Luxury Malawi Holidays

Plan My Trip

Incredible hospitality, conservation success and the crystal waters of Lake Malawi

Kaya_Mawa_Open_Plan_Room_cyijj6-2 Experience remote luxury on the shores of Lake Malawi at Kaya Mawa

Wedged between Tanzania, Mozambique and Zambia, Malawi is a land of extraordinary nature and famously friendly Malawians. Life in Malawi revolves around Lake Malawi, known as the Lake of Stars. It runs along the entire eastern border with Tanzania, and serves as the lifeline for the fishing industry. As the third largest lake in Africa, it creates the feel of an inland sea rather than simply a lake, and you’ll even find stretches of pristine beaches. With its crystal-clear waters filled with sparkling cichlid fishes, white sandy beaches and fascinating rock formations, Lake Malawi is the highlight of any Malawi safari holiday. Watersports are popular, with windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, scuba diving and snorkelling. Dhow cruise and speed boat trips to private bays and islands are just some of the ways to spend your time at Lake Malawi. Beyond the lake, you’ll find a swathe of fantastic wildlife regions; African Parks is largely to thank for the recent development of Malawi’s national parks and reserves. The most exciting element of any Malawi safari will be your involvement with its incredible conservation successes, and we recommend a Southern circuit that includes Majete Reserve and Liwonde National Park. You’ll also have the option of staying at tea plantations or near the summit of Mount Mulanje. Create memories across the stunning plateau in Nyika National Park, where more than 200 orchids flower in the rainy season, or enjoy a few days of serenity in the highland forest of Zomba, the ancient capital of Malawi. Explore the woodlands of Majete, where lions have been reintroduced and cheetah are now breeding for the first time in over 20 years. Sip sundowners on the tranquil banks of the Shire river in Liwonde National Park or take a boat past safari past herds of elephants and pods of hippo. Keep your eyes peeled for kudu, eland, roan, bushbuck and sable antelope living amongst zebra, buffalo, hyena, leopard, cheetah and lion. Nkotakhota Wildlife Reserve is another wildlife haven which facilitated the greatest elephant translocation in human history, with the relocation of 500 elephants and 1,000 other animals in 2017. Malawi is an off-beat safari and beach destination that’s perfect for families, couples, and luxury travellers seeking an authentic safari holiday. Start customising your exclusive trip by contacting our team of Malawi tailor made holiday experts.

View More
logo

Featured Malawi Trips

Wayfairer’s selection of luxury Malawi itineraries are crafted to suit all travellers, and each itinerary can be easily customised to create the perfect Malawi holiday. Our suggested Malawi honeymoon is an extremely romantic and luxurious flying safari for newlyweds and couples. The Family Safari is exciting for kids and adults alike, with short road journeys, thrilling wildlife and plenty of kayaking and watersports on Lake Malawi. 

Our Off the Beaten Track Northern Malawi itinerary is for travellers who are seeking something different and focuses on unique and creative experiences. The Special Interest itinerary is for hikers wishing to explore the Mount Mulanje region before unleashing your inner islander on Mumbo. 

When to go to Malawi

Malawi’s climate is characterised by a distinct dry and wet season. The best time to visit Malawi for game viewing is the dry season from June to November. The drier weather means foliage is less dense and animals are easier to track. June to August are great months as the temperatures are comfortable and the landscape still green. The wet season runs from December to April and the rain illuminates the landscapes in rich green foliage. It’s also an excellent time for birding and finding orchids, although the heavy rains can cause lodge and road closures between January and March. It's important to note that Malawi experiences significant weather variations across the country, due to its extreme geological diversity. 

WEATHER CHART:

  • Excellent
  • GOOD
  • poor
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Need to chat?

