Email gilbob2 | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The warm heart of Africa - a destination full of natural diversity
I try to visit Malawi once a year for pleasure, I'm a keen wildlife photographer, and for me every trip brings me so much enjoyment, the diversity of wildlife is astounding. My favourite time to go is when the rainy season starts (November / December), which although makes for difficulty traveling along the dirt roads, does bring out wildlife when the short spells of heavy rain stop and the temperature is cooler and more humid. Insects, birds, monkeys, but do watch out for the snakes!! You will need your malaria tablets, particularly in the wilderness and near the lake. Solar panels can be purchased for around 15,000 - 20,000 Malawian Kwacha, and if you take a car socket and car usb lighter charger, and a small portable usb battery - you can manage to charge your phone and camera each day as electricity in the wilderness is often non existant. Phone signal has improved over the years I have been, and you can often get a 3G service, although it can be patchy / unreliable, and will not support Skype / data calls. Local simcards are best bought with help from your guide - bundles work out at around 12,000 Malawian Kwacha for 6GB. The best times to look for wildlife is early in the morning from around 4am as the sun is rising, and before sunset at around 3 - 4pm onwards. The sun rises fast, and the heat does become unbearable quickly - during the day can be very hot and it's best to stay in the shade even with high factor suncream. Embrace the simple way of living, enjoy the local food, and be rewarded with some unusual and absolutely fantastic wildlife!!
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Email cittrarasu | under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Email Owen | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
I liked Liwonde National Park. I think that it's an unknown gem. Nyika and Lake Malawi were fine.
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Email Tanja | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Not many different animals but great to see elephants.
I went biking in Malawi for 3 months, also spending some days at 2 nationals parks to see animals. Because I went 3 months, I had a budget. The better accommodation in Malawi is run by foreigners and is more expensive. At the wild parks we could also pitch our tent and cook ourself which we love. We went on a boat safari at Liwonde National Park and saw elephants crossing the river. They also came to our camp to eat, for hours, really close! Amazing, best animal experience of Malawi. I didn't go on any car safari but you can see more animals then. Malawi in general is fantastic, beautiful scenery, beautiful people, I've traveled around a bit, but Malawi has number 1 on friendly, funny, good humoured people!