Conoeing on Lake Malawi

Malawi Safaris

Average temperatures in Malawi Map of Malawi

No country in Africa has its geography so sculpted and determined by Africa’s Great Rift Valley as Malawi. Exquisite lakeside beaches run along the western shores of the 600km Lake Malawi, there are plateaus filled with roaming herds of zebra and antelope, and unspoilt highland regions.

Malawi is best known as Africa’s finest landlocked beach destination, which with lovely unspoiled islands, beautiful freshwater beaches and a vibrant and spectacular array of tropical freshwater fish, is ideal for snorkelling, diving and fishing.

However Malawi also has 11 national parks that protect a range of different habitats and offer an unexpected wealth of general game-viewing safaris, mountain hikes and climbs and some unique opportunities to explore on horse-back. For many visitors it is the warm and friendly Malawian people and rich cultural history that make each visit unforgettable.

Malawi Safaris - Travel Tips


  • Malawi is best visited during the dry months from April to October.
  • Malawi’s highlights can be combined in an overland safari to produce a wonderfully varied journey through diverse scenery.
  • The excellent beaches on Lake Malawi combine well with a more traditional safari in Malawi or across the border with a safari in Zambia or Tanzania.
  • Malawi is an excellent family safari destination.

Malawi Safaris - A Personal View

John Spence‘I’ve seen elephants surrounded by baobabs, tea plantations, bustling villages, perfect beaches, vast lakes, and high plateaus covered in ferns and orchids – all this in a country smaller than Great Britain’.

I defy anybody not to enjoy Malawi. It’s great for birders and adventurers, and is superb for families and honeymooners alike. It’s by no means a classic safari destination, but is one of the loveliest places to visit for a great African holiday.

For me, selling Malawi is a bit like selling Madagascar. Not somewhere often asked for, but those that venture there love it. Two weeks here and you really do feel like you’ve visited one of the friendliest places in Africa. .

John Spence - One of Aardvark Safaris' Malawi safari specialists

Malawi Safaris - Ideas You Might Not Have Thought About

Scuba diving from Mumbo Island   Dive from Mumbo Island
Lake Malawi is a great place to snorkel or scuba dive; the enormous numbers of colourful freshwater cichlid fish, combined with the massive granite boulders that make up much of the underwater terrain, makes a truly remarkable experience. Mumbo Island is a pristine tropical island situated within the first freshwater marine reserve in the world, and as a PADI registered resort its clear, calm, warm water is ideally suited to beginners or those who prefer relaxed diving

     
Malawi - elephant viewing from Mvuu  

Game viewing at Liwonde
Boat safaris are a popular way to view the plentiful game in this beautiful national park. Home to big herds of elephant, buffalo, impala, hippos and crocodiles there is also rich birdlife along the Shire River with many endemic species to be seen. Take a game drive from Mvuu Wilderness Lodge within the park, to spot impala, waterbuck, sable antelope, leopard, vervet monkeys, and serval. The lodge’s exclusive accommodation is in spacious, luxurious tents, each with a private veranda set over the lagoon, for outstanding wildlife viewing.

     
Malawi - sailing on Mufasa on Lake Malawi  

Sailing Safaris

Certain parts of the lake which are accessible only by boat are seldom, if ever, visited. The 38 foot Ocean going catamaran "Mufasa", skippered by a qualified and experienced yachtsman, aided by a deckhand and chef, allows you to combine exclusive accommodation, with dramatic scenery and wild coastlines. With four double cabins, Mufasa is also equipped with six sets of scuba gear, as well as snorkelling and fishing equipment.

     
Malawi - Likoma Cathedral   A Visit to Likoma Cathedral
A surprising find on the sleepy, unspoilt island of Likoma is St. Peter’s Cathedral. The oldest and third largest cathedral in central Africa, this beautiful building is steeped in fascinating history. Standing impressively on the slopes of a mountain, a visit to the site makes an interesting diversion from the many water based activities that this idyllic island offers.
     
Malawi - satellite image of the Mulanje Massif   Hiking on the Mulanje Massif
The Mulanje Massif is a large isolated hill which rises sharply from the surrounding plains in southern. It measures approximately 13x16 miles and has a maximum height of just over 3,000m. With its mountain huts and guided routes, multi day hikes can be arranged through the rolling grasslands, deep ravines and forested areas to one of the peaks allowing you to enjoy the incredible views and the many plant and animal species, some of which are endemic to the area.