"Sharing its name with the gorgeous 585km-long Rift Valley lake that accounts for 15% of its surface area, Malawi has long been a favourite with overlanders and backpackers for its relaxed atmosphere, lovely scenery and excellent hiking opportunities. These days, however, it is also emerging as an increasingly worthwhile safari destination, thanks to the post-millennial rehabilitation of several national parks and other reserves once ravaged by poaching. ”
- Philip Briggs
Malawi
Dubbed the Warm Heart of Africa, Malawi has long enchanted visitors with its tropical climate, lush vegetation and legendarily laidback and friendly people. Traditionally, tourism has focussed on Lake Malawi and the lakeside backpacker hangouts such as Nkhata Bay and Cape Maclear, but that has changed in recent years, as these established haunts have been supplemented by a scattering of more exclusive beach resorts whose ‘barefoot luxury’ vibe makes them feel like transplants from the Indian Ocean.
Malawi is an exceptional destination for hikers and birdwatchers. Nyika National Park, its largest protected area, excels on both these fronts, whilst also offering the opportunity to see iconic wildlife such as elephants, leopards and zebras. The southern highlands around Blantyre also offer some great hiking and walking opportunities in the likes of Mount Mulanje, Zomba Plateau and Thyolo Forest Reserve, while aquatic birds abound at Lake Chilwa and the Elephant Marsh.
Over recent years, Malawi has also grown in stature as a safari destination. Restocked by an ambitious program of reintroductions, Big Five reserves such as Majete and Liwonde might not be quite so vast as their counterparts in some neighbouring countries, but they offer excellent game viewing, attract relatively low tourist volumes, and are serviced by world-class game lodges. And the hippo- and elephant-dodging boat excursions that operate on the fantastically atmospheric Shire River as it runs through Liwonde National Park are a real must-do.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
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Like the majority of Southern Africa, Malawi has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. With small regional variations aside, the wet season starts between October and November and lasts through to April or May. The dry season lasts from April or May all the way through to October or November, with clear skies dominating. The occasional shower is still possible during this time, just unlikely. Although it is possible to visit Malawi throughout the year, we would recommend visiting during the dry season when clear skies and cooler temperatures dominate.
Like the majority of Southern Africa, Malawi has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. With small regional variations aside, the wet season starts between October and November and lasts through to April or May. The dry season lasts from April or May all the way through to October or November, with clear skies dominating. The occasional shower is still possible during this time, just unlikely. Although it is possible to visit Malawi throughout the year, we would recommend visiting during the dry season when clear skies and cooler temperatures dominate.
Like the majority of Southern Africa, Malawi has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. With small regional variations aside, the wet season starts between October and November and lasts through to April or May. The dry season lasts from April or May all the way through to October or November, with clear skies dominating. The occasional shower is still possible during this time, just unlikely. Although it is possible to visit Malawi throughout the year, we would recommend visiting during the dry season when clear skies and cooler temperatures dominate.
Like the majority of Southern Africa, Malawi has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. With small regional variations aside, the wet season starts between October and November and lasts through to April or May. The dry season lasts from April or May all the way through to October or November, with clear skies dominating. The occasional shower is still possible during this time, just unlikely. Although it is possible to visit Malawi throughout the year, we would recommend visiting during the dry season when clear skies and cooler temperatures dominate.
Like the majority of Southern Africa, Malawi has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. With small regional variations aside, the wet season starts between October and November and lasts through to April or May. The dry season lasts from April or May all the way through to October or November, with clear skies dominating. The occasional shower is still possible during this time, just unlikely. Although it is possible to visit Malawi throughout the year, we would recommend visiting during the dry season when clear skies and cooler temperatures dominate.
Like the majority of Southern Africa, Malawi has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. With small regional variations aside, the wet season starts between October and November and lasts through to April or May. The dry season lasts from April or May all the way through to October or November, with clear skies dominating. The occasional shower is still possible during this time, just unlikely. Although it is possible to visit Malawi throughout the year, we would recommend visiting during the dry season when clear skies and cooler temperatures dominate.
