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Malawi

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

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Overview

What captures visitors most about Malawi is its geographical diversity: the vast shimmering lakes, dramatic mountain peaks, and the roaming lions of Majete Wildlife Reserve.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • MALAWI - 2016/05/29: A Vervet monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) in a tree in Liwonde National Park, Malawi. (Photo by Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images)

    Lilongwe Wildlife Centre

    Lilongwe

    This 1.1-sq-km wilderness area is Malawi's only sanctuary for orphaned, injured and rescued wild animals, and plays an active role in conservation. Local…

  • African elephants with young ( Loxodonta africana africana) in the Shire river, Liwonde National Park.

    Liwonde National Park

    Malawi

    With its lodges and safari activities, Liwonde is the closest thing Malawi has to a traditional wildlife park. Dominating the west, the Shire River…

  • Karonga, Northern, Malawi, East Africa, Africa

    Cultural & Museum Centre Karonga

    Malawi

    This museum, off the M1, celebrates the numerous fossil discoveries made in these parts, and the skeleton of the Malawisaurus (or a copy of it, anyway)…

  • Majete Wildlife Reserve

    Majete Wildlife Reserve

    Malawi

    Since African Parks took over management of this rugged wilderness on the western bank of the Shire River in 2003, things have really been looking up…

  • Parliament Building

    Parliament Building

    Lilongwe

    To get up close to Malawi’s movers and shakers, head to the home of the national parliament. It moved in 1994 from Zomba to the ostentatious palace of…

  • The Mausoleum to Dr Hastings Kamazu Banda, first post-colonial leader of Malawi, stands on Presidential way.

    Kamuzu Mausoleum

    Lilongwe

    This marble and granite mausoleum is the final resting place of Malawi's 'president for life', Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda. Between four pillars bearing the…

  • Zebra's in Nyika national park, Malawi

    Nyika National Park

    Malawi

    Malawi's oldest reserve is easily one of the most magical experiences in any trip to the country. Towering over 2000m above sea level, the Nyika Plateau…

  • Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve

    Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve

    Malawi

    Comprising 1800 sq km of rough, inhospitable terrain – dense miombo (moist woodland), bush and evergreens – and a couple of navigable roads, this reserve…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

For anyone drawn to nature and outdoor adventures, Malawi is a wonderful destination. Here are the best things to do there.

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Best Places to Visit

Malawi has stunning natural landscapes, diverse wildlife, bustling cities and incredible culture. Here are the best places to go to experience it all.

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Best Time to Visit

Whether it's for wildlife or a slice of lakeside serenity.

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Things to Know

Be ready for your visit to Malawi with these top tips and things to know in advance.

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Transportation

Here’s our guide to the safest and most reliable ways to get around Malawi, from car and taxi to ferry and bicycle.

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Visa Requirements

Most visitors to Malawi will need to get a visa in advance of travel. Here's what you need to know.

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Money and Costs

Travel with friends, visit off season, eat local and more: here’s how to save money as you plan that big trip to dreamy Malawi.

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Best Road Trips

Explore Malawi in your own time with these top road trip routes.

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Go Beyond

Malawi and beyond

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