Small Group Malawi Tours & Trip Packages

Small Group Malawi Tours & Trips

5,230 Small Group trips. Tours from 569 tour companies. 25,109 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

45 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Malawi
Gorillas to Vic Falls
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Lake Malawi, Lake Nakuru National Park, Luangwa, Lusaka, Nairobi, Ngorongoro Crater, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Rhodes, Rift Valley, Victoria, Victoria Falls, Zanzibar

Highlights

  • Gorilla permits included! Seek out the rare mountain gorilla on a trek through Uganda’s steamy forests and spend an unforgettable hour in their presence.
  • Take two game drives through the Masai Mara National Reserve, looking for lions, zebras and wildebeest crossing the iconic plains.
  • Go looking for rare black rhinos on a safari in Ngorongoro Crater, a 20-kilometre-wide crater that around 25,000 wild animals call home.
  • Spend a night camping in Mto wa Mbu, a multicultural Tanzanian village where you can grab dinner with some locals and shop for crafts.
  • Track rhinos on foot in Matobo National Park, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna including warthogs, leopards, and klipsingers. Learn about the park's cultural significance and San rock paintings.

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Overland Journeys, Safari

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Vic Falls to Zanzibar
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Dar es Salaam, Lake Malawi, Luangwa, Lusaka, Rhodes, South Luangwa National Park, Victoria, Victoria Falls, Zanzibar

Highlights

  • Track rhinos on foot in Matobo National Park, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna including warthogs, leopards, and klipsingers. Learn about the park's cultural significance and San rock paintings.
  • Experience the rumble and roar of Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe side, which gives you the broadest view. You'll have the opportunity to see the cascades from multiple angles, perhaps treating yourself to an unforgettable scenic flight.
  • Explore the largest ruins in sub-Saharan Africa – the World Heritage-listed Great Zimbabwe – said to once be home to a Zimbabwean monarch!
  • Visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust to learn about the rehabilitation of wildlife from poaching and get the chance to meet some rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care.
  • Discover the magic of South Luangwa National Park on a morning game drive. This park is a highly concentrated arena of noble African beasts and exotic wildflowers.

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Overland Journeys, Safari

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Africa Encompassed Northbound
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Arusha, Cape Town, Chobe National Park, Dar es Salaam, Etosha National Park, Kampala, Lake Malawi, Lake Nakuru National Park, Luangwa, Lusaka, Nairobi, Ngorongoro Crater, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Rhodes, Rift Valley, Victoria, Victoria Falls, Zambezi River, Zanzibar

Highlights

  • Seek out rare mountain gorillas on a trek through Uganda’s steamy forests, and watch them play, eat and laze in the sun. With all gorilla permits included on your trip, you can spend an unforgettable hour in their presence.
  • Go on safaris in some pretty iconic spots, including the Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti savanna, the Okavango Delta and the Masai Mara.
  • Chill out on the northern beaches of Zanzibar with plenty of free time to choose your own adventure. Kick back on the white sands, or maybe go snorkelling in the sparkling blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
  • Track rhinos on foot in Matobo National Park, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including warthogs, leopards, and klipsingers. Learn about the park's cultural significance and San rock paintings.
  • Tour a local coffee farm in Karatu village to see the innovative farming practices of the locals, then tuck into a traditional dinner cooked by a local Tanzanian family in their home.

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Overland Journeys, Safari

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Vic Falls to Gorillas
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Lake Malawi, Lake Nakuru National Park, Luangwa, Lusaka, Nairobi, Ngorongoro Crater, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Rhodes, Rift Valley, Victoria, Victoria Falls, Zanzibar

Highlights

  • Meet the Maasai people known for their vibrant red dress and elaborate jewellery and gain an insight into the culture and ancient ways of this proud East African community.
  • With permits included in the price of the trip, take a trek through Uganda's steamy forests to seek out rare mountain gorillas and spend an unforgettable hour in their presence.
  • Take a mind-blowing safari across the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater in an open-roof 4WD vehicle for a chance to see the endangered black rhinoceros.
  • Track rhinos on foot in Matobo National Park, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna including warthogs, leopards, and klipsingers. Learn about the park's cultural significance and San rock paintings.
  • Visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust to learn about the rehabilitation of wildlife from poaching and get the chance to meet some rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care.

