Boat Safaris

Boat safari in Liwonde National Park

Malawi Vacations

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.

As Africa experts, we often see Malawi overlooked in favour of its better-known neighbours. It’s a destination many save for their second or third visit to the continent, but we can say with certainty: everyone who visits wants to return. From snorkelling with rainbow-hued cichlids in Lake Malawi’s crystal shallows to spotting rhinos on the move in Majete, Malawi is a small but mighty country that leaves a lasting impression. Its charm is undeniable, from the welcoming locals to its tranquil landscapes.

Ben, one of our Africa specialists, took his three boys to Malawi. “It’s a place that grabs hold of you,” he says. “The boys have seen lions before, but swimming in Lake Malawi, chatting with local children, and hiking in the hills gave them a completely new experience of Africa. It was just so relaxed”.

Lake Malawi is the country's crown jewel. It stretches almost 600km, framed by golden sand and lush hills. Its shores are dotted with fishing villages and children splashing in the shallows. Beneath the surface, vibrant colourful Cichlids dart between rocks making for some spectacular snorkelling. Whilst the sandy shores of Lake Malawi are perfect for relaxing, those looking for a bit more adventure will love exploring the islands of Mumbo, Domwe, and Likoma even if just for a night or two. Here you'll find, remote beach lodges, serene forest trails, and hammocks tucked between trees creating your own perfect hideaway.

Malawi has so much to offer beyond its famous lake. Liwonde and Majete are undoubtable conservation success stories. Once depleted, they now teem with life — elephants in the bush, lions lounging in the heat, hippos crowding the Shire River. Explore by boat or on safari, and you’ll find the wildlife inspiring. Further north, Nyika National Park offers something different. Its high plateau grasslands burst with wildflowers in the rains, and you’ll spot zebra, eland, and maybe even leopard. Cool, peaceful, and perfect for walking or biking, it feels like your own private wilderness and is sometimes likened to the French Alps.

We know it is a cliché, but it’s the people who make Malawi unforgettable. Nicknamed the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’, the country’s hospitality is heartfelt and ever-present.

Small in size, big on experience — Malawi is perfect for those who want to explore a destination full of heart, beauty, and conservation success.

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Majete Safari and Lake Malawi Adventure

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.
$5,400 pp. Learn more

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.

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

Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

Sep 17, 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

Jul 31, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

Jul 3, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

Jun 28, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

Jun 5, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

Jun 5, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

Jun 5, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

Jun 5, 2024

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