Malawi has become a key highlight on an exciting new luxury rail journey from Rovos Rail, one of Africa’s most celebrated train operators. The Malawi Meander is a 16-night adventure travelling through five Southern African countries, combining spectacular landscapes, cultural experiences, wildlife encounters and luxury accommodation, with Lake Malawi and Liwonde National Park among its highlights.
Covering approximately 3,600 kilometres, the journey connects Pretoria in South Africa with Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital, travelling through South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. Following a successful inaugural journey in April 2026, Rovos Rail has confirmed further departures for 2027 and 2028, with the itinerary available in both directions.
Five countries, one remarkable journey
The Malawi Meander takes travellers through some of Southern Africa’s most fascinating destinations, beginning with the dramatic Drakensberg escarpment and wildlife experiences in Kruger National Park. The journey continues through Eswatini, where guests visit traditional craft workshops and cultural attractions, before exploring Mozambique’s capital, Maputo.
Further highlights include the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Zimbabwe Monument, visits to Harare and Mutare, and a journey through Mozambique to the coastal city of Beira. Guests also enjoy excursions around Tete and the Zambezi River before continuing towards Malawi.
Throughout the rail portion, passengers travel aboard Rovos Rail’s beautifully restored carriages, enjoying private suites, fine dining, observation lounges and the traditional elegance for which the operator is renowned.
Lake Malawi and Liwonde National Park take centre stage
The Malawi section provides a fitting finale to the northbound journey, showcasing two of the country’s most popular attractions.
Travellers fly from Tete in Mozambique to Makokola Retreat, situated on the palm-fringed southern shores of Lake Malawi. Here, guests can unwind beside the lake and enjoy its beautiful surroundings. During the inaugural journey, a sunset boat cruise proved a particular highlight, with African fish eagles swooping down to catch fish beside the boats.
From Lake Malawi, the journey continues by road to Liwonde National Park, one of Malawi’s leading wildlife destinations. Guests stay at Mvuu Lodge on the banks of the Shire River, enjoying a boat safari and game drive, with opportunities to encounter the park’s remarkable wildlife.
The northbound itinerary concludes with a short flight to Lilongwe, while those travelling southbound begin their adventure in Malawi before continuing towards Pretoria.
Although the inaugural itinerary used air and road transfers for the Malawi section due to restrictions on railway access, the original plan remains to have the train travel up to, and through, Malawi – hopefully in the very near future.
Further journeys confirmed for 2027 and 2028
The Malawi Meander represents an exciting addition to the ways international travellers can discover the Warm Heart of Africa, introducing visitors to Malawi’s combination of lake, wildlife and scenery as part of an extensive Southern African adventure.
Following the inaugural expedition in 2026, departures are scheduled for April and May in both 2027 and 2028.
For full details, departure dates and booking information, visit the Rovos Rail Malawi Meander website.
