Holiday Destinations in Malawi

Malawi Holiday Destinations

Experience the warm smiles of the friendly people of Malawi as you explore its wealth of spectacular holiday destinations with Voyage2Africa packages to Southern Africa – suitable for families, honeymooners, couples, and groups of friends or business people.  Malawi is a landlocked country with a winning formula of superb wildlife, a dazzling lake, a captivating landscape and fascinating culture, attracting visitors from across the globe to experience her hospitality.  

Malawi Fun Facts

  • Malawi lies within the Great Rift Valley system, and its focal tourism destination, Lake Malawi, is one of the ‘Great Lakes of Africa’, having formed in the Eastern Rift of the Great Rift Valley, a geological fault system of Southwest Asia and East Africa. 
  • The country is one of the world’s safest tourist destinations with a very friendly population but in Africa, always keep your wits about you!
  • It is home to Lake Malawi, the 9th largest lake in the world, and the 3rd largest and 2nd deepest lake in Africa – diverse rustic chic accommodation lines the banks of this ocean-type destination where fishing, boating and swimming keep you busy.
  • There are 5 national parks (Lengwe, Kasungu, Lake Malawi, Liwonde, and Nyika) and 4 game or wildlife reserves (Majete, Vwaza Marsh, Mwabvi, and Nkhotakota).

Experience first-hand the unique culture, warmth and hospitality of the local people. This place has something for everyone and whatever your reason for visiting, be it a honeymoon, family holiday or solo sojourn, you can be sure of a memorable holiday where you are greeted with smiling faces at every turn.

Malawi is one of the world’s least-developed countries and relies on its agriculture and tourism to survive It is a pretty landlocked country in South-eastern Africa that was formerly known as Nyasaland and is bordered by Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique. This makes it an attractive destination for visitors who want to see multiple countries on combo tours to safari or chill on beaches. 

Malawi’s capital (and largest city) is Lilongwe, followed by Blantyre. Long ago, a tiny group of hunter-gatherers lived in Malawi before the Bantu tribes started moving and entered the region around the 10th century. By 1500 AD, the Kingdom of Malawi was declared and bounded by the rivers Zambezi and Luangwa.

Did you know?

Lake Malawi contains a larger number of endemic fish species than any other freshwater lake in the world, most of which are cichlids (mouthbrooders) and many are found in small, localised areas of the lakes and nowhere else. People all over the world want these cichlids as aquarium fish, because of their bright colours.

Highlights

  • Be sure to watch the sunrise from your accommodation on Lake Malawi – ‘Malawi’ means ‘fire flames’, a name that comes from the captivating reflection of the rising sun on the waters of the vast Lake Malawi.
  • Be sure to watch some dance rituals as dancing is an important part of Malawi’s culture – the government even formed the National Dance Troupe and traditional dances and music is prevalent in the towns and villages.
  • Malawi’s government believes in the importance of sustainability and wants to go green! People are encouraged to be proud of their environmental heritage and there is very little litter in the country – Lilongwe city wants to be the greenest in the world! 
  • Go and see Nile crocs and hippos in the Shire River, the only river that flows out of Lake Malawi, so head to Liwonde National Park for a boat cruise.

Captivating Lake Malawi

The highlight of all trips to Malawi is Lake Malawi, boasting some gorgeous golden sandy beaches and promising a wide range of water sports from kayaking to scuba diving, fishing, snorkelling and everything in between. Discover the magnificent Lake Malawi in the East African Rift system, stretching more than 580 km long and 84 km wide. The lake is also known as Lake Nyasa and takes up an entire fifth of the country with some of its plateaus rising to nearly 2 500 m. 

Lake Malawi is sometimes called the Calendar Lake and the Shire River flows from the south end of the lake and joins the Zambezi River 400 kilometres (250 mi) farther south in Mozambique. The surface of this lake is at 457 m above sea level, with a maximum depth of 701 m, which means the lake bottom is over 213 metres (700 ft) below sea level at some points.

Wonderful Wildlife and Tasty Food

Malawi is proud to host around 187 species of mammal, some 648 species of birds and around 500 species of fish. About 20% of the country has been set aside as national parks and game and forest reserves. Apart from the big 5, there are plenty of hippos, hyenas, jackals, African wild cats, caracal, serval, honey badgers, otters, plenty of antelope species and monkeys. 

Malawian cuisine is diverse, but the people mostly love tea and fish. Sugar, coffee, corn, potatoes, sorghum, cattle and goats are also important dimensions of the food economy. Lake Malawi is a source of fish including chambo (similar to bream), usipa (similar to sardines), and mpasa (similar to salmon). Nsima (stiff porridge) is a food staple made from ground corn and typically served with side dishes of meat and vegetables. 

