Malawi Safari Destination

An area of some 118,000 square kilometres (46,000 square miles) (one fifth is Lake Malawi) makes Malawi one of the smallest countries in this region of Africa. Its neighbour, Zambia, is six times the size. Malawi is similar in size to Cuba; less than half that of the United Kingdom. At approximately 900 kilometres (560 miles) long and varying widths never more than one third of its length, the country is clearly elongated north-south along the line of the Rift Valley in which Lake Malawi sits.

This elongated shape of Malawi lends itself to a  3-way regional division: North, Central and South. The variety that Malawi is famed for is reflected both between these regions and within each one. A Malawi tour combining elements of landscape, wildlife, lake and culture can be taken in each of the regions, with each region giving a different experience.

South Malawi

South Malawi is the most populated and developed region, with a wide variety of landscapes, including as it does the highest and lowest points in the country. Blantyre, the commercial capital, and Zomba, the old colonial capital, are in the south. This region has 5 National Parks and Wildlife Reserves, including the Lake Malawi National Park, and a number of forested highland areas, including Zomba Plateau and Mount Mulanje. The Mangochi Lakeshore is the stretch of Lake Malawi with the most accommodation options.

Central Malawi

Central Malawi is home to the country’s capital, and most common point of entry, Lilongwe. Most of the region lies on the Central African Plateau and so the scenic highlights come from the hills sitting atop the plateau, and the escarpments that descend into the Rift Valley and down to Lake Malawi. It has one National Park and one Wildlife Reserve, Nkhotakota, which is in the process of a remarkable re-birth. Senga Bay is a hotspot on the Lake, and the closest point on the shore to Lilongwe.

North Malawi

North Malawi is the least populated of Malawi’s regions, with the regional capital, Mzuzu less than one-fifth the size of Lilongwe or Blantyre. It is, on average, the highest of the regions, characterised by unique highland areas – such as the Viphya and Nyika – and dramatic lake shorelines. Chintheche is regarded by many as having some of the best beaches on Lake Malawi. As well as the National Park at Nyika, North Malawi has a Wildlife Reserve at nearby Vwaza Marsh.

It is Malawi’s remarkable variety of experiences that is its greatest asset. Whilst Lake Malawi dominates the country, this is not a country of a singular experience. It is the mixture of beautiful Landscapes, fascinating Wildlife, the alluring Lake Malawi, and rich Culture that combine to make this small country such a wonderful place to visit. There are few countries in Africa that can offer this level of variety, and it comes in a small, easy to access and friendly destination – a real gem.

Lake

The jewel in the crown of the country’s tourist experiences is Lake Malawi, “discovered” by the missionary-explorer Dr David Livingstone just over 150 years ago. Although totally landlocked, Malawi is not denied its “inland sea”. This vast body of freshwater fringed by beaches of golden sand is not only a scenic wonderland but it provides water sport opportunities for those looking for something beyond sun, sand and swimming.

Wildlife

Malawi is blessed with a rich diversity of flora and fauna and has no less than nine national parks and wildlife reserves. Whilst it may not have quite the sheer numbers of large mammals as some of its better known neighbours, it makes up for this in other ways. Malawi provides intensive and exclusive wildlife viewing in unspoilt areas of genuine wilderness. Previously perceived as a weakness, public-private partnerships in recent years have transformed Malawi’s parks & reserves. Programmes of re-stocking and increased protection have resulted in a boom in wildlife numbers and the emergence of high quality safari experiences.

Landscape

Malawi has a massive diversity of beautiful landscapes. The highest peaks in Malawi touch 10 000ft (3 000m) while the lowest point is barely above sea level. This range of altitudes in a small area help to make the landscape of Malawi one of the moist varied in all Africa. It is generally a green, lush country, with plateaux, highlands, forests, mountains, plains, escarpments and dramatic river valleys. The variety of scenery is a major attraction to visitors and many of the highland areas and forest reserves have good accommodation options, and plenty of outdoor activities available.

Culture

The Malawian people are, without doubt, its greatest asset: friendly and welcoming to a fault. Every visitor is met with a smile and the warmth of the welcome is genuine and long-lasting. There are number of places of particular cultural and historical interest, but all travel will include some element of cultural experience because engagement with local people is very much part of any stay and it is that natural cultural interaction with real (and very friendly!) people in real villages that is usually the highlight of any visit.

