Combine the twinkling Lake of Stars with Malawi’s remarkable scenery, wildlife and friendly people. This could well be Africa’s most welcoming destination..
All year round
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Known as the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’, Malawi overflows with friendliness, rich scenery and the deep blue shimmer of Lake Malawi.
This small sliver of a country may be smaller and less game-dense than its neighbours, yet it rewards travellers with a sense of connection - both to its landscape and its welcoming people.
In recent years, African Parks has transformed Malawi’s game reserves, re-establishing all the Big Five and reviving its wildlife. Add in fertile tea estates, mountain plateaus and some of the friendliest smiles in Africa, and Malawi feels refreshingly genuine — a place to explore at an unhurried pace and to end your safari with your feet in warm sands by Lake Malawi.
Add in its friendly and laid-back people, superb flora and the golden beaches of Lake Malawi, and you have a real hidden gem!
If you enjoy combining adventure with relaxation, safari followed by beach by evening, and uncontrived local cultural interactions, then Malawi holiday may be exactly what you’re looking for.
The country’s glittering centrepiece, Lake Malawi stretches like a sapphire ribbon down the Rift Valley. Swim, sail or snorkel among its vivid cichlid fish, unwind on golden beaches or escape to Likoma Island for barefoot island charm.
Further south are the wildlife reserves:
Liwonde National Park – Life Along the River
Defined by the shimmering Shire River, Liwonde offers Malawi’s best game viewing. Watch elephants and hippos along palm-fringed channels and enjoy some of southern Africa’s richest birding with over 320 bird species including several endemics.
Majete Wildlife Reserve – Wildlife Revival
A story of revival: Majete Wildlife Reserve now teems with elephant, lion, rhino and sable after years of careful protection.
Satemwa - Tea Hills & Mountain Trails
Also in the south, Satemwa Estate and the Zomba Plateau add tea-scented hillsides, waterfalls and forested trails.
Nyika Plateau – The Highland Wilderness
In the far north, the Nyika Plateau rises above the Rift Valley in a sweep of rolling grasslands. It’s Malawi’s most unusual landscape – more like the Scottish Highlands than the Africa bush. But it’s perfect for walkers, mountain biker, birder and lovers of wide horizons.
Travel in Malawi is straightforward. Most guests use private road transfers between Lake Malawi, Liwonde, Majete and Blantyre or Lilongwe - the capital city of Malawi.
Seat-in-charter light aircraft flights are a useful alternative if you are short on time. As well as giving access to more remote destinations such as the Nyika plateau and Likoma Island for Kaya Mawa lodge.
If you enjoy being active when on safari. Malawi will not disappoint. Bush walks, mountain biking are on offer. With kayaking, yachting, diving and paddle-boarding all options at Lake Malawi.
Combine Malawi with neighbouring Zambia for a classic bush-and-beach adventure as the South Luangwa National Park is closer to Lilongwe than its own capital - an easy one-hour flight away. We have three just safari tours including the affordable Valley & Lake and the more luxurious Romantic Zambia & Malawi and Zambia & Malawi Bush & Beach Getaway, all using different camps.
Is Malawi good for first-time safari-goers?
Malawi’s smaller parks and welcoming atmosphere make it ideal for first-time safari travellers, especially honeymooners wanting wildlife and lakeshore beach. Game viewing is a little slower and unhurried.
Of course! Many of our guests combine Malawi with Zambia: Starting with South Luangwa, continuing perhaps to Liwonde Game Reserve and the ending on Lake Malawi makes a seamless and spectacular pairing.
How long should I spend in Malawi?
Allow at least 8 to 12 nights to experience the variety: two, ideally three nights in each game park and 3-4 nights on Lake Malawi to unwind.
Is Malawi suitable for families?
Yes. The friendly, easy-going culture and absence of mass tourism make Malawi especially welcoming for families. Lodges such as Mkulumadzi Camp, Mvuu Lodge, and Pumulani Lodge all cater well for family stays.
When is the best time to visit Malawi?
For the best game-viewing and comfortable travel, May to September is ideal with dry, sunny and clear days. The rainy summer (December–March) brings lush scenery and brilliant birdlife but some lodges close seasonally. October and November are ideal for heat seekers, and keen birders. See more on Best Time to travel here and below.
Let Malawi surprise you — a country where lake, mountain and wildlife meet in the friendliest corner of Africa. Our experts can craft your ideal Malawi journey.
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