What to Love about Malawi

  • A NATURALIST’S PARADISE: Blessed with a fair share of large mammals, including the classic Big 5, Malawi is definitely worth a visit. The geographical diversity features mountainous regions, lush indigenous forests and a freshwater lake affording plenty of exciting opportunities for both seasoned and first-time travellers.
  • LIWONDE NATIONAL PARK: Here you will find some of the best game viewings in Malawi, such as elephants, antelope, and a large variety of bird species. Experience animal tracking and insect spotting on morning bush walks with experienced guides. Cruise on exhilarating boat rides to spot hippos and crocodiles. Sit at the water’s edge in the evenings and quietly watch the wildlife that surrounds you.
  • LILONGWE: The capital of Malawi, with New Town in the North and Old Town in the South – Old Town features wonderful street cafés and bustling restaurants, making it an interesting place to visit while the markets offer Indian spices and clothing stalls where you can test your skills at bargaining. It also offers a golf club if you feel like a swing or two.
  • MAJETE WILDLIFE RESERVE: This is a 70 000-hectare conservation area situated in the Lower Shire Valley that is home to the Big 5, as well as a variety of other animals and birdlife. Activities include guided nature walks, game drives and sunset safaris.

YACHT CHARTERS ON LAKE MALAWI: What better way to explore Lake Malawi than on a live-aboard catamaran? Snorkel, fish, swim and explore the many inlets and islands with your captain and experienced crew.

Family safari holidays to Malawi are hot

Pack up the entire family for a safari holiday to Malawi that they will never forget. Intrepid journeys into Africa introduce your kids to the biggest classroom in the world, nature! Game viewing, nature walks, river cruises and camping under the stars are all part of a safari adventure your family will talk about for years down the line!  We love seeing children have a ball in the true wilderness of Malawi, our top African safari destination of all time – so check out the luxury lodge and bush camp accommodation where children are made to feel like royalty and book your special family package today. 

The Best of the Best Safaris in Malawi

Book from the travel experts and enjoy signature experiences on your dream African holiday. Plan a Malawi tour and safari with Voyage2Africa, the African travel experts, and enjoy signature experiences to the premier wildlife destination south of the equator. We bring you thrilling adventures on Lake Malawi, Nykia Plateau, Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, Mount Mulanje, Majete Wildlife Reserve and Likoma Island. We offer you the best of the best safari accommodation in Malawi in lavish lodges, family resorts, modern hotels, eco villas and rustic wild campsites in nature.  

OUR SELECTION: THE BEST DESTINATIONS TO VISIT IN Malawi

Lake Malawi accommodation

Lake Malawi is the 9th largest lake in the world. It is also the third largest and second deepest lake in Africa. Discover this magnificent body of freshwater body in the East African Rift system, stretching more than 482km. Lake Malawi takes up more than a third of the country in water with a total surface area of about 30000km2.

Nyika National Park

Visiting the Nyika Plateau is an unforgettable experience. Revel in one of Malawi’s most important water catchment areas. Nyikaaptly means “where the water comes from” and from here, the water flows down into Lake Malawi, cascading over many waterfalls on the eastern edge of the mountains.

tongole lodge malawi

Discover Malawi’s oldest and least-developed protected area covering an expanse of only 1 802 square kilometers of pristine terrain. Find the exquisite Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve in central Malawi, a few kilometers from Lake Malawi in the east.

Mount Mulanje Accommodation

Climb Mount Mulanje if you dare and reach the summit which is aptly named Sapitwa or “Don’t go there!” in the local dialect. Avid climbers and lovers of Malawi should experience Mount Mulanje for the sheer challenge of it and then the breath-taking views from the top.

Majete reserve

Majete Wildlife Reserve is an amazing success story of recovery and restoration. Visit a unique conservation and tourist destination transformed by the reintroduction of species previously eradicated by poaching.

Liwonde National Park

Spend valuable time in Liwonde National Park, considered the most prolific wildlife area in Malawi. If you love smaller spaces and seeing numerous elephant and hippo, this place is for you. You won’t see many leopards or lions. But enjoy game drives, walks and boat trips ending with a fantastic sun downer looking over the Shire River.

Malawi Latitude 13 Lilongwe boutique hotel

Lilongwe is the bustling capital city of Malawi. Find it in the central region, on the Lilongwe River, near the borders of Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia. Explore Malawi’s largest metropolis and mingle with the more than 900 000 people living there.

Likoma Island

Find a quaint Malawian island still unaffected by human development. There are no paved roads and very few cars on this 17 square kilometer isle in Lake Malawi. Meet some of the 6 000 inhabitants, most of whom are traditional fishermen. Stroll into the center of Likoma Island to Mbamba Village. Wander the charming cobbled streets and stop awhile.

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