Malawi Safaris

Malawi is one of the most beautiful countries in southern Africa and due to its warm and friendly people is widely known as the ‘warm heart of Africa’.

The first and overriding impression of Malawi is its lake. At approximately 365 miles long and in places up to 53 miles wide, Lake Malawi is the third largest fresh water body in Africa and is home to a greater array of freshwater fish species than any other lake on Earth – over 1,000 at the last count. Lake Malawi constitutes almost 20% of the surface area of this small landlocked country. It dominates the countryside in the east and is a source of cultural reference as well as a natural resource for the country’s population. At its southern extremity the Shire (pronounced “Sherri”) River drains Lake Malawi and flows through the country’s lowlands en route to the Zambezi River.

WHERE TO GO

Malawi may not be as popular or as well established as many other safari destinations in Africa, but visitors will be rewarded with a unique, diverse experience. Lake Malawi has a scattering of beachside resorts where visitors can go snorkelling and scuba-diving to see the brightly coloured fish, go kayaking or sailing, or simply kick back and enjoy the numerous bird species.

Liwonde is Malawi’s premier wildlife park although Majete Wildlife Reserve is a close second and Nkhotakota is developing fast. Liwonde is where you can view pods of hippos, some huge crocodiles, large herds of elephants, lions and some rare antelope. The varied birdlife includes the rare Pel’s fishing owl, fish eagles and weaver birds.

Hikers love the challenge of climbing the Mulanje Massif where they’ll be rewarded by breathtaking views from the top, and can treat themselves to a cup of tea afterwards at one of many tea estates in the region.

For a different Malawi experience head to the Nyika Plateau, magnificent grasslands teeming with wildlife, most notably the Burchell’s zebra, and over 400 species of birds.

Landlocked between Zambia, Mozambique and Tanzania, Malawi is affectionately known as the warm heart of Africa. One of Africa’s smallest countries, it’s also one of the most discreet and remains largely unspoilt by tourism. However the curious visitor will be well rewarded by the variety of landscapes including mountaintops, grasslands, forests, and Africa’s third largest but most beautiful lake, Lake Malawi. Not to mention the smiles and hospitality of the friendly Malawians.

Occupying 20% of the country, Lake Malawi is its physical and spiritual heart. Its clear, mineral-rich waters are home to the largest number of fish species of any lake in the world, including many species of brightly coloured cichlid fish. The central lake area is famed for its white sandy beaches, and bird lovers are drawn here by the numerous bird species, including many waterbirds.

Liwonde National Park is also renowned for its exceptional birdlife with almost 300 species, plus it’s home to dense populations of elephants, hippos and crocodiles, while the Majete is the only reserve in Malawi where you can see the big five.

For a change of scenery visit the magnificent Zomba Plateau, a giant mountaintop that’s home to baboons, large birds of prey, giant butterflies, and, if you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a leopard.

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ITINERARIES

We have a great selection of sample itineraries below that we have created to provide you with everything you need for a fantastic holiday. These itineraries can be amended to suit your requirements, please get in touch to discuss your bespoke safari.

Rift Valley Explorer

Premier Malawi – Silver Plus

Malawi-LakeMalawi-MumboIslandCamp-Hammock

Classic Malawi (Mumbo)

FEATURED CAMPS

We have the best selection of resorts & camps in Botswana to suit all of your needs and requirements. If you would like any additional information on any of these resorts & camps, please contact us directly.

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Ku Chawe Inn (Zomba)

Chelinda Lodge

Chelinda Camp

Mkulumadzi

Mvuu Lodge

Mvuu Camp

Malawi-Lake-Malawi-Pumalani-Pool-with-a-View

Pumulani

Nkwichi Lodge

Mumbo Island Camp

Kaya Mawa

Chintheche Inn

FEATURED CAMPS

We have the best selection of resorts & camps in Malawi to suit all of your needs and requirements. If you would like any additional information on any of these resorts & camps, please contact us directly

View All Camps

MORE ABOUT MALAWI

Beyond the immediate orbit of the lake, the floor of the Great Rift Valley rises steeply, the trough climbing to hills and gorges and their plunging rivers and precipitous valleys. The mountains and plateaux of Malawi form a dramatic and scenic contrast to the level surface of the Lake and its floodplains. The most extensive is the Nyika Plateau in the thinly populated north-east, whilst perhaps the most spectacular is the Mulanje Massif, rising 6,000 feet out of the surrounding tea estates in the south. These high areas are cooler and wetter than the plains, and are covered in montane grassland and patches of evergreen forest with characteristic species such as roan and eland.

Between these two main high altitude areas are the main national parks of Liwonde, Lengwe and the Majete Game Reserve, This is where the bulk of the country’s elephant population occurs and it is only here that the secretive nyala penetrates into Malawi. The Shire River that drains Lake Malawi to the south is home to a population of almost 1,000 hippos as well as large numbers of crocodiles.

For those keen on experiencing African culture in all its complexity and beauty, Malawi is definitely the best country to visit.

Malawi can be combined with Zambia or Zanzibar

We would advise all travellers, prior to booking, to consult the Foreign & Commonwealth Office travel advice for the country(s) they are thinking of visiting, both in respect of the safety of travel and also passport and visa requirements. Please click here.

WHEN TO GO

Malawi enjoys a sub-tropical climate that’s strongly seasonal, with a hot wet season from December to April, a cool dry season May to August, and September to November being largely hot and dry.

Temperatures

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun
Low (°C)	24	24	23	23	21	19
High (°C)	31	32	32	31	30	29

	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Low (°C)	19	18	19	20	22	23
High (°C)	29	29	30	30	31	31

Rainfall

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun
Avg (mm)	61	81	115	286	183	31

	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg (mm)	29	26	32	62	104	95

Currency	MWK
Capital City	Lilongwe
Population	16.36 million
Language	Chewa, English
Time Zone	GMT +2:00

NEED TO KNOW

When travelling anywhere new it’s good to understand a little bit more about your destination. Below are a few additional details about Malawi.

Currency	BWP
Capital City	Gaborone
Population	2 million
Language	English, Setswana
Time Zone	GMT +2:00

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Malawi has its rainy season from December through to March, with days becoming more humid leading up to the rains. April to July is glorious with warm days and cool evenings – as rainfall is limited the wildlife concentrate around available water sources. With the arrival of August, the days become hotter but the nights remain cool. The best time for game is October and November although it can get very hot the further south you travel.The best months to visit Malawi are during the dry months from April through to October. November is on the cusp of the rains.

Malawi’s highlights can be combined on an overland guided safari or by utilising inter-camp flight transfers. Both produce a wonderfully varied experience. Liwonde National Park is superb for relaxed sightings of elephants and hippos. The excellent beaches of Lake Malawi and its islands combine well with a safari in Zambia or Tanzania.

Kick back and relax in your safari lodges in Malawi and enjoy being at one with nature

Malawi is a superb destination for a family safari with a range of activities to suit all age ranges.