Much of Malawi’s activity revolves around its aquatic elements, the lake comprising over 25 percent of its landmass. A vast, 52-mile wide aquarium, Lake Malawi is as abundant in life as the landscapes that surround it. On a larger itinerary spanning several countries, the shoreline is certainly Malawi’s biggest and most contrasting drawcard, but there is much more to see of this wonderful little nation.
Also known as Lake Nyasa, Lake Malawi offers everything you could imagine of an expansive body of water; sailing adventures, fishing, exclusive island retreats and simple relaxation on its white-sand beaches. Though suffering from poaching, in recent years the country has embraced sustainability, conservation and the well-accepted tourism that come with them.
Malawi is wonderfully changeable, the lake feeding lush vegetation on all sides, giving way to tan grasslands and towering mountains. You can travel from summit to shore within a day, gathering a gamut of experiences on your way, from panoramic views and incredible game viewing to ancient artworks and relaxing sundowners on the beach.
Mount Mulanje. Standing at almost 10,000 feet (3,000 metres) above sea level , Mount Mulanje is somewhat of a challenging hike, though certainly not beyond the average traveler. Scattered with smaller mammals, reptiles and birdlife, including skinks, frogs, butterflies and the tiny klipspringer antelope.
Offering panoramic views of the expansive landscapes and tea plantations below, Mulanje is well worth the effort of a day’s gentle hike.
Mumbo Island. For an experience straight out of a Robert Louis Stevenson novel, Mumbo Island is a breathtaking escape. Though very rustic and not for the more pampered traveler, what it lacks in luxury it more than compensates for in charm and natural beauty. Timber cabins present lakeside accommodation and the ever-inviting pristine water of the lake provide plenty of entertainment and spectacular views. The verdant interior is interwoven with walking trails and, with no dangerous animals on the island, you can wander freely.
Nyika Plateau. The glorious Nyika Plateau in the North lies at the heart of the Northern highlands of Malawi. Nyika National Park is visually stunning and often sits above the clouds. Leopard, hyena, jackal, roan, eland and zebra are regularly spotted within the park and bird watching is prolific, with over 400 species recorded in the area. Nyika has wonderful opportunities for trekking and mountain biking as well as waterfalls, a Neolithic rock shelter, trout pools and even a magic lake to investigate.
Liwonde National Park
Though not one of Malawi’s larget national parks, Liwonde is also wonderfully abundant. Elephant roam throughout the park, with lion, rhino and cheetah also more recently reintroduced. The park has allowed once non-existent species to be reintroduced and flourish and Liwonde is now a renowned conservation success story with a vast array of Africa’s most iconic creatures to be found there. Liwonde is an ideal excursion for those wishing to fulfil their wildlife quota.
Majete National Park
Larger than Liwonde, the game is a touch more dispersed, but it is also more diverse. Majete suffered greatly up until very recently from extensive poaching and illegal deforestation for charcoal production. However, it has bounced back in recent years, with conservation efforts repopulating the park and helping restore vegetation. It is now home to the Big 5 and rapidly becoming one of Malawi’s favourite parks, though still wonderfully under-attended.
Likoma Island
The larger of two main islands in Lake Malawi, Likoma feels like another country of its own. Despite being across the border in Mozambique, Likoma remains part of Malawi, as does its sister island of Chizumulu. In the late 19th century, missionaries established themselves on Likoma, erecting several churches and, in 1911, the magnificent St Peter’s Cathedral.
The shoreline remains wonderfully remote, with small venues, camps and hotels finding seclusion in numerous bays, allowing you to feel as though you are the only person in the world.
Mount Mulanje
Standing at almost 10,000 feet (3,000 metres) above sea level , Mount Mulanje is somewhat of a challenging hike, though certainly not beyond the average traveler. Scattered with smaller mammals, reptiles and birdlife, including skinks, frogs, butterflies and the tiny klipspringer antelope.
Offering panoramic views of the expansive landscapes and tea plantations below, Mulanje is well worth the effort of a day’s gentle hike.
Mumbo Island
For an experience straight out of a Robert Louis Stevenson novel, Mumbo Island is a breathtaking escape. Though very rustic and not for the more pampered traveler, what it lacks in luxury it more than compensates for in charm and natural beauty. Timber cabins present lakeside accommodation and the ever-inviting pristine water of the lake provide plenty of entertainment and spectacular views. The verdant interior is interwoven with walking trails and, with no dangerous animals on the island, you can wander freely.
