15
Days
Malawi – the warm heart of Africa. This versatile but relatively unknown country lies in the East African Rift Valley. In its center middle lies Lake Malawi, the ninth largest lake on earth. With a depth of up to 700 m, it is home to a variety of fish, especially cichlids can be found while snorkeling on the rocky shores. The country has little motorized vehicles, so it is a paradise for cycling. The majority of people ride bicycles, a good opportunity to meet them at eye level, while everything is transported that fits on it: whole families, animals, furniture, harvest … You can only marvel!
Start is in the capital Lilongwe. On your first bike trip in the Luwawa Forest Reserve situated on the 1600m high Viphya Plateau you will see various species of monkeys, antelopes and, with a bit of luck, one of the shy spotted hyenas. Through a tea and rubber cultivation area, we descend to Chintheche, which has one of the most beautiful beaches on the lake. In addition to antelopes and monkeys, the rainforest of Nchisi is also home to impressive orchids and rare bird species. In Senga Bay there is a bike break, where excursions by kayak or snorkeling among the tropical fish are worthwhile. After a bike ride to the Shire River, you will take a boat to the Liwonde National Park. Here you will find the big 5, i.e. lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes. By boat and in an open game drive vehicle you go on safari. The Zomba Plateau can be seen from afar, we approach the steep rock through small villages that grow mainly bananas, papaya, millet and cassava. The last bike tour runs through the panoramic tea-growing area in the south of the country to the over 3000m high Mt. Mulanje. On the way you are welcome to do a tea tasting. The return journey is then from the economic centre of Blantyre.
We have selected the best accommodation for this trip. These are mostly in the 3* range. The climate between April and October is mild to warm from 23 °C-30 °C without precipitation and humidity. You can hire well maintained MTB hardtails with 24-27 speed. Your experienced local guide will always cycle with you, a backup vehicle transports the luggage, offers a lift for those tired of riding and carries the delicious picnics.
Travel Information
A medium level of fitness is perfectly adequate for the trip. The ratio of gravel to asphalt road is 50/50. Since the travel date is during the dry season, the gravel roads are hard and easy to cycle on. The back-up vehicle is always close by and thus enables shorter distances. The temperatures are warm to hot. In the highlands it is 23-28 °C, at the lake and in the south of the country 28-33 °C.
There is a risk of malaria in Malawi. Please talk to your doctor about prophylaxis. All accommodations have mosquito nets over the beds and on the windows
Pick-up from the airport and transfer to Mafumu Lodge which offers good executive rooms, all larger in size than the normal hotel standard. All the rooms are air conditioned with ensuite bathrooms, digital satellite TV, international direct dialing and email facilities. When it comes to mealtimes, you are well looked after. The guest house offers a mouth-watering buffet breakfast as well as an à la carte menu featuring both African cuisine and international dishes. There is also a well-stocked bar. Dinner can be had either at the Lodge or an arrangement can be made on site for a taxi to take into town to a restaurant.
Bus distance 30 km, duration 0.5 h
Breakfast in Lilongwe and then a transfer to Luwawa Forest Lodge which is an international guest house and outdoor adventure center in the unspoilt wilderness of the Viphya Plateau. At 1600 m, the area is Malaria-free. Just a 3-hour drive from Lilongwe and 8 km off the M1 road, the lodge overlooks a large, fish-rich lake. The picturesque Luwawa Valley is stunningly beautiful, and the overwhelming impression is one of peace and tranquility. Much of the Lodge’s electricity is from solar energy and the water supply from a mountain stream. Fresh vegetables prepared in the kitchen are from the lodge’s permaculture garden. The lodge is dedicated to being in tune with its natural surroundings. The latest addition to the facilities is a sauna & bush shower. Luwawa has a rich bird life and you can spot antelopes near the lodge. Monkeys, baboons, leopards and hyenas are further away. The lodge is committed to responsible tourism through its many local community assistance projects in which guests can be directly involved. Winner of the Malawi Government’s Tourism Award 2008 for “Community Participation and Sustainable Tourism Practices”. Arrive at Luwawa for lunch. After that, do a 25 km acclimatization ride through the Perekezi Indigenous Forest (all single track). (B,L,D)
Distance by bike 25 km, 457 am, gravel road, easy single trails
Distance by bus 250 km, duration 3.5 h
After an early breakfast, a longer vehicle transfer to Chikangawa takes place. From there you cycle through beautiful landscapes to the Kawalazi Tea Estate. Today you spend the night in tents near the club house. Our own cook provides you with all meals. (B,L,D)
Kawalazi Tea Estate
Distance by bike 66 km, 834 am, tar/gravel road
Distance by bus 50 km, duration 1 h
Ride through the estate and over the second escarpment through the rice scheme and Vizara Rubber Estate to the lake shore road, ride south along the lake shore road to Chintheche Inn. Arrive mid-afternoon. Chintheche Inn stands on the northern shore of Lake Malawi on what is acknowledged to be one of the most beautiful of all the lake’s beaches. With a backdrop of the Viphya mountains and patches of tropical rain forest, the white sandy beaches, broken only by small rocky outcrops, stretch for miles. Accommodation is in ten brightly furnished, en suite rooms, each opening out on to the beach. There is a reception and dining area with a bar, but many take their meals out of doors with dinner served under the stars. There is a delightful swimming pool. The intimate atmosphere of the lodge is reminiscent of a safari camp. Careful attention is paid to guests’ wishes and a variety visits can be organized to explore the locality. There are boats from which to snorkel or dive in the clear warm waters of the lake. (B,L,D)
