Beyond the Classroom: from the UK to Malawi

In May at Land & Lake Safaris, we were excited to host a group of primary school pupils from Germoe Community School in Cornwall, UK, who completed a once-in-a-lifetime trip across Malawi. The group was led by teacher Katie Knight, who has a personal connection to Malawi, having previously lived and taught here at Bishop Mackenzie International School. Her passion for Malawi helped us shape an itinerary that offered her students a rich mix of nature, culture, and eye-opening experiences.

For most of the children, this was their first time in Africa — and we were pretty sure it would be an unforgettable one. Their journey began in the serene Dzalanyama Forest Reserve, where the children explored the forest trails, spotted unique birdlife and learned about Malawi’s diverse ecosystems. With our Head Guide Vasco leading the way, they were introduced to the wonders of the Miombo woodland and the importance of conservation in this protected area.

The children also visited a local school which is supported by Land & Lake Safaris. Over the last year we have built new classrooms, housing and a recreational area to provide a safe learning environment for the children and staff. Despite coming from different worlds, the UK children quickly found common ground with the local students through a spontaneous game of football — the universal language!

From there, the group headed to Liwonde National Park, one of Malawi’s top safari destinations. A game drive here brought an incredible highlight: the sighting of a cheetah and her four cubs — a rare and special moment that left everyone in awe. There were also some thrilling moments on the water. On a boat safari on the Shire River the children enjoyed up-close sightings of elephants, pods of hippos bobbing in the shallows and crocodiles sunbathing on the river bank. 

School children setting off on the boat safari on the Shire River at Liwonde National Park

As part of their cultural visit in Malawi, the group of pupils had the opportunity to visit the Mphunzi Rock Art site — one of Malawi’s most important historical landmarks, located in the hills of Dedza. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to cave paintings dating back thousands of years. Not many of us get to see such early human history outside of a book, so it was a special experience for all. 

At Land & Lake Safaris, we take pride in crafting safe, educational, and deeply meaningful journeys like this one. Every year, we host multiple student groups of varying ages from around the world. Our team works closely with schools to ensure that each trip meets international safety and risk assessment standards, while still providing authentic experiences in the warm heart of Africa.

For schools seeking more than just a field trip, Malawi offers learning, connection, and adventure — guided by experts who care deeply about the places and people we introduce to the next generation of global citizens.