Nyika Plateau
The glorious Nyika Plateau in the North lies at the heart of the Northern highlands of Malawi. Nyika National Park is visually stunning and often sits above the clouds. Leopard, hyena, jackal, roan, eland and zebra are regularly spotted within the park and bird watching is prolific, with over 400 species recorded in the area. Nyika has wonderful opportunities for trekking and mountain biking as well as waterfalls, a Neolithic rock shelter, trout pools and even a magic lake to investigate.
Malawi’s tourism is still developing, but it is doing so rapidly. Various islands, including Mumbo as mentioned above, provide visually spectacular accommodations, though often of a rustic and simple nature. These are adequate, though one mustn’t expect the spoils of a more luxurious venue.
There are, however, plenty more properties and camps on the mainland that provide the same waterfront accommodation but to a more opulent standard.
You are unlikely to find five-star luxury in Malawi, but you will find some incredibly well-appointed camp-style venues. The majority are scattered along the shores of Lake Malawi and provide wonderful tranquility and intimacy. Traditionally constructed, they reflect the waterside properties of Zambia and Botswana.
The interiors are exquisite and balance romance with tropical nuances to make you question whether you are, indeed, in Malawi or upon a secluded luxury island in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
There is little contemporary modernity to Malawian accommodation, but what you receive instead is a sense of escapism and exclusivity. Furnishings are of the highest quality, contrasting unhewn timber balcony rails and internal beams, and bare rock walls expertly handcrafted to give you a wonderful connection to your natural surroundings without relinquishing modern comforts.
BEST TIME: May – Aug
CLIMATE: LOW: 43-73ºF (6-23ºC) Jun – Jul / HIGH: 63-86ºF (17-30ºC) Nov – Feb
SEASONS: DRY: May – Oct / WET: Nov – April
BEST FOR: Romantics, families and water lovers. An ideal lakeside respite from more conventional safari destinations, and many properties happily accommodate children of all ages.
Malawi is developing rapidly for tourists. Filled with rustic charm and unique scenery, Malawi is a wonderful destination in its own right, but even better when coupled with South Africa’s Kruger National Park or the more dynamic destinations of Zambia and Botswana.
Though beautiful in its own right, its redeeming qualities resonate when complemented by other destinations. Though Malawi possesses ten or so national parks and game is abundant, this is paralleled by the seclusion and tranquility of life upon the lake, whether reclining on the shoreline or diving into its pristine waters amongst its wealth of fish life.
Zambia’s diversity often gets a little overshadowed by its most iconic drawcard – Victoria Falls. If this is your sole or primary reason for visiting Zambia, then one to three days should suffice. However, we strongly encourage you to explore all the wonderful offerings of Zambia and, in doing so, spend at least a week discovering its many delights.
From quiet, relaxing camps to abundant game drives, tranquil waterways and the excitement of the Falls and its numerous activities, Zambia will keep everyone entertained for many days.
Malawi’s hottest months coincide with its wettest months, as is frequently the case. October to March can be stifling, with peak rains also occurring between December and February. The more temperate months of May to September offer the very best of Malawi, but opting for late April through to early June will provide the benefit of lush, green landscapes and an abundance of wildlife.
Though often contrasting terms, Malawi’s accommodation could best be described as luxuriously rustic. Though many venues have been built in recent years, they are very much of a traditional nature, with plenty of raw materials in evidence.
That said, and though you may not experience the colonial-inspired camp decadence of Kenya, with copper, claw-footed baths and baroque furniture, you will find a pleasantly agreeable high standard of furnishings and services.
Some accommodations within Malawi have also been recognised for their cuisine and, though not pervasive, you can find some exquisite examples of African fusion dishes and exceptional gastronomy.
Visas are required for most visitors and should be organized prior to arrival from your home country. Inoculations may be recommended and we suggest you contact your travel designer or a travel medicine specialist for advice.
International flights to Malawi are via Nairobi or Johannesburg, where a transfer is required to Malawi’s capital of Lilongwe. Private transfers are then available to specific destinations.
Chichewa is the primary traditional language of Malawi, though numerous other languages are spoken. However, English is the nation’s official language and you will find you will rarely meet any linguistic challenges.
Poverty is very real in parts of Malawi. We encourage cultural excursions and experiences as a way to support communities, and artisanal markets are often fascinating, rewarding and another way to support and give back to the Malawian people. National parks depend on tourist dollars to sustain the incredible achievements that have been made over recent years, so any visit and small additional donation you may be able to offer is essential for the parks’ sustainability.
Malawi is unique. While some activities may reflect those in other countries, there are also many aspects of a Malawian sojourn that you will find nowhere else. Still growing as a tourist destination and improving annually, it is a wonderfully charming country and, coupled with its beautiful, kind and welcoming people, it truly earns the moniker of ‘the warm heart of Africa’.
