A beginner's guide to Malawi

Lisa Egan
Jun 15
6 min read

Malawi - destination for 2026

As Africa’s best kept secret, Malawi is now starting to appear on the traveler radar and should definitely be on yours. Not only is it a first-rate safari destination with national parks and wildlife reserves teeming with animals, stunning Lake Malawi means you can combine it with time spent swimming, snorkelling and kayaking or simply lazing on one of its golden beaches. Stay in one of Malawi’s lavish lodges or a luxury tent and enjoy the best hospitality in the country known as the warm heart of Africa. Currently, Malawi is relatively untouched by mass tourism, and offers a unique and rewarding vacation for discerning travelers.

Top places to visit in Malawi: inspiration for your itinerary

Exploring Malawi's capital, Lilongwe

The capital, Lilongwe, is the country’s vibrant, beating heart, and it’s worth spending a couple of days there while you settle in after traveling. Visit the Old Town with its cafes, restaurants and markets bursting with colourful textiles and handcrafted treasures, and find mesmerizing traditional dances at Chameleon Bar on weekend evenings, where locals and travelers swap stories over Kuche Kuche beer. Skip the New Town area which is mostly commercial buildings and instead head for the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, a unique nature reserve and dense forest in the middle of the city, where you can observe rescued animals from the overhead boardwalks.

Lake Malawi: water sports, island hops and festivities

Lake Malawi is more like an inland sea than a lake, complete with beautiful sandy beaches and crystal-clear water. Go snorkelling in your own underwater aquarium with over 1,000 species of tropical fish, or take a kayak out at sunset when the lake turns to liquid gold. For the best beaches head for Likoma Island, visit a working fishing village and join in conservation projects surrounded by mountains at Cape Maclear, or island-hop to Mumbo or Domwe for an overnight stay in rustic luxury. Time your visit for October and the Lake of Stars Festival, when international musicians transform shoreline beaches into Africa's most spectacular waterfront party.

The wildlife of Liwonde National Park

Since the reintroduction of lions and cheetahs, Liwonde has reclaimed its status as Malawi's premier safari destination and delivers more intimate wildlife encounters than some countries. The Shire River is a magnet for hippos, elephants, crocodiles and you might even spot black rhino, while a nighttime safari drive could reveal side-striped jackals and spotted hyenas. Bird-watchers might see Pel’s fishing owl, Boehm’s bee-eaters, Lilian’s lovebirds and Livingstone’s flycatcher. Staying in one of Liwonde’s camps means contributing directly to the reserve’s long-term sustainability, community support and wildlife conservation efforts.

Things to do in Malawi: some favourite experiences and activities

Plan the ultimate safari camp experience

Malawi's safari experiences are now up there with the best, with excellent wildlife viewing and accommodation of all levels in beautiful settings. The difference is that Malawi promises a more personal, low-key approach, and because of fewer visitor numbers, it can deliver on that promise. Choose your safari your way, from traditional wildlife encounters in a 4x4 vehicle to walking safaris, canoe trips and animal tracking on foot, all designed to get you a little closer to the wildlife. At the same time, the country has a wildlife-first approach to wildlife viewing t, and a growing reputation for sustainable tourism. If you’re looking for a memorable experience – not a tick list – with top sustainable credentials, Malawi is the place.

Make authentic connections with local communities

The Malawian people are its greatest asset: friendly and known for their welcoming and warm hospitality. Most of the population is rural, living largely in traditional villages, and your trip should include at least one visit to a real village for a first-hand experience of Malawian traditions and daily life. There are plenty of opportunities to meet locals, make authentic connections and even stay overnight. Wherever you go, the people you meet and the conversations you have will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

Learn about conservation at the Majete Wildlife Reserve

It’s hard to believe now that 20 years ago, almost all wildlife had been hunted out of Majete Wildlife Reserve. This dire situation saw Malawi’s government sign a mandate with African Parks, a non-profit organisation, that began a process of conservation and animal reintroduction. The reserve is now considered a pioneer for large-scale wildlife reintroductions, with 17 species reintroduced since 2003. Majete is now a top Malawi wildlife destination, where you can experience traditional safari drives with knowledgeable guides, opt for a self-drive trip and even go bush camping.

