Incredible hospitality, conservation success and the crystal waters of Lake Malawi
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.
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
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- poor
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Find out more and tailor your perfect trip with the help of our specialist team
Leonie Taylor
Luxury Travel Specialist
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