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Malawi Safaris

Find out all you need to know about Malawi safaris and tours

Step into Malawi, and you’ll feel it at once: that quiet warmth that isn’t just a saying, but a way of life. They call it the “Warm Heart of Africa”, and as you wander its lakeshores, meet its people, and explore its wild places, you’ll understand why. A Malawi trip is a travel experience that stays with you forever.

Life here moves gently. At dawn, fishermen paddle out in dugout canoes, their songs drifting across the water. Children wave from roadside villages with smiles so wide they stop you in your tracks. High above, the Shire Highlands roll into the horizon while a lone baobab stands guard over fields of gold. And then there’s Lake Malawi, vast, sparkling, impossibly blue – one of the most beautiful places to visit in the country. Both playground and sanctuary: it’s the beating heart of Malawi.

Aerial video of boat safari | Photo credits: rps_kuthengo-243e
Aerial photo of boat safaris in Malawi | Photo credits: rps_kuthengo-243e

In recent years, Malawi has been quietly transforming. Once overlooked by safari-goers, its national parks are now among the best places to go for a Malawi safari experience. Lions prowl in Majete, elephants wander Liwonde, and black rhinos have returned after decades away – a remarkable conservation revival led by African Parks. For travellers, a safari in Malawi offers an intimate and unspoilt experience. For those wondering, “why visit Malawi for a safari?”, the answer is the conservation success and the lack of crowds, making for a truly personal safari trip.

But Malawi’s magic lies in more than its landscapes or wildlife. It’s in the way a trip here slows you down. Adventure here blends with connection: a meal shared in a village, dancing around a fire, or listening to a story told under a sky thick with stars. For many, a safari holiday isn’t just about game viewing; it’s about those moments of genuine human warmth alongside nature at its wildest. A Malawi safari is a holiday unlike any other.

Dining next to a river in Majete Wildlife Reserve in Malawi
Dining next to a river in Majete Wildlife Reserve | Photo: Mkulumadzi Lodge

If you’re wondering about the best time for your Malawi safari, the dry months (May to October) are ideal for safaris and crystal-clear lake waters, while the green season transforms the land into lush scenery and fewer crowds. Come for a safari in the height of summer or the calm of winter; every season brings its own magic to your trip, making a Malawi safari a fantastic choice.

For travellers who long for more than a checklist of sights – who want to feel Africa, not just see it – a Malawi trip is for you. Small in size yet endless in depth, it’s one of Africa’s most welcoming and safe vacation destinations. A safari in Malawi is perfect for those who want an authentic, intimate experience. Once you’ve been on a safari here, you’ll carry a piece of this magical country in your heart long after you’ve gone. Malawi vacations are ones that leave a permanent imprint.

Malawi and Zambia: A Perfect Combination

A Malawi safari can easily be combined with a Zambian safari thanks to a shared border and easy travel routes. Together they create one of southern Africa’s most rewarding journeys: Malawi with its tranquil lake, golden highlands, and warm culture, and Zambia with its raw wilderness, mighty rivers, and world-famous natural wonders.

A classic safari trip might begin on the shores of Lake Malawi, unwinding on sandy beaches and exploring fishing villages, before crossing into Zambia to marvel at Victoria Falls or venturing on a big game safari in South Luangwa. For upcoming vacations or the holiday season, consider the best of both worlds: Malawi’s gentle rhythm and heartfelt hospitality alongside Zambia’s wild adventure and dramatic landscapes.

Why Malawi?

