MALAWI

The gentle splash of warm, crystal-clear water onto empty golden beaches, and colourful flickers of exotic fish – this is the slice of unspoilt heaven that is Lake Malawi. It is a dazzling, yet uniquely tranquil, water paradise in the heart of this small, refreshingly unassuming country, one that is often mistakenly overlooked by travellers into Africa.

Stretching beyond its lake shores, the rest of the country promises awe-inspiring landscapes – lush forests, majestic mountains, cooler plateaus – so much awaits exploration. With wonderful people who offer genuine warmth and friendliness towards country visitors, Malawi really can provide relaxing, unpretentious travel in the slow lane, far removed from the stress and bustle of the more-popular safari destinations.

  • Lake Malawi is obviously the main attraction, stretching 580 km in length, 75 km at its widest point. Calm waters beckon with any manner of water sports – boating, canoeing, snorkelling and diving –while sandy stretches and secret coves offer peaceful relaxation.
  • Liwonde National Park is a popular destination, although Malawi is not known for great scale or diversity of wildlife. It is managed in collaboration with local communities and is acknowledged for its conservation efforts. There are big herds of elephant, zebra and antelope, as well as hippo and crocodile around the riverine areas.
  • Nyika National Park is the largest park. Located on a plateau, it offers a more unique safari experience featuring splendid vistas, vast herds of antelope and good opportunity to see leopards due to the high density of this usually secretive animal.
  • Rich cultural engagements – Malawi is largely rural, with most people living in traditional villages allowing for first-hand interaction with their interesting cultures.

Time: GMT + 2 hours

Language: Chichewa is the main local language, but English is widely spoken.

Health: It is advisable to take anti-malaria pills. Please consult your doctor before you travel to ensure you are up to date with all your travel vaccinations.

Visas: Visas are not required for travellers from the USA, UK, Australia and most of Europe. Please check with your local embassy as visa criteria does change regularly.

When to go: April to October is the best time to travel as it is cooler and there is no rain. Once you hit the summer time in November, temperatures rise and you are most likely to experience thundershowers.

CLICK HERE TO USE GOOGLE MAPS TO EXPLORE THE AREA MORE.
HIGHLIGHTS
  • Lake Malawi is obviously the main attraction, stretching 580 km in length, 75 km at its widest point. Calm waters beckon with any manner of water sports – boating, canoeing, snorkelling and diving –while sandy stretches and secret coves offer peaceful relaxation.
  • Liwonde National Park is a popular destination, although Malawi is not known for great scale or diversity of wildlife. It is managed in collaboration with local communities and is acknowledged for its conservation efforts. There are big herds of elephant, zebra and antelope, as well as hippo and crocodile around the riverine areas.
  • Nyika National Park is the largest park. Located on a plateau, it offers a more unique safari experience featuring splendid vistas, vast herds of antelope and good opportunity to see leopards due to the high density of this usually secretive animal.
  • Rich cultural engagements – Malawi is largely rural, with most people living in traditional villages allowing for first-hand interaction with their interesting cultures.
USEFUL INFORMATION

Time: GMT + 2 hours

Language: Chichewa is the main local language, but English is widely spoken.

Health: It is advisable to take anti-malaria pills. Please consult your doctor before you travel to ensure you are up to date with all your travel vaccinations.

Visas: Visas are not required for travellers from the USA, UK, Australia and most of Europe. Please check with your local embassy as visa criteria does change regularly.

When to go: April to October is the best time to travel as it is cooler and there is no rain. Once you hit the summer time in November, temperatures rise and you are most likely to experience thundershowers.

MAP
CLICK HERE TO USE GOOGLE MAPS TO EXPLORE THE AREA MORE.

CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR TRIP