Crafting the perfect escape across Malawi & Beyond
Crafted Africa
- Office 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)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
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.
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 Lindsay | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Attentive to what we were seeking - and delivered!
We went on our first "African Safari" in 2017 and are so pleased we let Malawian Style/Crafted Africa do ALL the spadework. From the time we landed at Lilongwe and got a brief history of Malawi from our personal driver until he dropped us there 11 days later everything was exceptionally smooth and a wonderful experience of the warmth of Africa.
Our visit to South Luangwa (The Bushcamp Co.) and Lake Malawi where we spent one night on Mumbo Island was effortless with border crossings proving to be no hassle for "our man" and all the bookings handled upfront for us by Mike and his team. Highly recommend them.
Email Iain Church | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Small enough to deliver the personal touch, large enough to deliver your dream holiday
Crafted Africa are a brilliant travel company. From our very first communications the company made us feel like we were their number one priority - they were responsive, helpful, and willing to do everything they could to meet our specific needs and requests.
In recent years Malawi's National Parks have thrived and they now boast parks with the Big 5, making Malawi an even more appealing safari destination. You can now get a 'complete safari' experience at a fraction of the cost of more established safari destinations.
Malawi is known as the 'Warm Heart of Africa' and from the moment we arrived the Crafted Africa team brought that description to life - nothing was too much trouble. Our visit to Liwonde National Park was breath taking. Closely regulated visitor and vehicle numbers meant that we felt like we had the park to ourselves and the ability to swap an afternoon game drive for a leisurely river cruise allows you to experience safari from a whole new perspective. Looking up at bull elephants just meters away is something that will live long in our collective memories (and makes you feel very small!).
Crafted Africa also allowed for us to experience a change of pace by organising a long weekend at Cape Maclear, Lake Malawi. Snorkelling amongst the incredible marine life and watching fish eagles hunt were stand two stand out experiences, but top of the pile has to be the sunset boat trip we took, complete with 'sundowners' with nature providing the most incredible of sunsets.
I could not recommend Crafted Africa more highly and would definitely use them again. Value for money, amazing locations, hidden gems and the personal touch, there really isn't anything not to like!
IE
Email Stephanie Patterson | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very thorough and knowledgeable, full of information and advice
It was great dealing with Malawian Style/Crafted Africa in organising my first safari trip to Malawi and Zambia. The trip was just incredible, an out of this world experience and Mike had everything figured out and put in place for me. This was extra efficient as I was travelling alone but really felt my hand was held all the way. A fantastic experience and one I can’t wait to repeat again soon.
Email Vikki Richardson | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Brilliant experience in Malawi!
We used Crafted Africa for our tour of Malawi and couldn't possibly be any happier with the whole experience. From the get go, Mike and his team responded to all of my communications quickly and professionally. They arranged everything we needed and at a really fair price. On arrival the wonderful Emmanuelle was at the airport to meet us with a big warm welcome and took care of every part of our trip for us. The vehicle was of a high standard, Emmanuelle was a safe and respectful driver, very organized and made us feel completely comfortable all the time. From the hustle and bustle of Lilongwe, to the rural areas alongside the lake his knowledge of every aspect of the country was amazing and our stay was so much more enriched for it. I would highly recommend using Crafted Africa and wouldn't even contemplate doing another trip without them and their expertise!
Email Nick | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great Christmas safari
Crafted Africa have huge regional knowledge and worked with us to plan the perfect Christmas getaway for our family. They were speedy, reliable and above all organised a great holiday.
Absolutely fantastic - African hospitality at its best!
I had a once in a lifetime trip around (a large part of) Malawi during May 2021. From the warm welcome at Lilongwe airport and everything in between, which included a visit to Majete, Liwonde, Lake Malawi and Nkhotakota Reserve, Mike and his team ensured my stay was memorable and just wonderful in every way! Mike has a good knowledge of the country and a great love for the African bush - really appreciated all that was done to ensure a great experience in the Warm Heart of Africa.
Email Branson | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The best holiday if our lives! Well run tours with authentic experiences. amazing times
We were taken to Cape Maclear for a beach riddled week of relaxation and fun. The tour operators arranged everything and more. Mumbo island and the walk around the island is engrained as the best times if my life. Nothing beats Africa safaris
Email Allister | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Crafted Africa showcased the warm heart of Africa to perfection
We were very lucky to find a gap in 2021 to travel to Malawi under the guidance and care of Crafted Africa. I had previously visited this beautiful country and enjoyed time at the Lake, and would do so again on this visit, but Crafted Africa uncovered the whole spectrum of what Malawi has to offer on this trip. We were shown the ultimate safari destinations, and managed to experience beautiful tea estates, cultural destinations, and towering granite mountains, all the while sipping on the beautiful wines their sister company provided for the trip. Thanks to Mike and his team for the best visit during a tough time. We will be back!