Malawi Program Fact Sheet

Expedition in Lilongwe

Languages: English

Your friends have probably never heard of Malawi, but don't let that discourage you. Malawi has an extraordinary range of scenery, a wonderfully welcoming population, classic African wildlife viewing, a modern history of peace and cooperation and because of less of a historical colonial presence, there is less of a European overlay on it traditional culture than is typical in East and Southern Africa. Malawi embodies its moniker of "The Warm Heart of Africa". A special feature of the program is the opportunity to meet people active in the issues of the day; education, women and development, rural health care, environmental protection, sustainable food and cash crop production and energy conservation. Pleasure and satisfaction on past Malawi programs has been very high.

MALAWI: LAND AND LAKE (southern circuit)

Schedule: July - September Because of low demand this program is only run every couple years. It is very helpful if you let us know that you are interested in this program. (see also Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe)
Program Price (lodging, two meals/day, guide, museum fees and more):US$1090 plus airfare. Average out of pocket expenses per program $100 plus or minus $50.
Description: Day 1: Lilongwe. Check-in and local sightseeing. Day 2-4: Cycle to and explore Bembeke Escarpment, visit school, clinic and fishing villages. Day 5-6: Cycle to and snorkel diving in the unique aquatic environment of Lake Malawi. Day 7-8: Cycle to and visit Liwonde National Park and view wildlife. Day 9-10: Cycle to and explore verdant Zomba plateau. Day 11-12: Cycle to and hiking in Mulange mountains. Day 13-14: Cycle through tea country to Blantyre and complete the trip by returning to Lilongwe.
Features: Small group, visiting lush tea country, Mulange mountains, Zomba plateau and Liwonde National Park, with opportunities to snorkel in Lake Malawi, extraordinary scenery, chats with a wide range of people and visits to development projects, traditional villages, Lake Malawi, wildlife and breathtakingly beautiful back roads cycling.
Starting/Ending Point: Lilongwe, Malawi
Skill Level: Suitable for Beginner/Intermediate
Mileage Daily / Total: 30-100 km, 18-62 miles per day, starts with lower mileage / 700 km, 435 miles total.
Cycling Conditions: 70% paved, 30% dirt, generally flat and rolling, some hills and moderate elevation (500-1200m).
Accommodations: Mostly small hotels and resthouses.
Van Support: None. Local transport is generally plentiful when needed to be called upon.
Meals Included: Two meals per day, generally breakfast and dinner.
Other Activities: Walking, snorkeling, wildlife viewing.
Bike: Mountain bike recommended. Bike Rental: Not available.

MALAWI: Ngoni and Tumbuka Land (northern circuit)

Schedule: July - September Because of low demand this program is only run every couple years. It is very helpful if you let us know that you are interested in this program. (see also Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe)
Program Price (lodging, two meals/day, guide, museum fees and more):US$1090, plus airfare. Average out of pocket expenses per program $100 plus or minus $50.
Description: Day 1: Visit the museums and attractions of Lilongwe. Day 2-5: Cycle north passing through a variety of agricultural lands. Visit various points of interests. Day 6-7: Cycle to and visit Lake Kazuni and marvel at the wildlife. Day 8-12: Fly to the vast Nyika plateau. Hike through the national park to Livingstonia and the lakeshore. Day 13-14: Return to Mzuzu and Lilongwe and finish program.
Features: Small group, self-contained bicycling and hiking program exploring the cultural and natural history of northern Malawi, featuring a variety of extraordinary scenery created by the escarpments and high plateaus of the east African rift system. In route we meet a variety of local people and visit national parks, development projects, traditional living areas, historical sites and much more..
Starting/Ending Point: Lilongwe, Malawi
Skill Level: Suitable for Intermediate/Expert
Mileage Daily / Total: 40-105 km, 25-65 miles / 550 km, 330 miles
Cycling Conditions: 70% paved, 30% dirt and gravel roads, demanding rolling and hilly terrain..
Accommodations: Mostly small hotels and resthouses.
Van Support: None. Local transport is generally plentiful when needed to be called upon.
Meals Included: Two meals per day, generally breakfast and dinner.
Other Activities: Walking, hiking, wildlife viewing.
Bike: Mountain bike recommended.

Additional information