9 Best Places To Visit In Malawi - Updated 2024

1. Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi is considered to be the “jewel in the crown” of Malawi’s attractions. While the country may be landlocked, this beautiful 365-mile (587-kilometer) long and 52-mile (84-mile) wide lake is almost an inland sea, fringed with golden sandy beaches. The lake offers much in the way of water sports, with sailing and kayaking, on offer. With the many colourful freshwater fish to be seen in the lake, it is also the perfect place for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Fishing and swimming are also popular sports, or you can just lounge on the beach getting the perfect tan. Visitors can also enjoy a cruise on the yacht “Ilala”, to see the lake at its best. Several hotels and lodges are available in various areas around the lake.

Good to know:

• Lake Malawi National Park is situated at the southern end of the lake and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its remarkable diversity in fish species. It’s bound to be a paradise for divers, and I’d love to try out the sport here.

• While diving is possible all year round in Lake Malawi, if you want an extra special session, you should dive between September and December when the endemic cichlid fishes engage in their mating rituals.

• If you’d love more information about Lake Malawi, check out the tourism board site.

Stay here:

• Luxury: Norman Carr Cottage

• Budget: Thumbi View Lodge

2. Chongoni Rock Art

Located in the Dedza District of central Malawi, fascinating Chongoni Rock Art is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the location includes 127 sites, found among forested granite hills. Chongoni is considered the richest concentration of art from the Stone Age in Central Africa and is believed to be associated with various ceremonies and rituals from Malawi’s past.

Good to know:

• The rock art mainly centers around women and the role of art in women’s initiation in Chewa agricultural society. I think the artwork is instrumental in decoding the culture of the land.

• There are no visitor facilities surrounding the rock art area and it is suggested you either ask around for local guides or contact Dedza Pottery and Lodge for their services.

• Read more about Chongoni Rock Art on the tourism board site.

3. Dzalanyama Forest Reserve

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Dzalanyama Forest Reserve is located around 40 km (25 miles) from Lilongwe, among a steep range of hills. The forest offers trekking, hiking and mountain biking. It is also a great place for bird watchers, who can spot rare species like the Miombo Pied Barbet and the White Tailed Flycatcher, among others. There are natural streams and pools in the area for visitors to cool off after a day of exploring the reserve.

Good to know:

• Besides unique birds, Dzalanyama Forest Reserve is also home to beautiful ferns and orchids.

• Dzalanyama Forest Lodge is situated in the center of the forest and allows day visitors access to its campsite facilities.

• Check out Dzalanyama Forest Reserve’s tourism board site for more information.

4. Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve

Nkhotakota is nestled close to the shores of Lake Malawi, with several large rivers that cross the reserve. It is one of two large game reserves in the Central Region. Elephants can regularly be seen in the reserve, as well as several antelope species, leopards, zebra and buffalo.

Good to know:

• Game drives are organized here for day visitors. Interested folks can book a 10-seat game-viewing vehicle, and the experience may even include a talk at the Environmental Education Center.

• You can explore the reserve in your own vehicle as well. The park opens at 6 am and visitors can enter by the Bua Gate.

• If you need more details to plan your itinerary, check out Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve’s tourism board site.

5. Zomba Plateau

The Zomba Massif is a mountain in the Shire Highlands and rises above the town of Zomba, in southern Malawi. Zomba Plateau, on its summit, is a wonderfully leafy and attractive place to visit. Its forests of pine, cypress and cedar provide welcome shade, while the many streams, lakes and waterfalls give an opportunity for a refreshing dip. Some wildlife can be seen, including the occasional leopard, baboons and giant butterflies. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic.

Good to know:

• If you don’t want to chance driving on dirt roads, the asphalt road leading up from the city of Zomba might just be the best way to get to the plateau.

• The waterbodies of the plateau are home to trout and you can fish for these in the right season.

• Need more information? Check out Zomba Plateau’s tourism board site.

