Malawi

Combine the 'Lake of Stars' with Malawi's remarkable scenery, wildlife and the most friendly of people.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

All year round

Overview

Malawi is known as the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’, offering glorious scenery and the almost uncanny rich blues of the sparkling lake. It is not game-rich as neighbouring Zambia. But the African Parks NGO has revived its wildlife reserves. Malawi is now once again home to all the Big Five animals as well as plentiful plains game including elephant.

Add in its marvellously friendly and laid-back people, superb flora and the beaches of Lake Malawi, and you have a real hidden gem! So if you enjoy combining a safari with some relaxation on the beach. And if you like to meet the local people in an uncontrived way, then a Malawi safari holiday could be perfect for you.

Malawi Holiday Destinations

This small sliver of a country is dominated by Lake Malawi, the most appealing of the great lakes of Africa. Indeed this ‘lake of stars’ is three quarters of the length of Malawi! Its crystal clear waters are teeming with colourful fish. (Lake Malawi is one of the most popular freshwater scuba diving locations in the world!) Plus its sandy beaches make a great spot for relaxing after a Malawi safari.

Further south are the wildlife reserves. The scenic Liwonde National Park has huge herds of elephant. And the revitalized Majete Game Reserve, rich in magificent sable, offers a variety of game.

Also in the southern lowlands are the tea plantations of Satemwe. Rising above them are the peaks of Mount Mulanje and the Zomba Plateau with hiking, mountain biking and walking trails on offer.

Getting around on a Malawi Holiday

Travel within Malawi is relatively easy. Most of our clients use road transfers between Lake Malawi, Liwonde, Majete and the capital city of Lilongwe ( or Blantyre.) Seat-in-charter light aircraft flights give access to more remote destinations such as the Nyika plateau and Likoma Island for Kaya Mawa lodge.

So if you enjoy being active when on safari with bush walks, mountain biking or horse-riding all on offer, then opt for a tailor-made Malawi holiday package.

Alternatively you can combine Malawi with a safari in Zambia for the best of both worlds.

Features

Why you may love it

  • Known as the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ with friendly and laid-back people
  • Luxurious sandy beaches
  • Lake Malawi is one of the most popular freshwater scuba diving locations in the world
  • Experience authentic African culture and local people
  • Superb flora and bird-life

When to visit Malawi

December to March

Rainy Summer Season

As with most southern African countries, Malawi has a hot and rainy summer season from mid November to early April.
AVG RAINFALL 203mm
MAX TEMP 28 ℃ / 83 ℉
MIN TEMP 18 ℃ / 64 ℉

April & May

Dry season

This is a transitional period when the rain tapers off and the dry season starts. However the daytime temperatures stay warm at 25-26C
AVG RAINFALL 118mm
MAX TEMP 28 ℃ / 83 ℉
MIN TEMP 18 ℃ / 64 ℉

June to August

Cooler Season

This is noticeably cooler, given the overall altitude of Malawi (ranging from 500-1100 for the main destinations) averaging a max of 23C with cold nights, especially on the plateau away from Lake Malawi
AVG RAINFALL 8mm
MAX TEMP 24 ℃ / 76 ℉
MIN TEMP 13 ℃ / 55 ℉

September to November

Summer Season

Temperatures rise steadily from mid August onwards becoming seriously hot in October to November (max 32c with high humidity) just prior to the start of summer rains.
AVG RAINFALL 34mm
MAX TEMP 31 ℃ / 72 ℉
MIN TEMP 19 ℃ / 66 ℉

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Kate Bergh

Co-founder & Director

Hi I'm Kate, I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience
Did you know
  • Lakes in MalawiCalendar Lake - 365 miles long, 52 miles wide
  • SizeMalawi is landlocked, but one fifth of it is water

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Milandi Joubert

Africa Travel Specialist

Hi I’m Milandi, I’m here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience

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