​Overview – Malawi

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the guide to Malawi.

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the guide to Malawi.

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Bradt guidebook to Malawi.

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Malawi.

Malawi’s main tourist attraction is enormous Lake Malawi, with its beaches and water-based activities. The country also offers a range of safari options. Lovely Liwonde National Park has a winding river ideal for boat trips and seeing lots of elephants. Majete Wildlife Reserve is Malawi’s top Big Five destination. The rolling green hills of Nyika National Park are ideal for walking.

Rates (USD) $156 to $687 pp/day
Best Time To Go July to October (Dry bush and animals easier to find)
High Season July to October (Some parks are busy, high-season rates)
Size 118,484km² / 45,747mi²

Pros & Cons

  • Off-the-beaten-track safari destinations
  • Lovely combination of beach and bush
  • Self-drive, package or custom safaris
  • Less expensive than some of the more popular safari destinations
  • Significant conservation efforts are underway, with many parks recovering from poaching
  • Easily combined in package tours with the wildlife-rich South Luangwa in Zambia
  • Small and easy to get around
  • Wildlife densities and variety not as good as in other countries

Malawi Safari Reviews

  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding

Wildlife

The African Parks organisation has made major strides in protecting Malawi’s wildlife by combatting poaching and translocating elephants and other animals to ensure healthy populations. Plenty of water in Malawi means elephant and hippo are common in several parks. Cats are difficult to see, but there are plenty of antelopes including some of the rarer species such as sable and roan.

Weather & Climate

Malawi has a tropical climate with high temperatures and ample rain. Travel is easiest in the Dry season which runs from May until the end of October. Afternoon rain is common in the Wet season months and humidity tends to be high. Temperatures are quite uniform throughout the year but the Wet season months are a few degrees colder than the Dry season months.

Best Time To Visit

The Dry season months from May to August are very pleasant in Malawi as rain is scarce and the temperatures are mild. The middle to end of the Dry season, from July to October, is the best time for wildlife viewing as animals have to leave the bush to find available water. Bear in mind, though, that October can get unbearably hot. For those who don’t mind a bit of rain, the low-season months from November to May are fresh and green, and low-season rates apply.

Premier Parks & Reserves

Want To Visit Malawi?

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Malawi Safari Reviews

  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
Most Helpful Expert Review
Expert
Lizzie Williams  –  
South Africa ZA

Lizzie is a reputed guidebook writer and author of the Footprint guides to South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

A charming slither of a country with Africa’s third largest lake and fast-developing safari parks
4/5

Split by the Great Rift Valley and enormous Lake Malawi, and bordered by Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique, Malawi has a lot going for it thanks to the legendary friendliness of the people and a distinctly chilled vibe. I’ve explored...

Full Review

Latest User Review
gilbob2  –  
United Kingdom UK
Reviewed: Jan 8, 2020
The warm heart of Africa - a destination full of natural diversity
5/5

I try to visit Malawi once a year for pleasure, I'm a keen wildlife photographer, and for me every trip brings me so much enjoyment, the diversity of wildlife is astounding. My favourite time to go is when the rainy season starts (November...

Full Review