About Malawi

Known as “the warm heart of Africa” is defined by its topography of highlands split by the Great Rift Valley and enormous Lake Malawi. This relatively little known gem of this diverse continent has so much to offer; wildlife, culture, adventure, scenery, and of course the third largest lake in Africa. Lake Malawi’s fresh clear waters are popular for diving and boating, tropical beaches and an array of watersports, the lake is also home to some of the rarest and most beautiful fish in the world. Cape Maclear is known for its beach resorts and Likoma Island for its history, its people, its St Peters cathedral.

Liwonde National Park is the country's most famous safari reserve and wildlife such as elephants, hippos, lion, cheetah and endangered black rhinos are seen there. The river, grassland and woodland habitats are home to crocodiles, leopards and antelopes. Rich birdlife includes rare species like Pel’s fishing owls and Lilian’s lovebirds. The Zomba Plateau, which overlooks Liwondo and the Shire River Valley, is a great destination for gentle hiking and Blantyre, the main city in the south of the country, is of great historical interest, and has a lovely old colonial feel. Liliongwe, Malawi's capital, is a vibrant African city with a bustling old town market.

The scenic Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve is the largest protected area in Malawi. Some of the country’s main rivers flow through it on their way to the lake and numerous streams and waterfalls cascade into the reserve from the edge of the escarpment. The landscape includes woodlands, rugged terrains and the occasional rainforests and is ideal for walking, fishing and canoeing. In the far north of Malawi, the Nyika Plateau is a rolling plateau dotted with stunning mountain outcrops – perfect for walkers and keen riders. 

Winter is the best time to visit, coinciding with the dry season, and lasts from May to October. June and July are the coolest months with average daytime temperatures of 21ºC (70ºF), and cold nights especially in the highlands. The dry season is also the best time for game viewing and hiking. November to April is the hot, humid rainy season with more rain falling on the higher plateaus than around the lake, and temperatures reaching into the mid 30ºC (86ºF). Some roads may become impassable during heavy rains.