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Malawi

The warm heart of Africa

Malawi tailor-made holidays

Introduction

Malawi, the Warm Heart of Africa, is one of the continent's best loved holiday destinations and though not as regularly visited as Tanzania, Kenya or South Africa, once you've been you'll be itching to return.

It's a land of varied landscapes, from high wetlands to grassy plains and dusty savannas. Safaris are a popular choice. You'll find some of Africa's classic large mammals here too, with elephants and leopards and even black rhinos prowling the country's numerous national parks. Even the Malawi capital of Lilongwe gets in on the action, with a wildlife sanctuary that's well worth a visit.

And then of course, there's a rather large pond to consider... Think Malawi and most people will think of Lake Malawi, the enormous expanse of fresh water that dominates the eastern flank of the country. Africa's third largest lake is also one of it's deepest and oldest, supporting an extraordinary array of aquatic life - there are more believed to be more species of fish in Lake Malawi than any other lake in the world. This in turn helps support Malawi's 600 species of bird.

To the mix, add a population of smiling, friendly people and you'll start to realise why Malawi holidays can be so special. The scenery is immense, the wildlife too in this charming, warm heart of Africa.

 

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At a glance

Flying time from UK
10 hours

Time zone
GMT +2

Currency
Kwacha (Mk) = 100 tambala

Language
Chichewa (57.2%) is the official language, Chinyanja, Chiyao and Chitumbuka are also widespread but there are more

Travel advice
Check the FCDO for visa & travel advice

Top itineraries in Malawi

Landscape, Chelinda Lodge, Nyika National Park, Malawi

Malawi in Style

14-day tailor-made holiday from £7,280 pp incl. flights

Malawi, known as the 'Warm Heart of Africa', is renowned for its friendly people, unspoiled landscapes and diversity of animal and birdlife.

Walking Safari, Robin Pope Safaris, Wilderness Camps

Malawi Bush & Beach

8-day tailor-made holiday from £3,885 pp incl. flights

This eight-day Robin Pope-run itinerary offers you a week of complete relaxation in truly remote settings. You'll combine a few days on safari in Majete, Malawi's only Big Five reserve, with a few more on the beautiful shores of Lake Malawi, where you can enjoy the beach and boat safaris.

Top places to stay in Malawi

Hueglin's Lodge, Lilongwe, Malawi

Heuglin’s Lodge, Lilongwe, Malawi

Small & intimate lodge

Named after the species of robin that calls the lodge’s verdant gardens home, Heuglin’s Lodge is ideally located in the leafy suburbs of the Malawi capital, Lilongwe. Lovingly converted from a private residence, it’s a home between safaris or to explore the city from.

Kaya Mawa, Lake Malawi

Kaya Mawa, Lake Malawi

Contemporary lodge

Situated along the shores and a beautiful beach of Lake Malawi on Likoma Island, this is a romantic, contemporary, rustic yet chic property.

Chelinda Camp, Nyika National Park

Chelinda Lodge, Nyika National Park

Contemporary safari lodge

This charming lodge overlooks the vast plains and rolling grasslands of Malawi’s Nyika National Park, a region home to plentiful wildlife, including zebra, eland, elephant and leopard.

Mumbo Island Lodge, Lake Malawi National Park, Malawi

Mumbo Island Camp, Malawi

Contemporary tented camp

On a small tropical island in the heart of the mighty Lake Malawi, Mumbo Island Camp provides guests with a truly unique wilderness experience in an unforgettable setting.

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Where to go in Malawi

Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi is the world's eighth largest lake and the third largest of the Great Lakes of Africa. With shorelines in Tanzania, Mozambique as well as Malawi, it's also known as Lake Nyasa and evocatively, as the Lake of Stars.

Lilongwe

Lilongwe, Malawi's sleepy capital, lies on the banks of the Lilongwe River. It's small and separated into two distinct parts, old and new. The old town, to the south, is livelier than it's newer counterpart, with buzzing local markets and crafts shops interspersed with cafés and local eateries.

Malawi's National Parks & Reserves

Malawi has nine national parks. They are exceptionally diverse, ranging from the sprawling northern highlands of the Nyika National Park to the smallest and newest, Mwabvi Game Reserve in the south of the country.

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When to go to Malawi

Average temperature (℃)
Average rainfall (mm)
  • 30
  • 20
  • 10
  • 0
  • 280
  • 210
  • 140
  • 70
  • 0

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Max temp Min temp Rainfall

The best time to visit Malawi is during the dry season (May to mid-November). Within this period, the landscapes are at their most green and lush between May and July, with almost constant sunshine and fresh evenings remaining until September. Temperatures begin to rise after this, a theme that continues throughout the wet season from November to May, when heavy rains and dramatic storms are common, although Nyika National Park is at its most beautiful.

See regional weather

Malawi articles

How to take better photographs on safari

Natural beauty is often the inspiration for compelling photographs. Taking pictures of wildlife whilst on safari can be thrilling and creatively rewarding. Whether it's the quest to capture lions, leopards or lemurs, the quest for the perfect picture is endless!

Malawi dreaming

Wexas Africa specialist Alison Nicolle details her recent trip through Malawi, a country with a fairly low profile on the international stage.

Meet our Malawi experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0611

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0611 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ABTA & ATOL protected