Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve is located approximately three hours drive from Lilongwe. Rafiki is located 1.7km off the M5 or The Northern Lakeshore Road, which follows the shores of Lake Malawi.
If travelling by road, always be on the lookout for other vehicles, bicycles pedestrians and animals. It is not advisable to drive at night in Malawi as chances of accidents increase dramatically after dark. When travelling alone or at night from one place to another, always ensure there is someone who is expecting you to arrive.
Lilongwe to Rafiki Safari Camp
There are two routes, the fastest is via the road to Salima. Before you enter Salima (Kapatenga), you will come to a roadblock at a Total filling station. Turn left onto the M5 (this is a good point to fill up with fuel). Continue another 100km, passing through the town of Nkhotakota. Some 20 kilometers later you will see the turn off to Rafiki Safari Camp. Follow a dirt road and signs for 1.7km until you reach Rafiki Safari Camp. The route is well sign-posted.
The second route is via Kasungu and through the park. This does take longer. However, it is sometimes a necessary evil if bridges are washed away during rainy season (November-March). Feel free to give us a call and ask for advice or directions.
Blantyre (Southern Malawi) to Rafiki Safari Lodge
Coming from Blantyre and Southern Malawi, the fastest route is up the Lakeshore Road from Balaka, and then left at the town of Salima. As you are leaving Salima you will come to a roadblock, turn right onto the M5 just after the Total filling station (this is a good point to fill up with fuel). Continue another 100km, passing through the town of Nkhotakota. Some 20 kilometers later, you will see the turn off to Rafiki Safari Lodge. Follow a dirt road and signage for 1.7km, until you reach Rafiki Safari Camp. The route is well sign-posted.
Northern Malawi to Rafiki Safari Lodge
Coming from Northern Malawi, the best route is to come down from Mzuzu to Dwangwa (a good spot to fuel up and get last minute groceries). 40km south of Dwangwa, turn right off the tar at the Rafiki sign and follow a dirt road for 1.7km , until you reach Rafiki Safari Camp. The route is well sign-posted.
Flying in
For guests who prefer to fly, international flights land at either Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, which is the closest international airport, or Chileka International Airport in Blantyre, in Southern Malawi. Malawian Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and Emirates Airline all fly into Malawi. Ulendo air charters operate out of Lilongwe and may be contacted for any charter requirements whilst in Malawi. For more information, go to www.flyulendo.com