Our top reasons to visit Malawi

Malawi is one of those countries that few people can successfully locate on a map, and fewer still can tell you anything about. This can work in your favor, as it has a clutch of fantastic attractions that add up to a great holiday that’s never overrun with tourists. Let’s take a look at some of the best reasons why you should go to Malawi.

Introducing Malawi: the basics

Dwarfed by its neighboring nations Zambia, Mozambique, and Tanzania, Malawi is a petite country — a bit smaller than England, located in south central Africa. Around one-fifth of Malawi’s territory is taken up by Lake Malawi, and this huge body of water is one of the nation’s defining features.

Other than lake-based activities, there are highlands perfect for trekking, national parks stuffed with big game, characterful islands, colonial towns, and a relaxed, smiling population. It’s a small corner of Africa that can offer an exciting and varied holiday without the crowds. Here’s the lowdown on our favorite Malawi highlights.

Stunning wildlife in Malawi’s national parks

Malawi might not be the first destination that springs to mind when you’re thinking of a safari adventure. But the country has quietly been improving its safari credentials in recent times and now has some wonderful sites from which to explore its wilderness and rich biodiversity — quite a few of them in Malawi’s astonishing national parks.

Liwonde National Park, in the country’s southern region, is one of the highlights of any trip to Malawi, and offers classic game drives as well as boat safaris on the Shire River. You can expect to see groups of elephants splashing about, along with waterbuck, crocodile, hippo, and buffalo. Meanwhile, lions, cheetahs, and hyenas traverse the savannah in search of numerous antelope species. The bird life is also fabulous: Almost 450 species have been seen in the park, including the endemic (and rare) brown-breasted barbet and Lillian’s lovebird. Best of all, it’s virtually never overrun with other people.

Go further south and west in Malawi and you’ll come upon the famous Majete Wildlife Reserve. Not unlike Liwonde, it’d once been nearly decimated by poacher’s greed, with quite a few of its native animals in serious danger. But in recent years, a combination of zero-tolerance law enforcement and tireless work by various conservation groups transformed it into a robust and awe-inspiring wildlife reserve. In addition to the Big Five — the elephant, leopard, black rhinoceros, lion, and African buffalo — visitors to Majete can see antelopes, nyalas, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, warthogs, zebras, and countless other animals. And be sure to visit the banks of the lower Shire River for a stunning view of the Kapichara Falls. While Majete is more popular with tourists than Liwonde, you’ll experience less congestion if you visit in early April or late August (the bookend periods of the dry season).

Adventure travel and more at Zomba Plateau

This flat-top mountain in southern Malawi rises to about 5,906 feet (1,800 meters) at its highest points, and the plateau itself extends across roughly 50 square miles (130 square kilometers with steep cliffs dropping away on all sides to the surrounding lowlands. The top is mostly covered by forests, particularly pine, cedar and cypress trees, and laced with streams, which feed the many waterfalls.

There are lodgings on the plateau itself or you could opt to base yourself at the foot of the mountain in the city of Zomba, which is the former capital and a fantastic showcase for Malawi’s colonial charm. Zomba Plateau offers lots of options for exploring, whether on foot, on horseback, or by bike. Adventurous visitors can go rock climbing on the more rugged parts of the mountain. Travelers who are more leisure-inclined can go fly-fishing in the nearby streams and dams, but keep in mind that you may need to get a permit.

Cape Maclear: a waterfront sanctuary

This is Malawi’s best-known destination, perfectly situated on the Nanukumba peninsula jutting into the southern basin of Lake Malawi. It’s a prime spot to kick back for a few days pre- or post-safari, and there’s plenty to do in the vicinity. Cape Maclear, its forests, its islands, and Lake Malawi itself collectively make up Lake Malawi National Park.

Lounging on the shore of the emerald lake is a delight, and at times the golden sand and clear waters will trick you into thinking you’re in the Caribbean, especially if you stay in one of the lovely beach-side lodges hidden among the trees of the shoreline. The snorkeling is great in Cape Maclear, thanks to the 700-plus species of colorful cichlid fish, many of which are endemic to the lake. Other water-activity options include kayaking, diving, sailing, and paddleboarding.

In the evenings, don’t forget to check out the various restaurants and bars in town: For authentic Malawian cuisine, look for seafood like kampango, bombe, and chambo. Non-fish options include nsima (ground corn porridge served with some combination of meat, bean, and vegetable sides), kachumbari (diced tomato, onion, and chili pepper salad seasoned with lemon and vinegar), and mkhwani (a stew made with pumpkin leaf, ground peanut flour, and tomato).

Because of Maclear’s undeniable popularity, you might want to consider visiting outside of peak season (from December to March). There are far fewer tourists between September and November and the weather, while not perfectly warm, is still comfortable.

The grandeur of Mount Mulanje

This cluster of peaks in the Phalombe plains of southern Malawi — which together form the country’s highest point — is an “inselberg”, which rises from the surrounding plains in all its steep and mysterious glory. The tallest peak, Sapitwa, rises above 9, 843 feet (3,000 meters) and may present a challenge even for keen mountain climbers, as the route is quite tricky and involves lots of scrambling and negotiating of large boulder fields.

The collection of mountains is significant enough to affect the climate around it, so you can expect mists and storms at any time of year. If high peaks aren’t your thing, the lower slopes offer some fantastic trekking trails for all abilities.

Likoma Island: natural beauty and charming attractions

Curiously, this sleepy but enticing island out in what’s nominally the Mozambican part of Lake Malawi still belongs to Malawi, and makes for a real “get-away-from-it-all” destination. There are plenty of beaches to explore surrounding the rich and fairly tranquil grassland interior, and several busy little communities to visit, in which you might get to see a malipenga (Malawian dance competition).

Don’t miss a visit to St. Peter’s Cathedral while on Likoma Island. It’s reportedly the same size as the St. Peter’s in Winchester, UK, adorned with fine stained glass and carved stone. For a slight change of pace from Likoma, consider continuing to its sister island — the remote and laid-back Chizumulu — where the pace of life is even slower and there are fewer tourists. This may give you a better chance to acquaint yourself with local customs, crafts, and cuisine.

Chogoni Rock Art Area: glimpse into the past

The hills of the Malawi Plateau, in the country’s Central Region, are home to a landmark important not only to the history of Malawi and Africa, but all humankind: At the 127 sites that comprise the Chongoni Rock Art Area, illustrations carved into granite offer a window as far back as the Late Stone Age (LSA) between 50,000 and 39,000 years ago.

Much of the art is either Batwa (from the LSA) or ancestral Chewa (from the late Iron Age circa 700-550 BCE). While the imagery itself is simple — depicting animals, hunting activities, and ritual ceremonies — its preservation is nothing short of astonishing. Knowing you’re standing on ground once trod upon by some of Earth’s earliest humans as you look over the rock art is quite the sensation.

Make it happen

Malawi’s charms will quickly put you under a spell, and the welcoming population will make you want to stay longer than you planned. To discover this underrated destination your way, get in touch with our local Malawi specialists, who will construct an unforgettable trip itinerary around your priorities.