Stay here:

• Luxury: Sunbird Ku Chawe

• Budget: Paphiri House

6. Mount Mulanje

The Mulanje Massif, or Mount Mulanje, is located in southern Malawi, 65 km (40 miles) east of Blantyre. It rises 10,000 ft (3,048 m) from the surrounding Chiradzulu plains and the Mulanje tea-growing district. The mountain provides great hiking and serious mountain climbing activities. A variety of wildlife can be spotted here, including the klipspringer antelope and many species of birds. Trout fishing is available, close by, in the River Lichenya.

Good to know:

• You can check out InfoMulanje for information on tour guides and souvenirs of Mount Mulanje. They can also set you up with accommodations.

• There is a total of 18 hiking routes along the mountain which will take you up to popular viewpoints, pools, rivers, and waterfalls. I think it would be a great place to visit with friends.

• Head to the tourism board site for Mount Mulanje for more information.

Stay here:

• Luxury: Kara O Mula Mulanje

• AfricaWildTruck Eco Camp & Lodge

7. Majete Wildlife Reserve

1/2 Elephant at Majete wildlife reserve

2/2 Majete Wildlife Reserve - Impalas

Majete Wildlife Reserve is located in the Lower Shire Valley of southwest Malawi, around 70 km (43.5 miles) from Blantyre. The reserve gives testimony to a real success story of animal conservation after it was almost depleted of its wildlife. Since African Parks took over, Majete has become one of the more popular reserves in the country and these days it is the only Malawi location where the “Big Five” can be seen, along with various buck species, zebras and warthogs.

Good to know:

• Bush camping experiences are offered here, and each camping site can accommodate up to four vehicles. It’s best to opt for the rooftop tents.

• Birdwatchers will love the birdwatching experience organized here where tourists can spy for the more than 300 bird species in the reserve from their game viewing vehicle. The insights from the specialist bird guide will add to the enriching experience.

• If you need more information, check out the tourism board site for Majete Wildlife Reserve.

Stay here:

• Luxury: Ng'ona Lodge

8. Nyika National Park

Located in northern Malawi, on the Zambian border, Nyika National Park lies on the Nyika Plateau, among wooded valleys and grassland. Wildlife, including elephants, antelope, zebras, leopards and bushbucks can be viewed from mountain biking tracks and footpaths, through the park. 4x4 wildlife excursions can also be enjoyed and there is a range of birdlife to be seen, including red-winged francolins and wattled cranes. In season, wildflowers and orchids can be seen adorning the landscape. There are also waterfalls and trout pools to visit, as well as a neolithic rock shelter.

Good to know:

• Lake Kaulime is situated within the park and is an important spiritual site.

• If you are keen to see the famous plant species of the park, make sure to visit in the rainy season when the orchids bloom.

• You can check out the park’s tourism board site for more information.

9. Liwonde National Park

Liwonde National Park is located in the south of Malawi, 160 km (99.4 miles) from Blantyre. The park runs along the banks of the Shire River and a portion of Lake Malombe. This allows for boat safaris, as well as the traditional 4x4 excursions or hiking safaris. The wildlife on offer includes elephants, black rhinos, sable, kudu and bushbuck, with the occasional hyena, lion or leopard to be seen, while the water attracts many crocodiles and hippos. Birdlife in the park is varied, with weaver birds to be seen in the woodland areas and fish eagles, at the river.

Good to know:

• The dry season, which extends from April to October, is the best time to visit the park if you’re into wildlife watching. The landscape will be dry and open, making it easy to see animals.

• The villages near Liwonde National Park are the best places to experience the local culture.

• You can read more about the park at the tourism board page.

Stay here:

• Luxury: Waters Edge Liwonde

Visit the "Warm Heart of Africa"

Make a point of visiting Malawi, with its gorgeous scenery, fascinating wildlife and friendly, welcoming people. It is truly the experience of a lifetime.