Like the majority of Southern Africa, Malawi has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. With small regional variations aside, the wet season starts between October and November and lasts through to April or May. The dry season lasts from April or May all the way through to October or November, with clear skies dominating. The occasional shower is still possible during this time, just unlikely. Although it is possible to visit Malawi throughout the year, we would recommend visiting during the dry season when clear skies and cooler temperatures dominate.
Like the majority of Southern Africa, Malawi has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. With small regional variations aside, the wet season starts between October and November and lasts through to April or May. The dry season lasts from April or May all the way through to October or November, with clear skies dominating. The occasional shower is still possible during this time, just unlikely. Although it is possible to visit Malawi throughout the year, we would recommend visiting during the dry season when clear skies and cooler temperatures dominate.
Like the majority of Southern Africa, Malawi has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. With small regional variations aside, the wet season starts between October and November and lasts through to April or May. The dry season lasts from April or May all the way through to October or November, with clear skies dominating. The occasional shower is still possible during this time, just unlikely. Although it is possible to visit Malawi throughout the year, we would recommend visiting during the dry season when clear skies and cooler temperatures dominate.
Like the majority of Southern Africa, Malawi has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. With small regional variations aside, the wet season starts between October and November and lasts through to April or May. The dry season lasts from April or May all the way through to October or November, with clear skies dominating. The occasional shower is still possible during this time, just unlikely. Although it is possible to visit Malawi throughout the year, we would recommend visiting during the dry season when clear skies and cooler temperatures dominate.
Like the majority of Southern Africa, Malawi has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. With small regional variations aside, the wet season starts between October and November and lasts through to April or May. The dry season lasts from April or May all the way through to October or November, with clear skies dominating. The occasional shower is still possible during this time, just unlikely. Although it is possible to visit Malawi throughout the year, we would recommend visiting during the dry season when clear skies and cooler temperatures dominate.
Like the majority of Southern Africa, Malawi has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. With small regional variations aside, the wet season starts between October and November and lasts through to April or May. The dry season lasts from April or May all the way through to October or November, with clear skies dominating. The occasional shower is still possible during this time, just unlikely. Although it is possible to visit Malawi throughout the year, we would recommend visiting during the dry season when clear skies and cooler temperatures dominate.
Blantyre and Southern Malawi
Blantyre and Southern Malawi
The oldest town in Malawi, Blantyre has a pleasant mid-altitude climate and serves as a base for exploring a number of low-key but worthwhile natural sites, including the Mulanje Massif, the bird-rich elephant marsh, the pedestrian-friendly Zomba Plateau and the untrammelled Lengwe National Park.
Read MoreLake Malawi
Lake Malawi
Serpentine Lake Malawi is not only the dominant geographic feature of Malawi, but also the third-largest freshwater body in Africa, and ninth anywhere in the world. Hemmed in by mountains, its shores are lined with pretty resorts ranging from budget campsites to exclusive post-safari beach retreats.
Read MoreLiwonde National Park
Liwonde National Park
Liwonde National Park is one of the best places in Africa for a boat safari. It also possesses a tremendous sense of place: hippos grunt perpetually in the river, large herds of elephant wander down to drink, birds are everywhere, and the night sky resonates with the chirruping of frogs and insects.
Read MoreMajete Wildlife Reserve
Majete Wildlife Reserve
Set in the sweltering Lower Shire Valley, Majete has enjoyed a recent resurgence as the result of a program of reintroductions overseen by the African Parks Network. Now home to all the Big Five, the reserve is bounded by a scenic stretch of the Shire River punctuated by Kapichira Falls.
Read MoreNyika National Park and Northern Malawi
Nyika National Park and Northern Malawi
Malawi’s largest conservation area and most alluring hiking destination, Nyika National Park protects a tall plateau of montane grassland interspersed with patches of heather and indigenous forest. There’s a fair amount of wildlife, scenis hiking opportunities, and the birding is exceptional.
Read MoreWhat People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