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Overland Journeys, Safari

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Cape Town to Kenya
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Arusha, Cape Town, Chobe National Park, Dar es Salaam, Etosha National Park, Lake Malawi, Luangwa, Lusaka, Nairobi, Ngorongoro Crater, Rhodes, Victoria, Victoria Falls, Zambezi River, Zanzibar

Highlights

  • With included wildlife viewing experiences like game drives, tracking walks and safaris, you are guaranteed to encounter a diverse array of Africa’s iconic wildlife.
  • Wake up before dawn and scramble to the top of a massive Sesriem dune for a dramatic sunrise view across a vast sea of undulating sand.
  • Glide down Botswana's Okavango Delta on a mokoro, with a local at the helm using a pole to guide your journey through the rich waterways.
  • Discover the largest ruins in sub-Saharan Africa – Great Zimbabwe. This World Heritage-listed site dates back to the 11th century.
  • Chill out on the white sands of Zanzibar’s northern beaches and spend a night exploring the ornate alleyways of Stone Town.

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Overland Journeys, Safari

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Kenya to Vic Falls
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Dar es Salaam, Lake Malawi, Luangwa, Lusaka, Nairobi, Ngorongoro Crater, Rhodes, Victoria, Victoria Falls, Zanzibar

Highlights

  • Track rhinos on foot in Matobo National Park, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna including warthogs, leopards, and klipsingers. Learn about the park's cultural significance and San rock paintings.
  • Embark on an unforgettable safari across the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater in an open-roof vehicle with your small group for a chance to see the endangered black rhinoceros in full view.
  • Chill out on the northern beaches of Zanzibar, enjoying the white sand and sparkling blue sea of the Indian Ocean, maybe visiting the island’s famed spice plantations.
  • Discover the magic of South Luangwa National Park on a morning safari game drive. This park is a highly concentrated arena of noble African beasts and exotic wildflowers.
  • Get a chance to explore the largest ruins in sub-Saharan Africa – the World Heritage-listed Great Zimbabwe, considered the former palace of an ancient monarch.

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Overland Journeys, Safari

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Stone Town to Vic Falls
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Lake Malawi, Luangwa, Lusaka, Rhodes, Victoria, Victoria Falls, Zanzibar

Highlights

  • Join an expert guide to track rhinos on foot in Matobo National Park. Discover black and white rhinos and other game while learning about the cultural and spiritual importance of the many ceremonial sites, San paintings and rock formations.
  • Spot elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, wildebeest and impalas on not one, but three included 4WD safari game drives in Tanzania and Zambia.
  • Discover the magic of South Luangwa National Park on morning and afternoon 4WD safari game drives, and visit a workshop where local women transform poaching snare wire into jewellery to raise funds for conservation.
  • Explore the largest ruins in sub-Saharan Africa, the World Heritage-listed Great Zimbabwe, and discover the history and heritage of local communities with your knowledgeable local leader.
  • Choose from a range of optional activities at Victoria Falls to see the cascades the way you want, and maybe treat yourself to a helicopter ride.
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Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Overland Journeys, Safari

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Johannesburg to Zanzibar
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Chobe National Park, Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg, Kalahari Desert, Lake Malawi, Luangwa, Lusaka, Maun, Okavango Delta, Rhodes, Victoria, Victoria Falls, Zanzibar

Highlights

  • Track rhinos on foot in Matobo National Park, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including warthogs, leopards and klipsingers. Also, learn about the park's cultural significance and San rock paintings.
  • Camp on a remote island in the heart of the Okavango wilderness and listen as night falls and the sounds of the remote African bush come alive!
  • Go wildlife-spotting along the river at Chobe National Park – home of the world's highest concentration of African elephants – and keep the safari going in South Luangwa National Park on a dawn game drive.
  • Experience the rumble and roar of Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe side, which gives you the broadest view. Looking for something special? Why not book a scenic helicopter experience?
  • Support local conservation efforts by visiting the Khama Rhino Sanctuary – the only place left in Botswana where both black and white rhinos sit side by side.

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Overland Journeys, Safari

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

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Pure Brazil was one of the few tours that covered my personal highlights of the country, Amazon, Pantanal, Iguazu falls and Rio. Accommodation overall was both comfo...

