Malawi Big Five Safari: A Story of Revival

The first rays of dawn hit the leaves of the miombo trees, and you can practically feel the air shift as the day begins. There’s a cloud of dust rising, not from a car, but from the footprints of a single elephant making his way towards the Shire River.

A lion’s low, rumbling growl rolls across the plain, and, if you’re lucky, a leopard’s shadow slips through the bush, almost unnoticed. On a Malawi Big Five safari, these moments don’t feel hurried or scripted; they feel like a secret you’ve been let in on.

Malawi isn’t your average safari destination. This is Africa’s quiet comeback story, a triumphant return for its most legendary animals.

Here, the encounters feel deeply personal, not just because the numbers of fellow travellers are small, but because you know the powerful story of conservation that brought the Big Five back to this land.

Why a Malawi Big Five Safari is Different

We believe a safari should be more than a checklist of animals. It should be a profound experience, and Malawi offers exactly that.

• You’ll Have It (Almost) to Yourself: One of the most incredible things about Malawi’s parks? The feeling of exclusivity. You won’t be jockeying for position with a dozen other safari vehicles. It’s just you, your guide, and the wild. An intimate experience that’s getting harder and harder to find.
• A Safari with a Soul: A Malawi trip isn’t just about seeing animals; it’s a safari that gives back. Every sighting is a powerful reminder of the incredible work that went into bringing these animals home. It’s an experience that feels deeply meaningful.
• Bush and Beach Combo: Here, you can spend a morning tracking lions and that afternoon swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Malawi. This country offers a perfect, effortless blend of adventure and pure relaxation.

Your Sanctuary for Big Five Sightings

So, where to see the Big 5 in Malawi? The short answer is Majete Wildlife Reserve, a place that truly captures the heart of this conservation miracle.

Majete Wildlife Reserve: The Heart of the Revival

Majete is the real star of the show. It’s a place that was nearly emptied of its wildlife, but thanks to a partnership with African Parks, it’s now an official Big Five destination.

We’re talking about a full ecosystem restored, from the smallest antelope to the most powerful predators. The Big Five sightings in Majete are not just a possibility; they’re a testament to what’s possible when people care enough to act.

Here, you’re able to watch elephants cool themselves in the Shire River and go searching for rare black rhinos. The giant herds of buffalo will cause awe. During nighttime game drives, you may hear the mighty roars of lions – Majete has a strong population of these big cats, as well as leopards.

Liwonde National Park: The Rising Star

With the reintroduction of lions and cheetahs, Liwonde is quickly becoming another fantastic place for the unique African safari that Malawi offers.

Here’s what makes Liwonde special: four of the Big Five can be regularly seen here. Elephant, buffalo, lion, and rhino. The park’s elephant herds are particularly strong, and watching them gather along the Shire River at sunset is a moment you won’t forget.

Black rhinos have been successfully reintroduced, and sightings are becoming more frequent as the population settles in.

Lions, too, have found their place here. After being absent for decades, they’re now returning to the plains, and hearing their calls echo across the floodplains feels like witnessing history being rewritten.

But leopards? They’re the exception. While Liwonde has a suitable habitat, leopard sightings remain extremely rare. So rare that most visitors won’t see one. If you’re set on completing the full Big Five experience, Majete is still your best bet.

But if you’re drawn to Liwonde’s rich birdlife, striking river landscapes, and the sheer abundance of elephant and hippo, you’ll find plenty to fall in love with here.

When to Go: Our Personal Recommendation

If you’re planning your trip, the best time to safari in Malawi is during the dry season, from May to October.

This is our favourite time. The bush thins out, and the animals are drawn to the rivers and waterholes, which makes for some truly spectacular viewing.

The days are warm, the evenings are cool, and the light is just perfect for photography. The wet season is beautiful but a little trickier for seeing the bigger animals.

Timing your visit during the dry season means you’ll experience Malawi at its most accessible, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures that make every game drive feel effortless.

Ready to Witness the Comeback?

A Malawi Big Five safari is more than just a holiday. It’s a chance to witness an extraordinary story unfold right in front of you.

To us, this safari is about seeing the world heal. To see a lion walk across a plain that was empty just a few years ago is truly something else.

If you’re ready to see a story of hope in action, let one of our Africa safari experts help you plan your journey. Your Malawi Big Five safari can be tailored to your dream African trip.