboons or colourful birds. The fresh mountain air is refreshing after days on the road.
Day 13: Drive to Liwonde National Park (2–3 hours)
Head to Liwonde National Park, famous for elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and birds. Camp at Bushman’s Baobabs, a budget-friendly lodge with a campsite just outside the park. You can arrange a boat safari or game drive through the lodge. The river is peaceful, and animals often pass near the campsite.
Day 14: Return to Lilongwe (about 4–5 hours)
Enjoy a short morning activity if time allows, then drive back to Lilongwe. Drop off your rental car, buy last-minute souvenirs, and either rest for the night or go straight to the airport. You will finish your trip full of great memories from the lakeshore to the mountains to the bush.