Conoeing on Lake Malawi

Malawi Safaris

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Map of Malawi

Of all the countries in Africa, Malawi has had its physical geography the most sculpted and adjusted by Africa’s Great Rift Valley. Delightful lakeside beaches line the western shores of the 375 mile long Lake Malawi; there are plateaus alive with roaming herds of zebra and antelope, and pristine highland regions.

Malawi is undoubtedly Africa’s best inland beach destination, with beautiful unspoiled islands, superb freshwater beaches, and a spectacular and colorful array of tropical freshwater fish. This is an ideal destination for fishing, snorkeling and diving.

Away from the lake, Malawi has eleven national parks protecting a range of different habitats and offering a wealth of wildlife safaris, mountain climbs and hikes, and also horseback exploration adventures. Visitors to Malawi will find the Malawian people warm and friendly, with a rich cultural history that makes each visit unforgettable.

Malawi Safaris - Travel Tips


  • The best time to visit Malawi is during the dry season from April to October.
  • The highlights of Malawi can be combined in an overland safari to produce a journey through wonderfully diverse scenery.
  • The superb beaches of Lake Malawi combine well with a traditional overland safari in Malawi or across the border in Tanzania or Zambia.
  • Malawi is an excellent destination for a family safari.

Malawi Safaris - A Personal View

John SpenceI’ve seen elephants surrounded by baobabs, tea plantations, bustling villages, perfect beaches, vast lakes, and high plateaus covered in ferns and orchids – all this in a country smaller than Great Britain.

I defy anybody not to enjoy Malawi. It’s great for birders and adventurers, and is superb for families and honeymooners alike. It’s by no means a classic safari destination, but is one of the loveliest places to visit for a great African vacation.

For me, selling Malawi is a bit like selling Madagascar. Not somewhere often asked for, but those that venture there love it. Two weeks here and you really do feel like you’ve visited one of the friendliest places in Africa. .

John Spence - One of Aardvark Safaris' Malawi safari specialists

Malawi Safaris - Ideas You Might Not Have Thought About

Scuba diving from Mumbo Island   Mumbo Island – Scuba Diving
Lake Malawi offers superb snorkeling and diving; the vast numbers of colorful freshwater cichlid fish and an underwater terrain with massive granite boulders makes this a truly remarkable destination. Mumbo Island is an unspoiled tropical island beautifully located in the world’s first freshwater marine reserve. This PADI registered resort boasts calm, clear, warm water and is ideal for beginners or those just seeking relaxed diving.
     
Malawi - elephant viewing from Mvuu   Liwonde - Game Viewing
Liwonde boat safaris are a brilliant way to view the abundant game in this lovely national park. This is home to huge elephant herds, buffalo, hippo, impala, and crocodile. The rich variety of birds along the Shire River is spectacular with many endemic species. Game drives from Mvuu Wilderness Lodge in the park often have sightings of leopard, impala, waterbuck, sable antelope, serval, and vervet monkeys. The luxury accommodations at the lodge are in spacious tents with private verandas built over the lagoon, affording outstanding wildlife viewing.
     
Malawi - sailing on Mufasa on Lake Malawi   Lake Malawi - Sailing Safaris
Some parts of the lake are accessible only by boat and are seldom visited. “Mufasa,” the 38 foot ocean-going catamaran is captained by an experienced, qualified yachtsman, accompanied by a chef and a deckhand, allowing guests to combine exclusive accommodations, with dramatic scenery and untamed coastlines. The boat has four double cabins and is equipped with six sets of scuba gear, snorkeling and fishing equipment.
     
Malawi - Likoma Cathedral   Likoma Cathedral – St. Peter’s
The sleepy, unspoiled island of Likoma is the unlikely place to find the oldest and third largest cathedral in central Africa. St. Peter’s is a beautiful building impressively sited on a mountain slope and is steeped in a fascinating history. A visit to the site makes an interesting diversion from the multitude of water-based activities which this idyllic island offers.
     
Malawi - satellite image of the Mulanje Massif   The Mulanje Massif - Hiking
The Mulanje Massif is an isolated hill of about 13 x 16 miles and over 10,000 feet high which rises steeply from the surrounding plains in southern Malawi. Multi-day hikes using mountain huts and guided routes can be arranged through the rolling grasslands, woodlands and deep ravines to one of the peaks. Along the way you will enjoy the incredible views and the varied flora and fauna, some of which are endemic to the area.