Malawi ✓ VISITEDMalawiROAMSUN

Malawi✨ 10 best things to do in Malawi

Things to do in Malawi

1. Snorkel with cichlidsSwim among hundreds of electric-blue and yellow fish in the clear waters off Cape Maclear.
2. Boat safari in LiwondeGlide along the Shire River past hippos, crocodiles and elephants coming down to drink.
3. Climb Mount MulanjeTrek up the granite massif and sleep in mountain huts above the clouds.
4. Explore the Zomba PlateauHike through pine forests to waterfalls and viewpoints high above the former colonial capital.
5. Ride the Ilala ferryTravel slowly up Lake Malawi on a historic passenger ship calling at villages and islands.
6. Visit Likoma IslandSee a vast Anglican cathedral and quiet beaches on an island close to the Mozambique shore.
7. Spot zebra on the Nyika PlateauDrive or ride across rolling highland grassland with antelope, zebra and wildflowers.
8. Kayak the lakeshorePaddle between rocky coves and islands at Nkhata Bay or Cape Maclear.
9. See the Big Five in MajeteTrack wildlife in a reserve restored with reintroduced lions, elephants and rhinos.
10. Visit a tea estateWalk among emerald tea fields in Thyolo or Mulanje and taste freshly made Malawian tea.

Malawi🗺️ Where to visit in Malawi

Where to go in Malawi

• 
  Cape MaclearSouthern lakeshore · beaches & snorkellingA laid-back village inside Lake Malawi National Park with clear water and island trips.
• 📍
  Liwonde National ParkSouthern region · safariMalawi's premier wildlife park along the Shire River, great for boat and walking safaris.
• 
  Mount MulanjeSoutheast · mountain hikingA dramatic granite massif with multi-day treks, waterfalls and endemic cedar trees.
• 
  Zomba PlateauSouth · highlandsCool forests, trout streams and views over the plains from a high plateau.
• 📍
  Nkhata BayNorthern lakeshore · backpacker hubA relaxed bay with cliff jumping, kayaking and a lively backpacker scene.
• 
  Nyika National ParkNorth · plateauHigh grasslands and wildflowers where zebra and antelope roam.
• 📍
  LivingstoniaNorth · mission townA historic hilltop mission with stunning views over the lake and nearby Manchewe Falls.
• 
  Likoma IslandLake Malawi · islandA peaceful island with a striking cathedral, sandy coves and village life.

Malawi🌦️ Weather & best time to visit Malawi

Best time to visit Malawi

Malawi has a tropical climate moderated by altitude: the lakeshore and Shire valley are hot, while the plateaus and mountains can be chilly at night. The rains fall mainly from November to April.

Typical daytime highs and rain in Lilongwe (approximate averages).

Malawi🎉 Festivals & events in Malawi

• January
  John Chilembwe DayOn 15 January Malawians honour the pastor who led the 1915 uprising against colonial rule.
• July
  Independence DayOn 6 July the country celebrates independence with ceremonies, music and dance.
• September–October (most years)
  Lake of Stars FestivalAn international music and arts festival held on the shores of Lake Malawi.

Malawi🧭 Malawi itinerary ideas

How many days in Malawi?

Malawi🎒 Backpacking Malawi – tips & hacks

Backpacker budget: about $25–40 a day

• Minibuses and coaches link the main towns cheaply, though they leave when full and can be slow.
• Cape Maclear and Nkhata Bay have the best range of budget lodges and campsites.
• Eat nsima with relish, chambo fish from the lake and fresh fruit from markets for very little.
• The Ilala ferry is a cheap and memorable way to travel along the lake – check the schedule as it can change.
• Bring a headlamp; power cuts are common.

Malawi🛡️ Safety & money in Malawi

Emergency: 997 police · 998 ambulance · 999 fire

Malawi🛬 Getting to Malawi

Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe and Chileka Airport in Blantyre handle international flights via regional hubs; land borders connect with Zambia, Mozambique and Tanzania.

✈️ Cheap flights to Malawi: airports, flight times & best time to fly →

Malawi💡 Did you know? 5 facts about Malawi

• Lake Malawi holds more fish species than any other lake in the world.
• The lake covers around a fifth of Malawi's total area.
• Malawi's Gule Wamkulu masked dance is recognised by UNESCO as intangible heritage.
• Lake Malawi stretches more than 500 kilometres from north to south.
• Lilongwe became the capital in 1975, replacing Zomba.

Malawi❓ Malawi travel FAQ

Malawi travel questions