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Small Group Tour Selection Trips

  • ‘Small groups’ are loosely defined depending on which tour company you choose. Always read the details of the specific itinerary you are interested in or call the tour company to find out how many travelers will be in your group.
  • Be mindful of minimum number requirements, which means the minimum number of travelers that a tour must meet in order to depart. If it’s an option, look for ‘guaranteed departures’ which mean the tour will depart no matter how many (or few) travelers book on.
  • Small groups are a great way to see the world but usually also mean you have less variety regarding your fellow travelers. If you’re concerned about the group composition, ask your tour operator if they can tell you the general age range of people on your trip.
  • Find out how much flexibility there is in the itinerary. Are your days and nights fully booked with group activities and meals or are there opportunities to explore independently?
  • Make sure the pace of the tour is a good fit for your travel style. The best experiences happen when you don’t feel like you are being slowed down or slowing down others.

Additional details

How Many People Will I Be Traveling With?

Just how many new friends will you be making on your small group tour? That depends on the tour operator. We’ve found that there are group tours with intimate groups of 10 to 12 travelers, while some skew slightly larger with between 20 and 25 guests.

The sweet spot seems to be around 16 travelers and certainly no more than 25 if you want to maintain that small group ambience. The size of your group will depend on the popularity of the destination (hello, Europe tours!) and the time of the year in which you are traveling. 

These low numbers enable you to connect with other travelers, yet never feel like a face without a name in the group. There’s a great social vibe to that magic number of about 12 to 18 people that allows for a just-right level of camaraderie and energy.

It’s easier to delve deeper into your destination and spend more time in the places of interest to you when your tour size is manageable. Plus, smaller group sizes enable the tour operators to arrange for smaller-scale, boutique-style accommodations, meals in cozier, locally owned restaurants and off-hours visits to popular sightseeing attractions.

Are Departures Guaranteed?

Regrettably, not all small group tour departures are guaranteed. Perhaps there isn’t enough interest in a particular date. In some cases, the tour company will have to cancel that departure date.

This varies widely by tour operator, so read the fine print when researching and selecting your small group tour, even if you’re visiting a popular destination like Europe.

In some cases, the tour company won’t cancel the trip, but will instead collect a “small group fee” when the numbers drop significantly, say, to a group of just one couple. This is a helpful option, particularly in you are traveling a long distance to your destination, perhaps Australia or New Zealand, and are wary about putting down a deposit on an unguaranteed tour departure.

Benefits of a Small Group

  • A perfect blend of planned activities and independent exploration time
  • A great value, usually including admissions and fees (possibly discounted) that you would have to pay for individually if you planned your own tour
  • Just the right number of people to ensure a congenial ambience and enable you to stay in boutique hotels and dine in smaller, out-of-the-way restaurants
  • A tour operator specializing in small group tours that will take care of the itinerary, arrange your guides and plan your meals and accommodations
  • More time and independence to gain a deeper understanding of your destination with like-minded travelers
  • Passionate, local, expert guides eager to share the top experiences in their own countries
  • Spontaneous, off-the-beaten-path experiences 

Who Are Small Group Tours Good For?

If you have aspirations of traveling to the world’s top destination - from Europe to Asia to New Zealand - yet feel daunted by the planning and logistics, a small group tour is a great choice.

These thoughtfully curated escorted tours to some of the world’s most intriguing places - Europe, in particular - take the guesswork out of your planning. You’ll benefit from the knowledge and behind-the-scenes access a local guide can provide, while still maintaining a level of flexibility and independence that makes this feel like a trip you planned yourself.

When faced with a new destination, far from home, it can be overwhelming to determine how much you can fit into your schedule, which sights are not to be missed (and which ones can just as easily be skipped) and how to get from point A to points X, Y and Z. Don’t fret - just because you’re hearing the words “group tour,” doesn’t mean you’ll end up just another anonymous face on a giant tour bus.

Small group tour operators, from Egypt to Alaska to Italy, make it their mission to introduce you to real life in your chosen destination, taking you off the beaten path and with like-minded travelers with which to enjoy the journey. 

I’m Traveling Solo. Do I Need to Pay Extra?

If you have a thirst for adventure, what in the world are you waiting for? Get out there and explore on a small group tour. These days, more and more tour companies aren’t requiring a single supplement fee if you’re willing to room with another single traveler.

And, since you’ve chosen the same trip, it’s likely to be a fast friendship with your new roomie. Don’t balk at the opportunity to travel to a bucket list destination just because you might be going solo. Some of the world’s most intriguing destinations (think Iceland, Machu Picchu and Vietnam) are best explored with an esteemed guide leading the way and like-minded travelers at your side.

This way, you won’t fall into typical tourist traps or venture into an unsafe area. Your small group tour guide has your back! This being said, often the most high-end of small group tour operators still require a single supplement, so do your research in advance.

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