The return of Malawi’s wildlife to protected parks and reserves is just one of myriad reasons discerning travelers are flocking to this landlocked country in southeast Africa. Though renowned worldwide for its friendly and welcoming culture, Malawi once seldom made the list as a coveted safari destination due to decades of poaching and deforestation. But thanks to the world’s leading conservationists who are working tirelessly to restore the country’s most prolific wildernesses to their original splendor, Malawi is quickly garnering appeal as Africa’s best-kept secret. On the forefront of rewriting Malawi’s future is park management nonprofit African Parks, bespoke operator A2A Safaris, and bush camp and luxury lodge provider Robin Pope Safaris, companies on the forefront of creating pioneering journeys for intrepid explorers.

Malawi’s most stunning natural areas—Majete Wildlife Reserve, Liwonde National Park, and picturesque Lake Malawi—are home to thriving lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, and fish populations, landing Malawi on the map as East Africa’s next luxury, bush-to-beach safari frontier. Here’s your guide to the ultimate itinerary.

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