Why visit Malawi? 5 Best Reasons to book Malawi Safaris

Malawi is famous for its warm and friendly people, gentle way of life and its huge lake. Over the years Malawi has fallen by the way-side of the more glitzy and popular safari destinations like Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and South Africa. Increasingly however travellers are looking beyond the well-trodden routes and this is where Malawi is tipped to shine. Here are 5 great reasons that Malawi is becoming one of the best safari destinations.

1. Malawi Big 5: Majete Safari

Once dismissed as a safari destination, Malawi is now home to a wildlife success story pioneered by the African Parks NGO. Majete Wildlife Reserve was decimated by poaching in the 90s but has become the crown jewel in African Park's growing portfolio.

Majete Wildlife Reserve elephants, Malawi Safari by David Davies

Boasting 700km² of undulating woodland and bush, Majete's border runs along the fast-flowing Shire River. Since 2003 Majete has been restocked with rhinos, elephants, lions, giraffes, cheetahs, and most recently wild dogs. So successful has this project been that Majete now restocks other parks in the African Parks portfolio - namely Liwonde and Nkhotakota.

This all means that you can now experience a Big 5 safari in Malawi. Majete Wildlife Reserve is relatively undiscovered. This is the safari golden goose, a Big 5 safari where you have the game reserve to yourself without the crowds that flock to other better-known African safari destinations.

2. Mount Mulanje

Known locally as the “Island in the Sky” Mount Mulanje is a hiker’s paradise. Just 65km from Malawi’s capital Blantyre, the Mulanje massive rises out of the picturesque Chizardzulu plains and the Mulanje tea growing district.

Mount Mulanje, Malawi by Madelein Wolfaardt

At over 3,000m, Mt. Mulange is often shrouded in mist giving it a mystical quality.

Sapitwa is Mulanje’s highest peak and the highest mountain in central Africa. With numerous hiking trails maintained by the Mulanje Mountain Club, there is something for everyone, epic views, waterfalls, and swimming in mountain pools.

When you are done hiking Mount Mulanje, visit the Zombo plateau.  The beautiful Thyolo district offers gems like the Satemwa tea and coffee estate. Here you can enjoy a plantation tour and sample locally grown tea and coffee against the lush backdrop of the Zombo plateau.

3. The Warm Heart of Africa - Friendly Malawian People

In one respect, Malawi shines bright year-on-year. Known as the Warm heart of Africa, Malawi’s people are friendly and welcoming making every traveller feel like a long-lost friend. While meeting Malawians in Malawi is guaranteed, there are a few activities that will enrich your stay.

Friendly Malawian people by Ferdinand Reus

Markets in Malawi are the hub of all life and markets there are aplenty. Experience the legendary Malawian friendliness while shopping at local craft and produce markets in Lilongwe’s Old Town, historical Zomba, or Mzuzu. Wherever you find yourself, be sure to get a fair dose of local cuisine.

Food is an important part of Malawi’s thriving culture. Malawian markets are full of tasty treats and examples of local cuisine. Deep-fried sweet fritters or mandasi, barbecued meat called kanyenya, or for those with a more adventurous palate try mice on a stick or ngumbi a high protein African termite. If you are lucky enough to get invited to a meal you are likely to be treated to Malawi’s staple nsima served with meat, fish, or greens. Kambuzi chilli is an excellent side dish and chambo - a kind of fish served with locally grown aromatic rice known as kilombero.  

Warm Heart of Africa, Malawi people by Diana Kykot

Malawian friendliness cannot be overemphasized. Always eager to chat and sing there is never a dull moment. Travellers with children are especially welcome. 

4. Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi is more like an inland sea than a lake. This freshwater meromictic lake makes up 30% of Malawi’s surface area. Shared between Tanzania, Mozambique, and Malawi, Lake Malawi is Malawi’s glittering jewel by day and the Lake of Stars by night.

Lake Malawi view, Malawi by Tysonv

The azure crystal clear waters are home to over 700 endemic fish known as cichlids. These unique fish are popular in the pet trade for their breeding behaviour and the magnificent array of colours. Diving or snorkelling with them in Lake Malawi is a little like exploring a giant fish tank with incredible visibility and an explosion of colour.

Not keen to be in the water? In addition to snorkelling, most lodges and guest houses on Lake Malawi offer a variety of water sports from kayaking and paddle boarding to windsurfing, sailing, or jet skiing. You can also explore with a more traditional boat trip around the numerous islands.

Lake Malawi lodge and canoeing by Catherine Falconer

Lake Malawi is also home to the world’s first freshwater reserve: Lake Malawi National Park. Situated just 2 hours from Lilongwe, the Marelli archipelago is a unique experience for nature-loving adventurers.

Whatever water-based safari adventure you are looking for, Lake Malawi has something to offer. Tourists are attracted from all over the world and Malawi is fast developing a reputation for delivering fantastic vacations.

5. Bush & beach safari combo

The safari bush and beach break is a much sought-after combo. Tanzania’s Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Zanzibar are the undisputed leaders in this category, offering Big 5 safaris and a world-class tropical wind-down. This has changed with interventions by African Parks in Malawi’s nature reserves. With the incredible success of Majete Nature Reserve (2015), African Parks has taken over Liwonde (2015), Nkhotakota (2015), and Mangochi Forest Reserve (2018).

Malawi Safaris wildlife, hippo by Gualtiero Boffi

Initially, big animals like elephants, rhinos, and other large mammals were reintroduced from outside Malawi. Today, wild animals are translocated from Majete to supply the other game reserves. Their comprehensive and sustainable approach to park management has opened up Malawi to the Big 5 safari market. Today, you can not only do a Big 5 safari in Malawi but also support an incredible conservation success story that is achieving what many thought was impossible.

Elephants in Liwonde National Park, Malawi Safari by Gualtiero Boffi

Add to this the proximity of the powder-like beaches of Lake Malawi and you have a bush beach combo with a twist, no salt water! Lazing in a hammock, snorkelling in the clear blue water, taking sunset cruises, and doing all manner of water sports are popular ways to wind down from bush safaris in Malawi.

6. No crowds

African safaris are as popular as ever. If you are looking for a bush and beach break without the crowds then Malawi might just be the trick. Off the beaten track, Malawi is the place for a genuine African safari adventure without the crowds. It is now also a Big 5 safari destination which means you don't have to miss out on the big game safari experience by going there.

Browse our budget Malawi Safaris or chat with a friendly travel expert.

Roan antelope on Nyika Plateau, Malawi in Africa by Yolanda Van Niekerk