Travelisto destinations
Malawi holidays
Lake Malawi’s beaches and islands, river safaris in Liwonde and the warmest welcome in Africa.
Overview
Welcome to Malawi
Malawi is known as “the warm heart of Africa”, and its friendliness is the first thing visitors remember. The country is built around Lake Malawi, a freshwater inland sea more than 500km long with sandy beaches, islands and clear water full of colourful cichlid fish. Cape Maclear, in the UNESCO-listed Lake Malawi National Park, is the classic spot for kayaking and snorkelling, and Likoma and Mumbo islands offer barefoot island stays.
Malawi is also a rewarding, uncrowded safari destination. Liwonde National Park, on the Shire River, is known for boat safaris among hippos and elephants and has had rhinos, lions and cheetahs reintroduced; Majete Wildlife Reserve in the south now has the Big Five. In the highlands, Zomba Plateau has forest walks and waterfalls, Mount Mulanje rises to over 3,000m above tea estates, and Nyika Plateau in the north is wild rolling grassland with zebra and antelope.
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Best for: travellers who want a quieter, more personal Africa, a lake-and-safari combination, and overland journeys linking Malawi with Zambia, Tanzania and Victoria Falls. It pairs well with South Luangwa in Zambia, just across the border.
From the team
Why we love Malawi
Pair a few days of safari in Liwonde with the lake at Cape Maclear or Likoma, then cross into Zambia for South Luangwa. It is one of Africa’s great undiscovered combinations.
Rossella Rossella, Luxury & Destination Specialist Meet our Travel DesignersMain areas
Where to go in Malawi
4 distinct regions — they pair beautifully two or three at a time.
Lake Malawi
Liwonde & Majete
Zomba & Mulanje
Nyika & the north
Find your trip
Holiday types in Malawi
Pick a holiday style — or combine two. Each section links straight to the next step.
Cruises
Malawi is landlocked — no ocean cruise access. Lake Malawi itself has boat trips, dhow sails and the historic Ilala ferry.
Escorted tours
4 escorted tours through Malawi — guided, customisable, fully ATOL-protected.
Tailor-made
Everything you see above is a starting point — we'll shape any of these around how you actually want to travel.
Lake and safari
Liwonde boat safaris followed by beach days on Lake Malawi.
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Malawi and Zambia
Add South Luangwa, one of Africa’s best walking-safari parks.
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Highlands and lake
Zomba, Mulanje and the lake for walkers.
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Island escape
Barefoot lodges on Likoma or Mumbo Island.
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Practical info
Knowing before you go
When to go
The dry season, May to October, is best. September and October are the prime months for wildlife, as animals gather at water, but they are also the hottest. November to April is the green, rainy season, when some roads and camps are harder to reach.
Flights & how to get there
There are no direct flights from the UK. Flights to Lilongwe or Blantyre connect via Nairobi, Addis Ababa or Johannesburg, taking about 13–16 hours in total.
Visa & passport
Entry rules for UK visitors have changed in recent years, so check the current visa requirement before you book. A yellow fever certificate may be needed if you arrive from a country with yellow fever. For up-to-date entry requirements and safety advice, check the UK FCDO travel advice for Malawi.
Currency & money
The Malawian kwacha (MWK). US dollars are widely used for lodges and safaris; cards are limited outside cities, so carry cash.
Language & tipping
English (official) and Chichewa.
Health & safety
Malaria is present throughout Malawi, so antimalarial medication is essential. Consult your GP or a travel clinic at least six weeks before you travel and buy comprehensive travel insurance.
FAQs
Malawi — your questions
When is the best time to visit Malawi?
May to October, the dry season. September and October are best for wildlife but also the hottest months; May to August is cooler and pleasant for the lake and the highlands.
Is Malawi good for safari?
Yes, and it is far less crowded than better-known parks. Liwonde is known for boat safaris and has rhinos, lions and cheetahs, and Majete has the Big Five. Many travellers add South Luangwa in Zambia.
Can you swim in Lake Malawi?
Yes, in the main resort areas such as Cape Maclear and Likoma Island, where snorkelling among cichlid fish is a highlight. Ask your lodge about the safest spots.
Do I need malaria tablets for Malawi?
Yes. Malaria is present throughout the country, so take antimalarials and use repellent. See a travel clinic about six weeks before you go.
Make this trip yours
Plan your Malawi holiday with a Travel Designer
Pick from any of the options on this page or tell us what you have in mind — we'll build it around how you actually like to travel. ATOL protected, flights included, real humans available 9am–7pm.