Malawi, known as the ‘warm heart of Africa’
Compact in size, big on charm - Malawi blends wild safaris with golden shores and laid-back lakeside life.
Malawi is a place that gets under your skin — in the best possible way. From snorkelling with rainbow-coloured cichlids in Lake Malawi’s crystal shallows to spotting rhinos on the move in Majete, this small but mighty country is full of surprises. It’s genuine, welcoming, and packed with quiet charm.
Lake Malawi is the star attraction. Stretching almost 600km from top to bottom, it’s edged by golden sand and rolling hills, with villages dotted along the shore. Kids splash in the shallows, fishermen cast their nets from dugout canoes, and beneath the surface, tropical fish dart between rocks. You can swim, kayak, snorkel, dive, or just float — the water’s that clear. The islands of Mumbo, Domwe and Likoma offer an even slower pace: think hammocks, forest trails and off-grid beach lodges, perfect for unwinding.
But it’s not just the scenery that makes Malawi special — it’s the people. Nicknamed the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ for good reason, the welcome here is unforgettable. Whether you're being shown around Likoma’s cathedral, chatting with stallholders at a roadside market, or hiking through highland villages, there is a genuine warmth.
Away from the lake, Malawi reveals another side — wilder, rawer, and just as rewarding. Down south, Liwonde and Majete National Parks are conservation success stories. Once nearly emptied of wildlife, they now hum with life again: elephants browsing in thick bush, lions stretched out in the shade, hippos jostling for space in the Shire River. Whether you’re cruising by boat or bumping along in a safari vehicle, the wildlife is sure to inspire.
Further north, Nyika National Park is something else entirely. Perched high on a plateau, its rolling grasslands are flecked with wildflowers during the rains and roamed by zebra, eland and the occasional leopard. It’s peaceful, refreshingly cool, and perfect for walking or biking — you might not see another soul all day.
Malawi may be small, but it packs a lot in. Whether you’re after big game, highland hikes, or lazy days by the lake, it’s a place that rewards slow travel — and stays with you long after you leave.
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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