Crafting the perfect escape across Malawi & Beyond
Crafted Africa
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2009)
- Member Of:
- African Travel & Tourism Association
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $200 to $1,500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Mark | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Bucket List experience
From the moment we landed to the moment we left we were looked after like royalty! The team was so helpful and knowledgeable and would highly recommend using Mike and his team for a Safari of a lifetime
Email David & Lesley | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
This tour operator definitely goes the extra mile to support its customer
My wife and I travelled with Crafted Africa to Malawi and Zambia in November/December 2021. This was the second time we had visited Malawi with them, and on each occasion we have been more than satisfied. This trip was proceeding as planned until Saturday 27th November, when the UK Government suddenly decided without warning to red list many southern African countries, and then almost immediately added Malawi and Zambia to the original list. We were in a lodge miles from anywhere and had not the slightest prospect of meeting the deadline for return to the UK before quarantine kicked in.
The following morning, even though he was miles away from us on a day off, our driver Francis came back to our lodge to collect us, without being asked, and returned us to Lilongwe so that we could prepare for an early return home. Flights were rearranged, an overnight stay was booked in Lilongwe, and on the Monday we knew we would have to wait until Wednesday for our flights. A lodge by the lake was booked for 2 nights, we were taken there, and collected on the Wednesday morning and returned to Lilongwe for hastily arranged Covid tests to get us out of the country. The results (negative!) were received very shortly afterwards, we were treated to lunch by Mike Varndell, the owner of Crafted Africa, and given 2 bottles of excellent South African wine as a small consolation for our inconvenience.
We lost 4 days of our holiday, and the Covid quarantine back in the UK was both expensive and unpleasant, but at least we had the memory of how a negative situation was turned into a positive by the prompt, thoughtful and appropriate actions of the agent on the ground in the country. This is not an experience which we hope other travellers will be exposed to, but we certainly can recommend Crafted Africa, its staff and its owner for doing the right things when we needed them. We will we hope return again to Malawi, and we certainly expect to use this operator again.
US
Email Kurt | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable African adventure
For my third trip to Africa I chose the luangwa valley and Malawi. You will never forget the valley, even the light is special. Every game drive was awe inspiring. I met so many new friends, many I am still in contact with.Then, Mike drove me through Malawi to an awesome 3 day Mount Mulanje camping hike, Blantyre, Liwonde national park, then Cape Maclear. Boating, diving with the cichlids & exploring the exquisite lake coast. All with the eyes of a professional expert. I wish I could have seen Likoma island and the Northern parks. Next time. I learned so much about the people and culture of the section of Africa. I highly recommend the heart of Africa with Crafted Africa
Email Katie Turner | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Above and Beyond
As Malawi residents, we have seen and done a lot of local exploring and already have a vast knowledge about the bush. We are therefore not the easiest to please with standard Malawi options. However, Mike and his team go above and beyond with their customer service, hospitality and knowledge of our beautiful country. We have always been so chuffed with our experiences booked through them and come away feeling like we have had a real break. Well done Mike to you and your great team.
NZ
Email The Carter & Rainger families | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Mike and the team made our tour run extremely well, communication was great and no troubles at all.
A trip of a lifetime for our two families of 5. The advice and bookings Mike and the team gave us was fantastic and everything went very smoothly from the hotel in Victoria Falls, flights to Lusaka, and to and from the Potato Bush Camp on the Lower Zambezi (amazing!) and the South Luangwa National Park. The safari experiences we had were second to none which we will treasure for a lifetime. We will be definitely using Mike’s services again when we get the chance to travel to Africa again.
NZ
Email John | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Magic Malawi with Magic Mike
We had an amazing time in Malawi. Having travelled extensively in other parts of Africa, I did not really know what to expect. Mike created a package that was personalised and perfect to our “pre wedding honeymoon”.
Lake Malawi is a unique and amazing place. It will live in my memory forever - and is truly unique in terms of an African experience. Snorkelling is crystal clear, warm water surrounded by thousands of brilliantly coloured fish - all in an African landscape - is truly amazing. Our accommodation and food was great value for money too.
On the whole - we found Malawians friendly and welcoming. We felt safe in Malawi the whole time we were there.
I would highly recommend travelling to Malawi. And if you decide to do so - these are the guys to help you.
Email Michael Schaefer | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Top draw
Mike and team arranged the whole trip which was truly a magical experience. We wanted to experience the magic of the Lake and they didn't disappoint. Wouldn't hesitate in recommending and def an experience everyone needs to do.
Email Shannon | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Crafted Africa organised the most amazing trips and were able to get us the best possible rates.
2021 ~ In South Luangwa (Zambia) Mike organised an amazing trip to Shawa Camp by Green Safaris and Puku Ridge by Chichele Safaris. This trip was one of the most amazing experiences. We saw lots of game. To top it off we saw 9 leopards in 4 days!
2019 & 2020 ~ In Vilanculos and Inhassaro (Mozambique) we loved it so much we have gone back twice and used Crafted Africa to organise both trips. The team organised a magical trip to the best lodges. We stayed at the most beautiful Lodges - Santorini Mozambique and Rio Azul.
US
Email Sierra F. | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
FAR EXCEEDED expectations. The BEST.
As a single female traveler in my 20s I made what I thought was a crazy decision to fly to the other side of the world (Alaska->Malawi), without knowing anyone or anything about the area, and putting full faith in Mike and his team at Crafted Africa (at the time Malawian Style). All I can say is, you’d be crazy not to book your next adventure through them. I was nervous jumping on a plane, but Mike’s great communication put me at ease. From the moment I landed in Lilongwe, I felt 100% safe, and my great experience didn’t end until I had to leave this incredible trip and go back home. From my relaxing time at gorgeous Lake Malawi, to a safari I could have never dreamed of, it was one of the best trips I’ve ever been on and I couldn’t have made this dream come true without the guidance of Crafted Africa. The only downside is that this trip was so fantastic that it spoiled me. I’ve traveled and gone one ‘safaris’ in other places since and they didn’t hold a candle to this trip. I CANNOT WAIT to book my next adventure. There are so many places to see in the world, but after my experience here, I just know my next trip will be back to Africa and i will definitely be calling on Mike and Crafted Africa because I know they’ll make it unforgettable. Cannot recommend enough.
PT
Email Paulo | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A once in a lifetime experience that Crafted Africa ensured was delivered, expertly.
Mike and his crew of experts, were helpful, friendly, and guided us through the maze of options, selecting the perfect camps and lodges for our two week adventure in Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania and Zanzibar. There is no doubt in my mind that they deliver on every promise. Truly memorable experiences were enjoyed by all our party. Could not have been in better hands!