Events

Malawi has a growing number of events that take place annually around the country. The internationally-renowned Lake of Stars Festival, the Likoma Island Festival and the Mulanje Porter Race are just a few of the popular events. Click here to see the full events calender.

Sports & Leisure

Malawi may be known for its thrilling safaris, stunning lake, beautiful landscapes, and captivating culture, but there are also other sports and leisure activities available including golf, spas and  yoga retreats.

Flights to Malawi

For intercontinental flights from Europe Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways (also with KLM) offer good options to Malawi, with routes involving an aircraft change at their respective national hubs (Addis Ababa and Nairobi). Those international flights land in either the capital Lilongwe or Blantyre. South African Airways and Malawi Airlines also now connect Lilongwe and Blantyre to Johannesburg, allowing travellers to reach Malawi via all the international airlines that serve that busy intercontinental hub. That applies in particular to Star Alliance member airlines since SAA is a member, as is Ethiopian Airlines, which is a 49% stakeholder in

Malawi Airlines.

Southern African regional airline Airlink also began flights between Johannesburg and Malawi in September 2023. Airlink’s code-shares and interline agreements with no less than 31 international airlines have given another significant boost to Malawi’s ease of access. Furthermore, as of February 2024, Airlink expanded their service to Blantyre to now offer five flights a week, and whilst also offering four flights a week to Lilongwe both from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

Regional links between Malawi and Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe are also provided by Malawi Airlines and such connections can sometimes be used in conjunction with another African or European airline flying to those countries from around the world. Malawi-based air charter companies also link Malawi to its neighbours.

Entering Malawi by Road

There are road routes into Malawi from Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique. Assume that border posts will be closed from about 18.00hrs and reopen at 07.00hrs. Visitors requiring a visa may find this difficult to obtain at border posts and are advised to obtain the documentation in advance. Requirements for vehicle documentation should be checked before travelling. As of March 2016, the following are the requirements for a vehicle to enter Malawi:

Third Party Insurance – obtained at the border at a cost of MK21,000.00
Temporary Importation – obtained at the border at a cost of MK10,000.00

Vehicle Registration Certificate

If the vehicle is not owned by the driver, a letter of authorisation form the owner or car rental company is required.
For a practical guide to entering Malawi from Tanzania, check out this blog by Happy Irish Wanderers written in late 2023.

International Tour Operators

Most operators who organise tours to southern Africa will offer Malawi itineraries, or provide a tailor-made service. Information about companies can be found in the following sections of the Travel Directory: UK Tour Operators; European Tour Operators; North American Tour Operators; Worldwide Tour Operators.

Duty Free

International travellers over the age of 18 may import, duty free: 200 cigarettes or 225gm of tobacco; 1 litre of spirits; 1 litre of beer; 1 litre of wine; plus a “reasonable” quantity of consumable goods to meet the traveller’s immediate need while in Malawi.

Visas

As from 7 February 2024 and with immediate effect, Malawi has removed the requirement for visas to enter the country for nationalities of 79 countries, including many in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa. Please see the separate Visa Guide for further information on visas for Malawi, including a link to the e-visa system for those that do still need it.

As from 7 February 2024 and with immediate effect, Malawi has removed the requirement for visas to enter the country for nationalities of 79 countries. Nationals of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Malawi and nor will they be subject to any incidental entry fee:

The official gazette confirming this change in regulations can be viewed and downloaded by clicking here

All other nationalities do still require a Malawi visa. For those that do require a visa, Malawi now has an e-visa system for online applications and prefers all travellers to obtain their visas in advance.  To apply for your Malawi e-visa visit https://www.evisa.gov.mw/

However, visas can also still be obtained for many nationalities on arrival at Malawi points of entry.

They can also be obtained in advance of travel from Malawi’s Diplomatic Mission , who will ask for a completed application form and the requirements listed below, plus the requisite visa fee.

• Valid passport for not less than six months
• Two passport photos
• Covering letter (giving details of the planned trip and written by the travellers themselves or by their tour operator if one has been used)
• Invitation letter (not necessary for tourists)
• Air ticket/Itinerary
• Confirmed Hotel booking
• Three months latest bank statements

The table below shows categories of Visas and applicable fee payable. Different rates will apply at individual Malawi Diplomatic Missions around the world and they are likely to be higher than the online fees.

For further information on entering Malawi, see the Malawi Department of Immigration homepage.

Malawi Diplomatic Missions