Go birdwatching in Dzalanyama Forest Reserve

Ornithologists will delight in the Dzalanyama Forest Reserve, an important habitat for miombo birdlife, named after the oak-like ‘miombo’ trees that dominate the area. Rare species include the olive-headed weaver, the miombo pied barbet, the boulder chat, white tailed flycatcher, black eared seedeater and Stierling’s woodpecker. The forest borders Malawi and Mozambique, encompassing 1,000 sq km of mountainous woodland and taking in parts of the Zambezi river system. It’s a beautiful area for walking, trekking or mountain biking, as well as birdwatching, with dense forest, dams, waterfalls and pools surrounded by lofty mountain peaks, all just 60 km southeast of the capital.

Hike in the shadow of Mount Mulanje

At 3,000m, there’s no missing Malawi’s highest peak, which looms dramatically over the surrounding landscape, dwarfing the surrounding lower plains. This vast granite mountain has a wide network of trails, suitable for everything from relaxed walks through ancient cedar forests taking in scenic waterfalls and river pools, to challenging climbs or a multi-day trek across the mountain. You’ll find camping gear plus experienced local guides and porters for hire in Mulanje town at the base of the mountain. Mulanje is under two hours from Blantyre, but consider spending a night in one of its hotels or lodges and supporting the small town economy.

Planning ahead for your trip to Malawi

The best time to visit Malawi

The best time to visit is during the dry season from April to November, when you’ll find clear blue skies, perfect 70–80°F days and better opportunities for wildlife-spotting as animals gather around dwindling water sources and sparse vegetation. The hot, wet summer between November to early April can be uncomfortable and make traveling a little tricky, and January and February are especially hot and humid. But bird lovers might want to note that this season is when the countryside becomes a paradise of vibrant bird activity.

Health and safety

Malawi is generally a safe country, but tourists should take the usual safety precautions to avoid petty crime. Don’t display large amounts of money, keep your possessions close and leave valuables at home where possible.

As with any international travel, make sure your immunisations are up to date well in advance of a trip. For Africa you will probably need Hepatitis A and B, rabies, typhoid and yellow fever, and take advice on anti-malarial drugs which you will need to start taking several days before your arrival. Depending on your level of accommodation you may want to bring a mosquito net to hang over your bed, which you can donate when you leave the country.

Transportation advice

Driving in Malawi can be a rewarding way to explore the country but extreme caution is advised. Malawi's roads have high fatality rates, thanks to poorly maintained surfaces, unlit roads surrounded by wildlife and a somewhat lax attitude to speed and overall safety. That said, public coach systems are considered safe and reliable or you could hire a driver/guide, and you’ll need taxis to get around the sprawl of Lilongwe. Visitors to Lake Malawi should take at least one journey by ferry, which makes up in scenery what it lacks in luxury.

Local customs and etiquette: top tips for first-time visitors

Packing: Malawi has a tropical climate but early mornings and evenings and higher altitudes can be cool, so bring lightweight, breathable clothing, layers and comfortable footwear for walking. Outside of the cities and in more conservative remote villages, you will get a warmer welcome if you dress modestly, particularly women travelers who might like to buy a chitenge (Malawian sarong) available from any local market to cover up.

Money: Malawi's payment system is predominantly cash-based, although credit and debit card usage is gradually increasing in urban centers and larger businesses. There isn’t a big bargaining culture here and most prices are fixed so don’t haggle.

Language: while English is widely spoken, learning a few Chichewa phrases before you go will charm everyone you meet, even if they will mainly want to practice their English on you.

LGBTIQ+ community: homosexuality is illegal in Malawi, and while it’s unlikely to be an issue for foreign travelers, discretion is advised and open discussion or public displays of affection may make Malawians uncomfortable.