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Malawi

Apart from the legendary Malawian friendliness, what captures you first about this vivid country is its geographical diversity. Slicing through the landscape in a trough formed by the Great Rift Valley is Africa’s third-largest lake: Lake Malawi, a shimmering mass of clear water, its depths swarming with colorful cichlid fish. Whether for diving, snorkeling, kayaking or chilling out on beaches and desert islands, a visit to the lake is a must.

Suspended in the clouds in Malawi’s deep south are the dramatic peaks of Mt Mulanje and the mysterious Zomba Plateau, both a hiker's dream, with mist-cowled forests and exotic wildlife. Further north is the otherworldly beauty of the Nyika Plateau, its rolling grasslands resembling the Scottish Highlands.

Malawi was once dismissed as a safari destination, but all that changed with a lion-reintroduction program at Majete Wildlife Reserve, which is now one of a few worthwhile wildlife-watching destinations nationwide.

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Malawi.

  • Wildlife Reserve

    Liwonde National Park

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

  • Wildlife Reserve

    Majete Wildlife Reserve

    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…

  • Wildlife Reserve

    Lilongwe Wildlife Centre

    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…

  • Museum

    Cultural & Museum Centre Karonga

    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)…

  • Notable Building

    Parliament Building

    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…

  • Shrine

    Kamuzu Mausoleum

    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…

  • National Park

    Nyika National Park

    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…

  • Museum

    Chamare Museum

    If you only visit one thing here, make it the Chamare Museum, beautifully decorated with murals depicting scenes from Malawian history. The first room…

  • Notable Building

    Kungoni Centre of Culture & Art

    Part of the Mua Mission, this fascinating cultural centre is made up of several exhibitions, workshops and even a botanic garden. Set up in 1976 by a…

  • Church

    Cathedral of St Peter

    Likoma's huge Anglican cathedral (1911), said to be the same size as Winchester Cathedral, should not be missed. Its stained-glass windows, crumbling…

  • National Park

    Lake Malawi National Park

    Much of the area around Cape Maclear, including several offshore islands, is part of Lake Malawi National Park, one of Africa's few freshwater aquatic…

  • Wildlife Reserve

    Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve

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

  • Wildlife Reserve

    Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve

    This 1000-sq-km reserve isn't on the mainstream tourist track, but its plentiful wildlife means it shouldn’t be overlooked. As well as a plethora of…

  • Church

    Mua Mission Church

    Ask at the Kungoni Centre of Culture & Art for the key to this brick building dating to 1907. The exterior has carved wooden doors and painted panels…

  • Church

    St Michael and All Angels Church

    This magnificent red-brick Church of Central Africa Presbyterian building was preceded by a simpler structure, built by Scottish missionary Reverend DC…

  • Museum

    Museum of Malawi

    Malawi’s interesting national museum has a few gems, including a royal ceremonial stool dating from the 16th century and a display on Gule Wamkulu dances…

  • Museum

    Stone House Museum

    The fascinating museum in Stone House (once the home of Livingstonia founder Dr Robert Laws, and now a national monument) tells the story of the European…

  • Farm

    Lujeri Tea Estate

    Growing tea since the late 19th century, this British-owned estate produces 12,500 tonnes of the quaffable leaf annually. With 3300 hectares of tea…

  • Beach

    Fishing Village

    Life in Senga Bay revolves around the sea, and there's always something happening on the beach. Go early in the morning to see the boats coming in from…

  • Brewery

    Carlsberg Brewery

    Thanks to a Danish foreign minister who visited Malawi during the independence celebrations in 1966 and wasn't too impressed by the beer available, a…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Malawi.