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The main experiences in Malawi are spotting wildlife in parks and reserves and relaxing on the shores of Lake Malawi, as well as enjoying water sports. Although not regarded as a traditional safari destination, Malawi rewards you with plenty of parks and reserves that see far fewer visitors than elsewhere in Southern Africa, making for a more intimate experience.

Beyond the national parks and reserves, antelope graze on open plains, tea estates blanket the hillsides, and boat trips and bush walks bring you closer to nature. You’ll also find forest-clad mountains where monkeys leap from tree to tree, and despite being a landlocked country, the vast Lake Malawi provides plenty of water-based activity, from snorkelling among kaleidoscopic cichlid fish to cruising the placid waters between villages.

Malawi offers a good range of places to stay, from small guesthouses and rustic ecolodges to upmarket beachfront hotels and safari lodges. Malawi is less visited than other destinations in Southern Africa and although you may not find the high-end luxury available elsewhere, we’ve found a good choice of attractive lodges with great personality.

A highlight of a trip to Malawi is a stay in an intimate safari lodge where privacy and exclusivity combine with luxurious rooms and personal service. You could follow this with time spent kayaking, diving, and snorkelling from a private island retreat on Lake Malawi, or observing wildlife from a pine chalet on a highland plateau. Take a look at our collection of places to stay in Malawi for some more ideas.

Combine a safari in Liwonde National Park with time spent exploring the tea plantations of the south and a few days relaxing on the shores of Lake Malawi for a fun and varied trip.

Lake Malawi covers a fifth of the country and offers beaches and islands as well as the chance to snorkel, dive, or kayak in its clear waters. Tranquil Likoma Island feels like a complete escape with baobab and mango trees, an Anglican cathedral, and panoramic views of the lake.

You could combine this with a safari in Liwonde National Park to see elephant, black rhino, zebra, and hippo among many other species. Meanwhile, in the Thyolo Region, you can visit tea plantations to walk along lush trails while learning about how the tea is grown, harvested, and prepared.

You can see the Big Five — lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard — in Malawi. Lion have been reintroduced to Majete Wildlife Reserve, but this is the only place in the country you’ll see them.

Elsewhere, you’ll find an abundance of elephant, rhino, buffalo, and hippo, and if you’re lucky, get a glimpse of the elusive leopard. Rare black rhino may be seen south of Lake Malawi. You could also see crocodiles in the rivers, and sable antelope, waterbuck, impala, and zebra across the plains.

In addition, Malawi has a wide range of birdlife including rare and endemic species in its montane forests and miombo woodlands.

The best way to get around Malawi is to combine car journeys with travel by light aircraft. Malawi is a relatively small country and driving with a Malawian guide gives you an insight into the country and its people, while also being a comfortable and efficient way to travel. Air travel offers easy access to more remote destinations and spectacular views of the plains and wildlife below. Our specialists will offer advice on how best to get around depending on your interests and itinerary.

It takes around 12 hours to fly from the UK to Malawi.

Malawi is a high-risk area for malaria. Please see your doctor for advice about antimalarial medication. The best way to avoid contracting malaria is to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Wear loose clothing that covers your arms and legs, wear an insect repellent with 50% DEET, and use a mosquito net if sleeping in a room with unscreened windows or doors. If you feel unwell and have a high fever or other symptoms either during or after travel, seek prompt medical help and make sure you mention your travel history.

Your doctor is best placed to offer advice on recommended vaccinations for Malawi. Also ensure you’re up to date with any vaccinations recommended at home. You can check the suggested vaccinations on the .

Use our travel tool to find up-to-date visa and passport requirements for Malawi. Enter where you’re travelling to and from (including any stopover destinations en route or flight layovers), along with your intended travel dates and passport details, for a full list of requirements.

• Entry requirements travel tool