Popular Routes Where Wildlife Viewing Is a Major Part of the Tour
Malawi is a small, narrow country whose eastern border area encompasses Lake Malawi for about two-thirds of its length. The country is a very popular backpacker destination and there are several locations on the lake catering to this market. To see most of the highlights, a self-drive package or a custom tour is recommended.
Due to the geography of Malawi, the obvious two circuits are those centered on the south and the north, as described below. However, it’s easy to combine elements from both to make a longer trip that covers the whole country. In this case, it would make sense to book at least one flight to avoid too much backtracking.
Malawi’s South (1.5 to 2 weeks)
Arriving at Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre, Malawi’s second-largest city, you’re in striking distance of the country’s most exciting wildlife and hiking destinations.
Destinations:
- Liwonde National Park (2 to 3 days) is a superb Big Five safari destination. With many activities on offer, it is easy to spend a few days here. A boat trip on the Shire River, with its plentiful hippos and elephants, is an iconic African experience, while lion, cheetah and black rhino might be seen on game drives.
- Zomba Plateau (2 to 3 days) is a great walking destination offering fantastic views of the plains below. Horseback riding is also a popular activity here.
- Mt Mulanje (2 to 3 days) is Malawi’s tallest mountain. Its steep, forested slopes rise to a 3,002m/9,849ft summit. Active adventure-seekers can go on the famous three-day trek across the peak, overnighting in rustic huts. Alternatively, stay in an old colonial house in a tea estate in the foothills, and admire the mountain from below. There are many day hikes you can make from this location.
- Majete Wildlife Reserve (2 to 3 days) is a top-notch safari destination that now hosts all the Big Five as well as cheetah and African wild dog. Accommodations range from a down-to-earth community-owned tented camp to a luxurious lodge in a private concession.
- Cape Maclear (2 to 5 days), in Lake Malawi National Park, is a great base for relaxing on the beach. A snorkeling trip is a must to see the amazing array of colorful fish in the lake. Scuba diving is also offered, and this is a popular spot to sign up for a course. From here, you can return to Blantyre or travel on to Lilongwe for your flight home.
Popular add-ons:
- Nyika National Park for unique mountain scenery and the chance to see a leopard
- Mumbo Island for great kayaking and an exclusive lake experience offshore of Cape Maclear
- Likoma Island for serenity and historical interest
Malawi’s North (1.5 to 2 weeks)
After arriving at Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital city, head east to the lake.
Destinations:
- Senga Bay (2 to 3 days) is a great place to relax at the lake, but there are lots of activities on offer for those who like to stay busy.
- Kuti Wildlife Reserve (0.5 to 1 day) can be visited overnight or on a day trip from Senga Bay. This community project is a good introduction to Malawi’s wildlife.
- Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve (2 to 3 days) offers a true wilderness experience. Elephants can sometimes be seen at the lodges, and activities include guided walks and bird watching.
- Nkhata Bay (2 to 5 days) is a vibrant and popular small town on the lakeshore. This is a great place for chilling out, snorkeling, diving – and maybe even a diving course.
- Nyika National Park (3 to 4 days) is a unique, high-altitude park, with a very different feel to the reserves in the south. Although not a Big Five destination, it is the best place in Malawi to see a leopard, and the pristine landscape is outstanding.
Having come all the way to the north of the country, you could take a charter flight back to Lilongwe directly, or via Liwonde National Park or Majete Wildlife Reserve for some top-quality wildlife viewing. If you are driving back south, break the trip at one of the resort areas along the lake, such as Chintheche.
Popular add-ons:
- Liwonde National Park for an iconic boat trip on the Shire River and elephant encounters
- Majete Wildlife Reserve for a great Big Five safari experience
- Likoma Island for serenity and historical interest
Malawi’s Flying Safari (1 week)
There are no scheduled flights to Malawi’s parks and reserves. However, Nyasa Express does offer charter flights to Majete Wildlife Reserve, Liwonde National Park, Nyika National Park, Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, Likoma Island and the southern lakeshore. If time is a constraint and your budget allows, this is a very efficient way to see the country’s highlights. Since Malawi is a small country, flights will be short and can be done in any order. Nyasa Express also offers a scheduled flight to Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park as part of this circuit.
Destinations:
- Likoma Island on Lake Malawi offers remote-island vibes and is steeped in history, with ties to Livingstone’s mission in the 1880s
- Majete Wildlife Reserve is arguably Malawi’s top wildlife reserve, with all of the Big Five present
- Liwonde National Park is Malawi’s most established safari destination. It is particularly scenic and lush, and a boat trip on the Shire River is not to be missed.
- The southern shore of Lake Malawi offers several low-key resorts where you can relax on the beach for a few days before heading back home
Popular add-ons:
- Luangwa Valley in Zambia for a top-quality wildlife experience
- Nyika National Park for unique mountain scenery and the chance to see a leopard
- Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve for a true wilderness experience
Want To Visit Malawi?
35 Malawi Safaris