Distance by bike 54 km, 563 am, tar
Distance by bus 0 km, duration 0 h
Drive towards Kasungu via Nkhotakota. At the Ntchisi junction, cycle to the forest. Ntchisi Forest Lodge is located in some of Malawi’s last remaining rainforest in an isolated spot just two hours from Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital. The family-run lodge boasts stunning views over the hills down to Lake Malawi and all the way to the mountains of Mozambique on the opposite lakeshore. Guests at Ntchisi experience the warm-hearted hospitality of a part of rural Malawi where tourists are still a rarity and can enjoy walking and mountain biking in beautiful scenery. Rare birds and colorful orchids are abundant and samango monkeys, hyenas and baboons are regularly seen near the lodge. After a hard day’s exploring in the rainforest, the friendly hosts will prepare a delicious dinner using vegetables, herbs and fruits freshly plucked from the lodge garden. The lodge itself is a historical colonial building dating from 1914 (making it one of Malawi’s oldest buildings) so it is ideal for cozy evenings relaxing by a roaring log fire and soaking up the old-world charm. All five bedrooms are en suite and beautifully furnished in a fusion of African and colonial styles. A stay at Ntchisi Forest Lodge will be a highlight of any Malawi tour. (B,L,D)
Distance by bike 37 km, 577 am, gravel road
Distance by bus 90 km, duration 1.5 h
On this morning, after an early breakfast, cycle down the escarpment again on a dirt road, then when you reach the main tarmac road, transfer by vehicle to Senga Bay to Safari Beach Lodge, our accommodation for the next two nights. The lodge is located in the secluded and beautiful Senga Bay Forest Reserve near Salima and is situated directly on the shore of Lake Malawi. The property of around 10 hectares has its own private beach, a swimming pool and a lush garden. From your gazebo you have a stunning view over Leopard Bay with its spectacular sunsets and the local fishermen in their dugout canoes. (B,L,D)
Distance by bike 52 km, 523 am, gravel road
Distance by bus 190 km, duration 3 h
A relaxing morning spent on the beach, a variety of activities can be done at the hotel including swimming, hiking, cycling around the area and other activities (optional, not included). For active cyclists, there is an opportunity to cycle to Kuti Game ranch, with a ride in the game park, lunch in the park, then cycle back to the hotel. (B,D)
Distance by bike 32 km, 187 am, tar
Distance by bus 0 km, duration 0 h
Road transfer then some 60 km from Cape Maclear, cycle along a back road to Cape Maclear. Chembe Eagles Nest offers 6 double and 5 twin chalets – all en suite with Mosquito nets and ceiling fans as standard in all rooms. Chalets are lake facing with a patio to watch the exquisite sunset from your patio. We guarantee the most relaxing experience in Cape Maclear. Two nights will be spent here. (B,L,D)
Distance by bike 60 km, 425 am, gravel road
Distance by bus 140 km, duration 2 h
The day is spent relaxing at the beach, taking part in what the area has to offer, including village tours, swimming, relaxing and hiking, it is ideal should one wish to cycle around the area. There is a charming route to Monkey Bay. One could have lunch there and cycle back to the hotel. (B,D)
Distance by bike 42 km, 470 am, tar/gravel road
Distance by bus 0 km, duration 0 h
An early morning breakfast and a road transfer again, before you start the cycle to Kutchire Lodge in Liwonde, our accommodation for the next two nights. Arrival is just after lunch. On the other side of Shire river is the Liwonde National Park, the largest protected area in the country. In addition to hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, lions and elephants, there are over 400 species of birds. In the afternoon you take part in an afternoon game drive. (B,L,D)
Distance by bike 44 km, 179 am, tar/gravel road
Bus distance 60 km, duration 1 h
After breakfast take a boat from Kutchire Lodge to Liwonde National Park, have lunch at Mvuu and game drive in the afternoon. Then boat transfer back to Kutchire Lodge. (B,L,D) Kutchire Lodge
Distance by bus 0 km, duration 0 h
After breakfast, a short road transfer and you continue to Zomba town. A visit to the local market is recommended, before heading up 1000 m to the plateau and have lunch at Kuchawe Inn. In the afternoon you cycle back to Zomba town and overnight at Annie’s Lodge. (B,L,D)D)
Distance by bike 50 km, 610 am, tar/gravel road or 60 km, 1392 am, tar/gravel road Distance by bus 40 km, duration 1 h
Bus distance 40 km, duration 1 h
After breakfast, the journey continues with the transfer / cycle to Game Haven Lodge, our accommodation for the next two nights. You make a detour to a hospital in Limbe. There you meet the local director of the “mothers 2 mothers” organization, which is active in several African countries. From her you learn how the Malawian health system works and what measures are being taken to combat HIV infection (AIDS). Game Haven is a serene, beautiful game park and the lodge is set in the indigenous forests and grasslands of the Shire highlands of Southern Malawi. Experience exceptional viewing of the wildlife which include kudu, roan, eland, sable, giraffe, zebra, and a prolific birdlife. As part of the unique Game Haven experience, enjoy the relaxing sound of the cascading waterfall at the swimming pool and fishing and braaiing (barbecue) on the scenic lawns of Lake Bvumbwe. (B,L,D)
Distance by bike 86 km, 945 am, tar
Distance by bus 0 km, duration 0 h
The day is spent exploring the area. A recommended cycling route is towards Mulanje mountain. For those wishing to relax, there are walks around the lodge grounds and golf course, a visit to the next-door tea estate is also a worthwhile experience. Return to the lodge in the afternoon. (B,D)
Distance by bike 69 km, 471 am, tar
Bus distance 70 km, duration 1 h
Today it is only a 1-hour transfer to Blantyre airport in time for your return flight and the end of your journey. (B)
Bus distance 36 km, duration 1 h
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