Malawi really is a country not to be missed and for those lucky enough to have already visited, I know it’s a place you’ll never forget, for all the right reasons.  Here’s our top 10 reasons to visit Malawi…

1. The Warm Heart of Africa.

Malawi has a reputation as the friendliest and kindest country in Africa. You will feel so very welcome everywhere you go and everyone is smiling and happy. It is a country full of love and kindness where people will take the time to talk to you and ask you how you are. When you come to Malawi, you will feel the love of the Malawian people all around you. 

2. The BIG 5.

Every safari explorer’s dream is to spot the big 5 and to be honest, it’s no easy feat. The origin of the big five takes us back to a different time, over a century ago when safari goers from the late 1800’s would shoot with their guns rather than their cameras. Fortunately things have changed drastically and it’s no longer taxidermists but rather picture framers whose work gets mounted on the walls of the more intrepid adventurers. Some remnants of an era mostly forgotten still linger. As is the case with this statement, meaning the five animals most dangerous and difficult to track and hunt on foot. The African elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard, and Cape buffalo. Malawi now proudly boasts two parks (Liwonde National Park and Majete Wildlife Reserve) which host the big five. There are a total of 54 countries in the African continent, yet only 13 offer the opportunity to spot the big 5. On my last visit to Liwonde I spotted four in one day with the ever elusive leopard managing to evade my lens. Next time I’m sure.

3. Lake Malawi.

The Most biodiverse lake on the planet, with over a thousand species of aquatic life so it’s no wonder people travel from all over the world to visit the lake. A large section in southern Malawi is now a UNESCO world heritage site and a freshwater national park as it is famous for its Cichlid fish which are beautifully colorful. With clear waters and sandy beaches, it’s no wonder that snorkelling and scuba diving (available from Cape Maclear, Likoma island & Nkhata Bay) as well as  kayaking, swimming and sailing/boat trips are popular activities in the lake. The lake itself is larger than 56 of the world’s smallest countries including; Fiji, Israel, Jamaica and Belize. It goes to a maximum depth of over 700 meters. With 1500 kilometers of shoreline it has some truly spectacular sandy beaches, as well as several inhabited and uninhabited islands.

4. Undiscovered.

Whilst Malawi isn’t necessarily the most heard of African destination, you will find that many of your unforgettable African experiences are enjoyed by you and you alone. No queuing to see an animal of interest as at some of the more famous African National Parks or waiting patiently to take photos at a viewpoint. Here in Malawi we can guarantee this won’t be a problem.

5. Cost.

One of the first things many people think of when they hear of an African safari is the price. It’s quite common for people to assume, incorrectly, that all holiday packages cost thousands of dollars per person per day. This is not always the case. Malawi has amazing National Parks offering fantastic game viewing for a fraction of the price you’d imagined – especially compared to neighbouring countries. Check out this Zambia Safari & Lake Malawi package for example.

6. Something for everyone.

Malawi really does offer so much variety for activities. This way you can mix it up and you’ll never need to worry about getting bored. Safari options are plenty and the National Parks are noticeably different from each other. With Lake Malawi, there is also a great deal of water based activities, kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing. Several lodges offer water sports such as wakeboarding or water skiing. Hiking and mountain climbing are also popular activities here. Some routes are a comfortable 2.5 hours with great viewpoints whilst others are several days with camping at various locations along the  way. Mountain biking trails are much the same.

7. Safety.

Malawi is well known as a peaceful and friendly country where people can walk around the cities or villages without having to worry. Fill your trip with fun and smiles rather than doubts and concern.

8. Travel Distances.

Africa is big, really big and sometimes to see the best of a country on this continent, you’ll spend days in a car to get from A to B. Malawi, being more compact, offers so many amazing places to visit and things to see all within a few hours drive. 

9. Culture.

Malawi boasts a rich and interesting culture which Malawians are very proud of. Beliefs, attitudes and traditions which have been passed down from generation to generation are still present in everyday life. Find out about the different tribes or be wowed by some of the unforgettable local dances with their costumes and rituals. A stay at Chingalire Rural Homestay will really open your eyes into Malawian, culture, food, music and way of life.

10. Island vibes.

Malawi is an extremely chilled out and friendly place, with many people describing some of the lakeshore destinations as having an island feel. This is undeniably true as you stroll down the gorgeous beaches, you’ll spot vendors offering a selection of curios, children playing, fishermen selling their freshly caught produce and in season fresh mangoes are also on offer. Although, if you really want pure island vibes in Malawi then visiting one of the actual islands on Lake Malawi is a must! Check out our Island hopping tours for inspiration or perhaps combine an island visit with a safari on a Bush and Beach trip?

Likoma and Chizumulu are Malawi’s two inhabited islands, Likoma boasts South East Africa’s largest cathedral and offers a selection of accommodation options and is home to 10,000 Malawians, whilst Chizumulu the smaller of two islands is predominantly a fishing community. These two islands are situated close to Mozambique & both are well worth a visit. Other uninhabited islands in Southern Malawi now have eco lodges on them offering a great variety of places to stay, be it camping on the beach or drinking cocktails in an infinity pool, Lake Malawi’s islands have something for everyone.