Find out more and tailor your perfect trip with the help of our specialist team

Leonie Taylor
Leonie Taylor

Luxury Travel Specialist

Enquire Online
Qutation

Read what our customers say about their trip with Wayfairer

“This is the second time Wayfairer has planned a trip, the first being a Safari and we will definitely have them plan another trip. Our journey to Antarctica exceeded our expectations".
"This was a dream trip I had thought about for years and somehow they managed to exceed what I had hoped for. Could not have asked for more."
"An outstanding experience with Wayfairer, Cat and Juan helped to organise, and manage, an amazing safari for a group of six. Their meticulous planning, endless enthusiasm and huge knowledge of the area meant that we had a truly unforgettable experience, we even had a fabulous birthday party in the middle of the Mara. The highest recommendation is that we plan to use Wayfairer again and again!"
"This was my second trip with Wayfairer - my first (to Africa) was so amazing, I was worried that I would be disappointed.....not a chance. Once again, the itinerary, the guides, the little touches, were superb. I am already thinking about what trip I will have Wayfairer plan next! For anyone trying to decide where to go - Peru was absolutely amazing! It may be one of the most under-rated countries. Machu Pichu was breathtaking, but there was also so much more to see and do....let Wayfairer take you on amazing journey!"
"Our trip was a dream come true. The arrangements made by Wayfairer exceeded our expectations. The accommodations were as good or better than the descriptions in our trip documents. The staff at each camp were wonderful and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. We will highly recommend Wayfairer to any of our friends who are considering an adventure vacation."
"Wayfairer are absolutely superb - from our initial consultation, the advice on destination, the booking process, the concierge service, the recommendation of hotels, organisation of transport, advice on activities to the friendliness of stay it could not have been better. We will look to book all big holidays with Wayfairer from now on and will recommend them to everyone."
"Incredibly helpful service and access to the best facilities and great rates. Don't book anywhere else."
"Recently returned from an amazing safari trip inc Vic falls, Chobe, Okavango Delta and the Kalahari desert. Right from the first engagement with Wafairer and all the way through the trip has been so smooth. The recommendations and attention to detail on the itinerary were incredible. Thankyou on this once in a lifetime trip."
"Wayfairer and Juan assisted planning our trip to South Africa. They were very knowledgeable and professional. Juan was very responsive with answers when I had any questions at all. It was very nice working with Juan and will definetly use this company again. I have recommended them to friends and family. The vacation was perfect thanks to Juan and Wayfairer."
"Excellent service throughout. A wonderful trip and truly a holiday of a lifetime. Thank you."
"We just returned from a fabulous Kenya vacation for our family..ages 3 thru 70. Jess gave us great advice, offered wonderful accommodations, was really flexible, was willing to work with our budget. June helped us implement the trip. Thanks to both of them."
"Wayfairer organised our trip to Tanzania & Zanzibar. From initial contact Leonie and the team were very professional & informative. They listened to our requirements and put together an amazing itinerary within our budget. We were kept informed every step of the way. The holiday was amazing and all went smoothly. We felt confident that Wayfairer were only a call away should an issue arise. We wouldn't hesitate to use Wayfairer for our next holiday!"
We booked our honeymoon to Tanzania with Wayfairer. Tom gave us excellent suggestions for accommodation and itinerary and organised it all, including transfers. It all went very smoothly and the trip was fabulous. We stayed at Lake Manze in the Selous game reserve, an open safari camp with very knowledgeable and helpful guides and managers, followed by all-inclusive at the Sea Cliff Resort in Zanzibar. The Sea Cliff was wonderfully relaxing and welcoming. Thanks to Tom for an incredible honeymoon experience. We would definitely use Wayfairer again and have already recommended to friends.
I wanted to take my aging father on a safari in Kenya, but the task of organizing the trip seemed daunting. I wanted to make sure he was comfortable and that we chose the right tour to go on. Wayfairer stuck with me every step of the way, patiently asked all my questions and worked with me through several last minute changes. I recommend them highly.
ratings

99% of reviewers recommend Wayfairer. (4.9* rating & 335 reviews on Reviews.IO)

More Africa travel inspiration from Wayfairer customers and travel specialists

Elephants_zimababwe_leonie_photos

Discovering the Wonders of Zimbabwe on a Two-Week Safari

Luxury Travel Specialist, Leonie, Reflects on Her Phenomenal Conservation-Focused Safari.
By Leonie Taylor

January, 31, 2024

Read More

Responsible Travel Guide: Madagascar

A country like no other: Discover dense rainforests, national parks, endemic flora and fauna and pla....
By Jade Braham

January, 6, 2024

Read More
Kalahari_game_reserve_botswana

Botswana Safari: Where to go, where to stay and what to see

Thinking about visiting Botswana? Read our guide to to the best places to go Are you hoping to set o....
By Ruth

December, 23, 2023

Read More

Start planning your luxury Malawi holiday today

We're looking forward to hearing from you

Get in touch