Malawi, known as the ‘warm heart of Africa’
Snorkel with colourful cichlids in Lake Malawi's shimmering shallows, watch rhinos roam in Majete, and explore the misty highlands — Malawi is authentic, untouched, and steeped in warmth and wonder.
Fringed with golden beaches and backed by green hills, Lake Malawi is the lifeblood of this beautiful country — a vast, shimmering expanse stretching nearly 600km from north to south. Children laugh and splash at its edge, while beneath the surface, colourful cichlids flit between rocks like living jewels. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the lake is a playground for the adventurous: swim, snorkel, kayak, dive or sail its clear waters. Explore the remote islands of Mumbo, Domwe and Likoma, where forested trails and barefoot beach lodges offer the ultimate lakeside escape.
Known as the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’, Malawi’s charm lies not just in its natural beauty, but in the genuine warmth of its people. Whether you’re visiting Likoma’s grand Anglican cathedral, trekking through mountain villages, or browsing roadside markets, the welcome is always heartfelt.
Beyond the lake’s tranquil shores, Malawi opens up into a land of wild beauty and dramatic contrasts. In the south, Liwonde and Majete national parks have seen remarkable conservation success and are now home once more to the Big Five. Elephants browse in riverine forests, lions doze under acacia trees, and hippos grunt in the wide, muddy waters of the Shire River. Boat safaris, game drives and guided walks offer close encounters with this thriving wildlife.
To the north, Nyika National Park stretches across a rolling, high-altitude plateau. Blanketed in wildflowers during the rainy season and alive with zebra, leopard, and eland, it’s one of Africa’s most peaceful and picturesque safari settings. Hiking and biking here are a joy, with misty trails, panoramic views, and barely another visitor in sight.
Though small in size, Malawi offers a remarkable diversity of experiences — from wildlife-rich reserves to laid-back lakeside living and highland adventures.
Majete Safari and Lake Malawi Adventure
- Majete Wildlife Reserve
- Lake Malawi
The Majete Wildlife Reserve & Lake Malawi provide a stunning alternative safari experience without the crowds, perfect for first time visitors to Africa or repeat safari-goers looking for something different.
Malawi Trip Inspiration
When to go to Malawi
Find out the best time to visit Malawi with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a good time for bird watchers, migratory birds from the Northern Hemisphere flock to Malawi's National Parks. The rains are in full flow with impressive thunderstorms lighting the sky across the country regularly - many lodges around the shores of Lake Malawi will be closed during this time.
February
Rain continues to pour regularly in February. The bird watching is incredible particularly in the high altitude Nyika National Park with many flowers blooming carpeting the lower plateaus.
March
In March the weather is still somewhat unsettled with regular rains, these diminish as the month goes on. Birders will be in paradise, young birds are spreading their wings for the first time preparing for their epic journey back to the Northern Hemisphere.
April
Rains begin to subside, the sun starts to shine and temperatures increase. Wildlife viewing is good, observers can watch animals emerge across Liwonde National Park. In particular antelopes are in rut and visitors to Malawi's National Parks can experience incredible clashes between rival males.
May
Days become sunnier and cooler during May. Wildlife viewing is at its best due to less vegetation and the animals gathering together around waterholes.
June
June days are long and sunny, but it's Malawi's winter and the temperatures drop significantly at this time of year. The evenings and mornings are very cold in the highland regions, with log fires lit. The dry season means animals congregate around the Shire River in Liwonde National Park for easier access to water and rich green vegetation - large numbers of elephants can be present at this time of year due to dwindling water levels.
July
July is a perfect time to visit Malawi, skies are clear there are less mosquitoes and there's virtually no rain. Although its high season, most of the National Parks won't be crowded despite the spectacular sightings of larger elephant herds - often reaching into the hundreds!
August
In August the weather warms, with daytime peak temperatures averaging around 30°C, whilst night time averages rise to 10°C. If you want to experience large wildlife herds, this is the time of year to visit. Water is diminishing and spaces at watering holes are becoming limited leading to increasing tensions between the animals. It's an amazing time to enjoy the delights of Lake Malawi's azure waters, with temperatures perfect for watersports or relaxing in the sun lakeside.
September
Night time temperatures rise rapidly, whilst daytime averages remain in the mid 20°Cs. With clear skies and dry vegetation concentrations of animals are still great but starting to dwindle in comparison to July and August. Lake Malawi is popular this time of year, the increased wind conditions make it perfect for an afternoon sail.
- Lake of Stars Malawi Art Festival takes place from the 27-29 September 2019, featuring music acts from across Africa and the UK.
October
October is a humid month, temperatures regularly rise above 40°C and night times are increasingly warm. If you want to witness the world's largest antelope, the eland, can often be seen as they start regrouping for their breeding season - with herds reaching into the hundreds it makes for an awe inspiring sight.
November
The green season, November witnesses the first few storms of the rainy season arriving. It marks the arrival of the many migratory birds from the Northern Hemisphere.
December
In December the rains become more regular, with thunderstorms occurring every few days. With lush green scenery animals can be difficult to see because of the thick vegetation and the abundance of water. But birders will have an amazing time witnessing the incoming flurry of migratory birds.
Where to go in Malawi
Best places to visit in Malawi
Our favourite Malawi accommodation
Best Places to Stay in Malawi
Inspiration from the blog
Traveller Tales and Insider Insights
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