Our packages
Day Trips
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Shire Safaris' Day Trips, designed for those seeking a quick yet immersive experience in the wild. These expertly guided excursions allow you to witness the stunning beauty of the region’s diverse landscapes and wildlife in just one day. From early morning game drives to afternoon exploration, you'll have the chance to see majestic elephants, graceful antelopes, and a plethora of bird species. Our day trips are perfect for travelers with limited time, offering a snapshot of the natural wonders that make this area so special.
River Safaris
Experience the tranquility and excitement of a River Safari with Shire Safaris, where the journey takes you through winding waterways and lush riverbanks teeming with wildlife. Our river safaris offer a unique perspective on the region's ecosystem, providing close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterfowl. As you glide through serene waters, you'll have the opportunity to capture breathtaking photographs and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the riverine environment. This package is ideal for nature lovers and photographers looking for a serene yet thrilling adventure.
Holiday Packages
Create lasting memories with Shire Safaris' Holiday Packages, meticulously crafted to provide a comprehensive and luxurious safari experience. Our holiday packages combine multiple days of exploration, comfort, and relaxation, ensuring that you enjoy the best that the region has to offer. From lavish accommodations to gourmet dining and guided tours, every detail is taken care of. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a group excursion, our holiday packages are designed to cater to all your needs, making your safari experience truly unforgettable.
Camping
Immerse yourself in the raw beauty of nature with Shire Safaris' Camping Trips, perfect for the adventurous spirit seeking an authentic wilderness experience. Our camping trips allow you to stay in well-equipped, comfortable tents set in the heart of the wild, providing a unique opportunity to connect with nature. Enjoy evenings around the campfire, under a starlit sky, listening to the sounds of the night. With guided bush walks and game drives, you'll explore the untamed landscapes and discover the region's incredible flora and fauna. These trips offer a rustic yet exhilarating way to experience the safari, ideal for those who love the great outdoors.
Hiking
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the wilderness on foot with Shire Safaris' Hiking Adventures. These excursions are tailored for those who crave an intimate connection with nature, offering an up-close experience of the region’s rugged landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and hidden gems. Whether you're trekking through dense forests, climbing to panoramic viewpoints, or following trails along scenic ridgelines, each hike is a journey of discovery. Our expert guides will lead you through paths less traveled, sharing their deep knowledge of the area's flora, fauna, and cultural heritage. Perfect for both seasoned hikers and beginners, our hiking adventures provide a rewarding and invigorating way to explore the wild, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural splendor of the region.
Explore the Exotic Waters of Lake Malawi With Us
Lake Malawi is the ‘inland sea’ of the otherwise land-locked Malawi, a country in the Southern part of Africa. This unique body of crystal clear and fresh water that boasts of golden sand beaches is not only a wonderl but it also offers water sport opportunities for people seeking more than sun, sand and swimming. As one of the first people from Europe to see Lake Malawi over 150 years ago, the missionary David Livingstone named it the ‘Lake of Stars’. Its approximate dimensions are 365 miles north to south and 52 miles broad, hence another nickname: ‘Calendar Lake”. In the north, Lake Malawi is quite extraordinarily deep: 2300 ft/700 m, plunging well below sea level. This reflects the enormity of the natural faulting of the Great Rift Valley, which is the origin of the Lake. The width of the lake’s shorelands vary from nothing to over 25 kilometres (16 miles), the edge of the Rift Valley rising steeply in places and more gently in others. Because of its rich fish harvest, the Lake plays an important part in the economy. Fishing villages are scattered along the shore and the traditional industry and practices are an attraction to visitors. Access to the Lake is possible along much of its length but it is often necessary to take a short detour off the main roads in order to reach the beaches. Despite the villages, there are still very long stretches of totally uninhabited golden sand lakeshore, lapped by crystal clear waters.
Things to do
Lake Malawi offers a variety of water sports and activities expected of any tropical beach destination. There are boats and boards of all types available to have fun with and to explore the crystal clear waters, amazing islands and beaches of the lake.
One can also enjoy the lake in a small boat, as Lake Malawi has a reputation for its kayaking & sailing options with kayaks & canoes available at most beach lodges and even the option to take on longer expeditions along the lakeshore. A few lodges have small sailing boats for personal use or larger ones for a leisurely cruise. The crystal clear water of Lake Malawi make it an ideal location for snorkelling, and donning a mask will give immediate access to the colourful kaleidoscope of tropical fish that live in the Lake and feed from the rocks along the shore. For those who wish to go that little bit deeper, there are a number of PADI registered dive schools along the lakeshore who offer great value scuba diving, including full courses to learn how to dive. Quite a number of lodges even offer water skiing and sailboards and paddle boards are to be found at others. For the less energetic and the eldery, boat trips range from the popular mv Ilala water ferry to sailing in an ocean-going yacht. Cruises into the upper reaches of the great Shire river are also possible.
Places to Visit on Lake Malawi
There are a number of places of interest to visit along the length of the lake, and good lodges to be found, with a few collections in areas of particular beauty.
The Southern/ Mangochi Lakeshore
In the southern part of Malawi, between Mangochi and Monkey Bay is quite a line of stunning beaches coupled with a variety of hotels and lodges. This Southern/ Mangochi Lakeshore has the Lake’s greatest number of lodges and hotels. Monkey Bay is an active port town, however, just close by is Cape Maclear and the Lake Malawi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a veritable aquarium of tropical fish. In recent years, a substantial number of high-end lodges have been developed in this area.
The Central/ Senga Bay Lakeshore
Senga Bay is another place where one can find a number of accommodation options, and it benefits from its close proximity on the lake to Lilongwe. Just off shore are the 3 Marelli Islands, which mark the northerly extent of the Lake Malawi National Park.The stretch between the historic Nkhotakota and the sugar estate town of Dwangwa has a smattering of lodges.
The Northern/ Chintheche Lakeshore
A good number of lodges are also found on the Chintheche lakeshore in North Malawi, which has some stunning beaches. Nkhata Bay is a port town, basically - however, it has grown as a centre for independent travellers. The Northern Lakeshore beyond Chitimba has fewer lodges, and Karonga, an important archeological centre, is the only town of note before getting into Tanzania. Across the lake, into Mozambiquan waters, is Likoma Island. Not only does the island brag of some exquisite beaches, and lodges, but also a cathedral built by the missionaries. A nearby stretch of the Mozambique shoreline, Manda Wilderness, is a 120,000 hectare community reserve of unspoilt wilderness and white sand beaches.
