Typical Cruise Itinerary

Note that "As every day is different" this is merely an indication of what your week may be like. Variables such as weather, moods, special occasions can easily occur - none of which should make your trip any less enjoyable.

Sunday

Arrive in Lilongwe International Airport from Johannesburg and join a connecting flight to Makakola on the Southern Lake shore - itself a 30 minute flight. Fly over Malawi's "funny" mountains (note all their different shapes - like a sample range) and get your first spectacular sight of the lake below you. The dozens of baobabs alongside the flight path will astonish you as you come in to land. You are met there by Starlake Cruises who will transport you to Baobab Resort, your base for the week.

After registration and unpacking, join a short "sunset cruise" - approx 1 hour from 4.30 pm before retiring to the bar and dinner.

Monday

Breakfast is served on the patio from 7am to 9am. Cruise departure is at 9am. Board your cruise boat and set sail for your first destination - Cape MacClear. Your skipper will probably ask you to "drive" the boat. Sail west along the southern coast, approx  half a kilometre off shore. Divert through "The Gap" into Monkey Bay harbour for a quick look before continuing to Cape MacClear for some excellent snorkelling. Return at about 5pm for a shower and a change of clothes before gathering at the beach bar for pre dinner drinks. Depending on numbers, some after dinner games may be arranged.

Tuesday

Today our cruise takes us further afield to the West Coast (approx 25 kms) to visit some of the larger islands for snorkelling and bird watching. Return at approx 5.30 pm for drinks, dinner and maybe a round of minigolf afterwards.

Wednesday

We take a midweek break from sailing to allow you to recover from your exposure to wind and sun and explore the local delights. Take a trip to the local curio market ( bus leaves at 9am, returns at noon), relax on the beach, do some paddleskiing, play mini golf or take a tour of the local village.

Thursday

Our trip today takes us on a cruise eastwards to Boadzulu island, for some snorkelling, fish eagle feeding and hippo spotting. This trip is along the "Riviera" of the lake, with numerous small resorts and holiday homes stretching along the coastline.Return at about 5.30pm for drinks and dinner and a round of mini golf.

Friday

Our final long distance trip of the week takes us to the east coast village of Mandini where we can go ashore and visit the local pottery, which produces all types of pottery of a very high standard. Bring your money - there are some good curio options here!

Saturday

As Sunday is an early start, we take our final cruise, to nearby Nkudzi Bay, for more snorkelling and hippo spotting opportunities, during the morning. We return midday to give you time to finalise your packing and accounts during the afternoon. 

Sunday

Departure is very early, with a wake up call at dawn to get you onto the flight back to Lilongwe and Johannesburg, arriving in Johannesburg by mid morning, bronzed, relaxed and wondering why you ever left paradise!.