African Things To Do
Malawi Travel Guide

Things to Do in Malawi

Malawi is known as “The Warm Heart of Africa”—a friendly country with a perfect travel mix: Lake Malawi beaches and sunsets, classic safari parks with strong wildlife viewing, and mountain landscapes for hiking and scenic escapes. The best Malawi trips combine lake time + one safari region + one highland adventure.

Lake Malawi Safari Hiking Culture Road Trips

Top Destinations in Malawi

Malawi is easy to love: lake beaches, safari parks, and highlands—choose 2–3 regions for a smooth trip.

Lake Malawi (Cape Maclear)

Beach time and lake sunsets—perfect for relaxing days, swimming, and slow travel.

LakeBeachesRelax
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Nkhata Bay

A laid-back lakeside town—great for calm vibes, views, and a quieter Lake Malawi experience.

LakeSceneryChill
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Liwonde National Park

Malawi’s top safari park—excellent for wildlife and classic game viewing experiences.

SafariWildlifeTop Pick
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Majete Wildlife Reserve

Another strong safari choice—great for travelers who want a wildlife-focused trip.

SafariNatureReserve
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Mulanje Mountain

Malawi’s hiking icon—mountain scenery and outdoor adventure routes.

HikingMountainsAdventure
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Zomba Plateau

Cool highlands escape—views, walks, and fresh air in a relaxed setting.

HighlandsViewsNature
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Lake Malawi (Cape Maclear)

Lake Malawi is the heart of the country—relax, enjoy the water, and slow down in a beautiful setting.

  • Best experiences
    Beach days, swimming, sunsets, lakeside atmosphere
  • Best for
    Relaxation and easy travel days
  • Recommended time
    2–5 days
  • Good to know
    Perfect to recover after safari or hiking

Nkhata Bay

A quieter Lake Malawi experience—beautiful views and a calm, local lakeside vibe.

  • Best experiences
    Scenic views, relaxed lakeside days
  • Best for
    Slow travel and calm escapes
  • Recommended time
    2–4 days
  • Good to know
    Great alternative to busier beach areas

Liwonde National Park

Malawi’s most famous safari park—ideal for wildlife viewing and classic safari moments.

  • Best experiences
    Game drives, wildlife viewing, nature photography
  • Best for
    First-time Malawi safari
  • Recommended time
    2–4 days
  • Good to know
    Early morning and late afternoon drives are best

Majete Wildlife Reserve

A great safari option with a strong wilderness feel—perfect for travelers focused on wildlife and nature.

  • Best experiences
    Game drives, wildlife viewing, nature setting
  • Best for
    Wildlife-focused trips
  • Recommended time
    2–4 days
  • Good to know
    Combine with Blantyre area for a smooth route

Mulanje Mountain

Malawi’s top hiking destination—fresh air, big views, and real outdoor adventure.

  • Best experiences
    Day hikes, multi-day trekking routes, viewpoints
  • Best for
    Hikers and outdoor travelers
  • Recommended time
    2–5 days
  • Good to know
    Bring layers: mornings can be cool

Zomba Plateau

A cool highlands escape with viewpoints and calm nature—perfect to balance safari and lake time.

  • Best experiences
    Scenic drives, viewpoints, short walks
  • Best for
    Easy highlands nature
  • Recommended time
    1–2 days
  • Good to know
    Great “refresh” stop between regions

Top Things To Do in Malawi

Malawi is a perfect mix of lake life and safari—add mountains if you want adventure.

  • Relax on Lake Malawi
    Cape Maclear and lakeside sunsets
  • Go on safari in Liwonde
    Top wildlife viewing park
  • Enjoy a highlands day
    Zomba Plateau for views and cool air
  • Try a second safari region
    Majete for more wilderness
  • Hike Mulanje Mountain
    Best outdoor adventure in Malawi
  • Travel at a relaxed pace
    Malawi is best when you slow down

Sample Malawi Itineraries

Simple routes work best: one safari region + Lake Malawi, then add highlands if you have time.

Trip Length Route Idea Best For
5–7 Days Liwonde + Lake Malawi (Cape Maclear) Best first-time mix
8–10 Days Liwonde + Lake Malawi + Zomba Plateau Lake + safari + highlands
10–14 Days Majete + Liwonde + Lake Malawi More wildlife + lake time
14+ Days Safari + Lake Malawi + Mulanje hiking route Full Malawi experience

Best Time to Visit Malawi

For the smoothest trips, plan with comfort in mind: early mornings for safari and flexible lake days.

  • Safari timing
    Early morning and late afternoon are best for wildlife
  • Lake comfort
    Midday is perfect for beach and swimming time
  • Highlands weather
    Pack layers for mornings and evenings
  • Route pacing
    Keep buffer time for travel between regions

Malawi Travel Tips

  • Combine lake + safari
    This is Malawi’s strongest travel formula
  • Start early on safari days
    Wildlife is most active in cooler hours
  • Keep your route simple
    Fewer stops, better experience
  • Bring sun essentials
    Sun protection and hydration matter
  • Pack for cool mornings
    Especially for highlands and lake evenings
  • Finish with lake relaxation
    Perfect ending after safari and hiking

FAQ – Malawi Tours

How many days do I need in Malawi?

For a strong first-time trip (Liwonde + Lake Malawi), 5–7 days works. For a bigger mix with highlands or an extra safari region, plan 8–14 days.

What’s the best first-time plan?

Liwonde National Park for safari + Lake Malawi (Cape Maclear or Nkhata Bay) for relaxation. Add Zomba Plateau if you have extra time.

Is Malawi good for safaris?

Yes—Malawi has excellent safari options, and what makes it special is how easily you can combine wildlife with Lake Malawi beach time in one trip.

Plan Your Malawi Trip

Share your travel dates, number of travelers, and interests (Lake Malawi, safari, hiking, highlands), and we’ll help you plan a smooth Malawi itinerary.

Email

info@mtravelandtoursbi.com

Tell us your dates + your focus: Liwonde, Majete, Lake Malawi, or Mulanje hiking.

M Travel and Tours Burundi

Official website: https://mtravelandtoursbi.com

African Things To Do is owned and operated by M Travel and Tours Burundi.