For a small landlocked country, Malawi certainly punches above its weight when it comes to beautiful scenery, outstanding diversity of experiences and culture. The people of this little country are friendly and very welcoming and a highlight is the delight in seeing the rural and simple Malawi lifestyle. The true beauty is the fact that Malawi is not yet a real tourist destination so a visit to the country is totally unspoiled by the usual tourist trappings.
In Malawi, you can spend your days on safari in remote bushlands, snorkeling in clear waters, sailing on dhows at sunset and lazing around at intimate lodges tucked away from the tourist trail, one is even located on your own private island! This tiny country is a welcome relief after time spent exploring the more frequented and oversized African safari holiday destinations.
A Malawi holiday can easily combine a diverse array of activities and landscapes, from the tranquility of Lake Malawi and its fantastic canoeing, snorkeling, sailing and diving to forests and falls of Machete best explored on foot and in 4×4 to the wildlife rich Liwonde National Park and Nyika Plateau.
Fast Facts
There are two broad seasons in Malawi, wet and dry. Wet season usually starts around November and runs through to April with the heaviest rains December to February. Dry season is May to November with May to August the cooler months.
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The country’s biggest draw card is Lake Malawi, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, approximately 575 kilometres long and 85 kilometres wide. This beautiful Lake has been around since about 500 BC and continues to attract people searching for remote beauty and unspoilt waters. Discovered by missionary-explorer Dr David Livingstone some 150 years ago it is the perfect add on to a safari holiday or a stand alone beach break. Expect remote, private beaches, crystal clear waters, endless water activities like diving, snorkelling, sailing and fishing and land adventures such as walks, mountain biking, village visits and more. While Malawi is not as well known for big game, Liwonde is brimming with wildlife that literally sits at your doorstep making this national park the most popular in the country. It is a must see attraction for anyone wishing to make the most of their time on safari in Malawi. The landscapes are as diverse as its inhabitants, from dry woodlands, palm savannahs and baobabs to floodplains and rivers. During the rainy season this lush vegetation set against dramatic stormy skies make Liwonde National Park a photographer’s dream, and it’s not hard to understand how Liwonde has acquired such diversity in animal and bird life through conservation and restoration. Majete is the country’s largest protected areas and covers 70,000 ha. The landscapes are dominated by Miombo and Brachystegia woodland and riparian forests in the East. It is one of the outstanding success stories of African conservation. Since 2003, the African Parks Network and the Malawi government have turned it into a model of sustainable development and biodiversity. The reintroduction of more than 3,000 animals from other areas of Malawi and neighbouring countries began in 2003 and included black rhino, elephant, buffalo, eland, kudu, zebra, warthog, sable, waterbuck, impala and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest. After these considerable efforts, the game experience here is a true African safari highlight.
Lake Malawi
Liwonde National Park
Majete Game Reserve
This montane grassland rises to 2400 m in north Malawi and was made famous by Laurens van der Post in his Venture to the Interior. The plateau is a carpet of orchids in season and home to some 100 mammal species including elephant, leopard, hyena, zebra and countless antelope including the massive eland. It is remote and beautiful and famous for its horse riding safaris with all experience levels able to participate! 
Nyika Plateau
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Community visits
A visit to a local Malawi community will be one of the best experiences you can have in the country. There are orphanages, recycling projects, villages with sustainable initiatives and of course schools and hospitals that you can visit with a local private guide. It certainly gives you an insight into the country.
‘Lake of Stars’ Bed
There are two outstanding star beds at Nkwichi, Lake Malawi that offer the ultimate way to savour such a beautiful setting. The first is set on a deserted, virgin beach that has baobabs all around and the second is on a private rock island close to shore. Both provide an oasis of luxury with bedding, lanterns and open views to Africa’s night sky.
Yacht Charter
Mufusa is a fully equipped and crewed ocean going catamaran available for charter on Lake Malawi. It sleeps eight guests in comfort and style. The layout includes two bathrooms, four double cabins, 2 crew berths, saloon, galley, cockpit under shade bimini and a dive platform. Mufusa is the only ocean-going, live aboard yacht on Lake Malawi, a fantastic way to spend time with family or friends. From day trips and sunset cruises to overnight charters and up to ten day stays, it’s the luxury of being on a private yacht exploring the beautiful Lake that makes it special.
Diving & snorkelling
Lake Malawi is known to be one of the best fresh water diving locations in the world, boasting over 1000 species of tropical fish, 350 of which are unique to the lake. It is relaxed diving and you can expect clouds of colourful cichlids and mouth breeders plus in some areas, night dives so you get close to the locally named dolphin fish
Kaya Mawa
Translated as “Maybe tomorrow” in the local Tonga dialect, Kaya Mawa is the perfect blend of rustic charm and comfort with an enviable location on a peninsula jutting out from between two pristine white sandy beaches on Lake Malawi. Here you can enjoy snorkelling, kayaking, windsurfing, laser sailing, walking or mountain biking around the island and village visits including the local textile project, Katundu Textiles. For a fee you can also try scuba diving, wakeboarding, waterskiing, kneeboarding and quad biking.
Mvuu Camp
This rustic camp is located right on the banks of the Shire River in Liwonde National Park. It is incredibly scenic and bursting with birdlife. Enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives and the chance to see elephant and hippo to name a few. Boating safaris, guided nature walks and bike rides to the local village are also available.
Chintheche Inn
On the western shores of Lake Malawi, this palm fringed, pristine sandy beach lodge offers all the ingredients for the ultimate ‘beach finale’ including beautiful accommodation and endless activities. With so much to do, the biggest decision is how long to stay. Freshwater snorkelling with cichlids, mountain biking the lakeshore, village visits, guided walks, day trips to Nkhata Bay and Bandawa Mission, bird watching, boating and kayaking to name a few.
Danforth
Danforth is a leading yacht charter company and Malawi holiday lodge situated on the southern shore of Lake Malawi, in a beautiful spot called Cape Maclear – on a peninsula, surrounded almost completely by the lake. It’s a superb scuba diving area as well as a mecca for sailing. It is owner run which makes all the difference and ensures a very personal experience for all ages. The main area of the lodge features lovely manicured gardens with shady lawns leading to a sparkling, beach side, infinity swimming pool. Also on offer is kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, guided nature walks, birding and cultural outings to the local village.
We had a wonderful stay in Lake Malawi in particular the activities made it a memorable experience! We snorkelled, sailed, canoed, all new experiences for us. We also experienced the most touching sunsets on board a fabulous yacht. To top it off our transfer from the airport to our accommodation gave us a interest and reqarding glimpse into Malawi’s countryside.
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