9 reasons to visit Malawi in 2026 – Africa’s Best Kept Secret

Here are 9 reasons to visit Malawi “the warm heart of Africa” either by itself, or with Zambia:

1. Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi is one of the most impressive and beautiful lakes in the Southern Hemisphere. In fact, it is the third-largest in Africa. Lake Malawi is freshwater but feels like the ocean. You’d  be forgiven for thinking you’re on a sub-tropical island with its sandy beaches, Seychelles-like boulders and palm trees. You can kayak to uninhabited islands, snorkel alongside iridescent cichlid fish, or simply sip a sundowner as fishermen cast their nets by hand. This is a glimpse of lake life that hasn’t changed in centuries.

2. Freshwater diving and snorkelling

Malawi is possibly one of the best freshwater diving and snorkelling spots in Africa. Plus it is also a great place to learn how to dive if you are a first-timer. Keen divers are often eager to “tick-off” a dive in this spot as the visibility is excellent and the water is warm. And you don’t have to go out in a boat to get to the nearest coral reef.

3. Relaxed Malawi safari experiences

Though Malawi is not one of the top game-viewing countries in Africa, it still has two or three very attractive and rewarding Game Reserves. Namely Liwonde National Park, Majete Game Reserve and the Tongole Wilderness Reserve. These offer plentiful sightings of elephant, lion, hippo, crocodiles, plenty of water-adapted antelope. And of course their predators which naturally follow the wildlife with lion commonly seen and even cheetah and leopard on occasion. Another plus point is that these game reserves are all easily connected by road – see our Bush & Beach point below.

Thanks to concerted conservation efforts led by African Parks, wildlife populations in Majete and Liwonde have rebounded impressively. Lions, cheetahs and even rhino have been reintroduced, making Malawi one of Africa’s unsung conservation success stories.

4. Bush and Beach

Yes, Malawi is one of the easiest countries in which to combine ‘bush and beach’. And you can do this without having to have an overnight stay in Johannesburg. Liwonde National Park is only 2 to 3 hours by road from the southern lodges on Lake Malawi. Furthermore, there are daily flights from the South Luangwa National Park into Lilongwe. And then connecting flights onto Lake Malawi. You can be on safari in South Luangwa in Zambia in the morning and on the beach at Lake Malawi in the afternoon. The perfect combo!

Malawi Bush & Beach Getaway

5. Birding

Many African countries claim to be a birdwatcher’s paradise, but perhaps Malawi steals the prize. Its variety of habitats; from wetlands, to lakes, to forest, to Afro-montane highlands supports a remarkable diversity of birds. It has an astonishing list of 650 bird species, many of which are difficult to see anywhere else in the world.

Special birds include Lilian’s Lovebird, Brown-breasted Barbet, White-backed Night Heron, Rufous-bellied Heron, Long-toed Lapwing, Bat Hawk, Dickinson’s Kestrel, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Palmnut Vulture, Osprey, Livingstone’s Flycatcher, Fiery-necked and Gabon Nightjars, and calling African Barred Owlets. So Malawi is certainly worth adding to your bucket list if you are an enthusiastic birder.

Birding Safaris in Malawi

6. Walking & Hiking

There are a number of magnificent hiking opportunities in this vast country. The Zomba Plateau, which rises to a height of 1 800metres (6 000 feet), presents relaxed hikes through lush forested areas. Experience incredible panoramic views and great bird-watching opportunities. Alternatively, Mount Mulanje is a huge granite massif in southern Malawi that provides wonderful hikes for families with its abundance of streams and peaks to explore. Another option is Nyika Plateau with its beautiful high rolling hills of grasslands dotted with zebra, antelope, orchids and butterflies – a hikers paradise!

7. Biking in Nyika

The Nyika Plateau is Malawi’s largest National Park that boasts a stunning afro-montane plateau with plenty of plains game to view. Watch out for zebra, Roan antelope, eland, and bushpig. In addition, there are 400 species of birds and over 200 orchid species to look out for. This is a truly superb environment for mountain biking in the bush!

8. Friendly people

Malawi is known as the “warm heart of Africa”, and rightly so. Malawi’s people are friendly and peaceful, making you feel completely welcome and at ease in their beautiful country.

Who is Malawi perfect for?

Value-conscious travellers wanting the luxury experience minus the hefty price tag

First-timers to Africa looking for a relaxed, soft-landing style safari

Repeat safari-goers craving something different, more intimate

Adventure-loving couples and families who enjoy hiking, biking or water activities

Birders and photographers chasing rare species and spectacular lake scenery

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Tempted by Malawi?

Magical Malawi has a way of getting under your skin—in the best possible way. With its exquisite landscapes, Lake beaches, wildlife, and warm culture, Malawi is a safari destination for the African connoisseur.

At Cedarberg Africa, we’re passionate about crafting bespoke safaris across Africa. With over 30 years of expertise, our team specializes in unique itineraries which are perfect for YOU. Whether you’re seeking wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, laid back beaches or beautiful landscapes, we’re here to make your Malawi trip a reality.

How to Start

1. Check out our sample Malawi (and Zambia) safaris – They’re like travel mood boards but with actual logistics.
2. Then tell us what you’re looking for, by phone, email or via our easy enquiry form.
3. Receive a tailor‑made itinerary with costs: seamless, stress-free, and unforgettable.

“9 Reasons to visit Malawi in 2026” was written by Cedarberg Africa

Cedarberg Africa is a travel and safari company specializing in tailor-made itineraries in Southern and East Africa. Remember that we can tailor-make a Malawi trip around your interests, so if some of these ideas sound great, but you’re not too sure of others, then contact us and we will plan the perfect getaway for you.