Self Driving in Malawi - it's really quite easy

The perfect way to explore Malawi

Amelia
Amelia
Operations & Marketing Manager of Land & Lake Safaris
Published on
12 Sept 2018
Updated on
25 Apr 2025
Fully Kitted Out Hilux Perfect For Self Driving In Malawi

Malawi is probably one of the best countries to head out onto the road and self-explore. You can choose to go all out with a fully kitted camping 4x4 vehicle and take the roads less known, cruise from lodge to lodge in a saloon vehicle, or a combination of the the two. Our Malawi holidays can be tailored to suit you and if you enjoy the independence of a self-drive trip, over guided transfers, that's easily arranged.

A Luxury Safari In Malawi In A Fully Kitted Out Hilux
Self driving doesn't mean you have to forgo luxury - a fully kitted out Hilux

Labeled the ‘friendliest country in the world’ Malawi is over 45,000 sq miles, with an estimated population of over 18 million. With Lake Malawi taking up a third of Malawi’s land-mass, it basically means that very few areas in Malawi are truly remote. This means that, whilst driving across the country can be an exciting challenge, it's also very easy for less experienced drivers (in terms of changing tyres, seeking someone with roadside mechanical skills, or help with directions).

Lake Malawi Shores
Lake Malawi covers a third of the country

This can also make driving slower going, as you pass villages and busy trading centres, overflowing with a myriad of human interactions; from markets, to cattle grazing, maize grinding and roadside cooking. The journey is never dull, as you navigate your way round dogs and goats, a few select potholes and a minibus or two, but you need to keep your wits about you.

A Typical Road In Malawi
A typical road in Malawi

As a woman of 27, I’ve grown up in Malawi. Receiving my Malawi driving license at 18, I have travelled both alone, with clients and friends all over this country. The road network is easy to use and navigate, with the knowledge that you’ll always have the lake on one side of you. The main roads that connect up all major cities are tarred and, with the increase in vehicles and infrastructure in the country, more roads are being tarred, widened, repaired and re-built on a frequent basis.

Local Villages On Lake Malawi
Local villages on Lake Malawi

The things to watch out for are the roadside hazards - the animals, people, children, broken-down trucks and, unfortunately, the driving ability of other road users. The older northern routes have plenty of potholes and narrow sections – but don’t let this put you off! We highly recommend a self-drive adventure in Malawi, but go carefully, take your time and enjoy the views and the journey, because it’s an experience you'll never forget.

Watermelons In Malawi
Roadside watermelons are often seen in Malawi

You might pay a bit more when hiring a vehicle in Malawi, but this comes with the territory and many companies provide rescue and replacement services, 24hr emergency calls, 90% insurance cover and advice and tips on routes and services you may require.

A Hillside Village In Malawi
Just one of the rural scenes you'll see whilst driving through Malawi

So grab the wheel and enjoy the flat, open tarmac roads, or test your 4x4 driving abilities with rocky dirt tracks and steep winding mountain passes, which boast some of the best views in Africa. Have fun visiting bustling towns and cities that open your eyes to the colours and traditions of the country, or drive to the sparkling shores of Lake Malawi for a well deserved rest after your self-driving adventures.

Malawi, both North and South, is truly worth a visit, and with a choice of Malawi accommodation and camping options to suit your budget you can hit the road with your ideal detailed itinerary in hand!

It’s a journey of self-discovery, and in a trusty vehicle with google maps, Malawi is at your fingertips!

Wondering when to visit? Take a look at this guide on the best time to visit Malawi.

Looking for some more inspiration? Take a look at our best safari holidays ideas, our favourite family safaris, our big five safari guide or our top African safari honeymoon suggestions.

Start planning your tailor-made Malawi safari – call us on 01768 603 715 and speak with a Malawi travel expert.

Speak to a Malawi expert today

and start planning your tailor-made holiday

Call 0203 111 1315
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Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails.

August, 2025
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!

July, 2024
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 )

June, 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!

July, 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.

June, 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.

May, 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!,

April, 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!)!

March, 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!

March, 2024