  • Lake Malawi: Golden beaches, turquoise waters, and a high diversity of fish make Lake Malawi – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – feel like an ocean at Africa’s heart. This is the perfect travel destination for barefoot luxury, water sports, and tranquil island escapes. It’s often the highlight of vacations to Malawi.
  • A Safari Revival in Action: For those dreaming of a Malawi wildlife holiday, reserves like Majete and Liwonde showcase Africa’s most inspiring conservation revival. Lions, elephants, and black rhinos have returned thanks to African Parks, creating authentic Big Five safari experiences in wild, uncrowded wilderness. Visit Malawi to witness this unfolding conservation success.
  • Diverse, Dramatic Landscapes: Though compact, Malawi’s scenery is breathtakingly varied. Travel across soaring mountains, rolling highlands, lush forests, and sweeping valleys. Exploring Malawi is endlessly rewarding – a true adventure for travellers who come to visit Malawi for something far beyond the ordinary.
  • Rich, Soulful Culture: Malawi’s greatest treasure is its people. When you visit Malawi, you’ll come across warm smiles, heartfelt hospitality, and genuine cultural encounters that turn travel into connection. During a Malawi trip, every shared laugh and story deepens your journey in a way no itinerary could ever plan for.
  • Castaway Luxury & Secluded Escapes: From eco-chic lodges on private islands like Mumbo to lakeside hideaways where nature and comfort meet in harmony, a Malawi safari offers places to retreat, recharge, and rediscover yourself in the most natural of ways. Visit Malawi for the ultimate in peaceful respites and unhurried explorations in the wild.
  • Adventure at Your Pace: Kayak to hidden coves, dive among shimmering cichlids, hike highland trails, or drift on a sunset cruise. Whether you’re chasing thrills or savouring stillness, a Malawi safari lets you choose the rhythm of your holiday – always at your pace, never rushed. A Malawi trip with Discover Africa can be tailored to your dream holiday escape.
  • Uncrowded & Accessible: With fewer visitors than its safari neighbours, a Malawi trip feels refreshingly unhurried. Well-connected to both southern and East Africa, the country is easy to reach yet offers an intimacy that makes every visit feel personal. Its shared border with Zambia also makes it simple to combine a Malawi trip with a Zambia safari. Vacations to these two destinations can take you from Malawi’s lakes and highlands to Zambia’s world-class safari parks and the wonder of Victoria Falls.

Where to Go

Blantyre

Blantyre feels alive with stories. It's Malawi's commercial hub, but beneath the surface of its busy streets lies a city steeped in history. At 1,039 metres above sea level, the...

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Lake Malawi

There's a reason travellers call Lake Malawi the jewel of the country. Stretching nearly 570 kilometres along Malawi's eastern border, it isn't simply a lake; it's an inland sea. Golden...

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Lilongwe

Lilongwe doesn't compete with Malawi's great wildernesses or lakeshores, and that's its charm. This is a city that doesn't demand your attention but invites you to pause, stretch your legs,...

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Liwonde National Park

There's a stillness to Liwonde National Park that belies the life it holds. Towering borassus palms sway above fertile floodplains, baobabs stand like guardians of time, and the Shire River...

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Majete Wildlife Reserve

Majete Wildlife Reserve is one of Africa's most powerful stories of renewal. Set in Malawi's southern lowlands and just a short transfer from Lake Malawi, this wild landscape was once...

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The Best Time to Visit Malawi

The Malawi travel season hits its peak between May and October when the dry season sweeps through the plains, leaving behind golden grasslands and fewer watering holes. This causes the wildlife of the region to gather around the few water sources left, creating incredible viewing opportunities during game drives.

For those who are dreaming of a safari and beach vacation, the best time to visit Lake Malawi coincides with the best time to head to Majete Wildlife Reserve and Liwonde National Park. July to October is when wildlife watching is at its peak, and, in Lake Malawi, the calm and clear water is perfect for snorkelling and diving.

Best Time

July to October

(Dry conditions)

High Season

May to October

(Dry conditions and best wildlife viewing opportunities)

Low Season

November to April

(Rainy season, lush greenery)

Best Weather

May to August

(Cool temperatures, little to no rain)

Worst Weather

January to March and December

(High rainfall and humidity)

Dry Season: May to October

  • Green Checkmark The best time to visit Malawi is during the dry season, as wildlife viewing opportunities are excellent – the bush thins and animals congregate around remaining water sources.
  • Green Checkmark Very little to no rainfall is present, making remote corners of parks easily accessible.
  • Green Checkmark Water visibility is excellent in Lake Malawi for magical snorkelling and diving excursions.
  • Red Error Icon The dry weather causes dustier conditions.
  • Red Error Icon More fellow travellers due to high season (but Malawi is never really crowded).

Wet Season: November to April

  • Green Checkmark Migratory bird species can be seen in Malawi’s reserves and parks, creating excellent opportunities for birdwatching safaris.
  • Green Checkmark Rain clears the air and greens the landscape, creating fantastic photography conditions.
  • Red Error Icon Game viewing becomes more challenging as animals disperse due to the abundance of water sources.
  • Red Error Icon High humidity and increased rainfall can make safaris more uncomfortable.
  • Red Error Icon Some roads can become impassable due to wet conditions.

Peak Season

Low Season

Shoulder Season

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