Must-Visit Places in Malawi

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore Malawi’s must-visit places, ensuring smooth communication while discovering the country’s stunning lakes, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Three-quarters of Malawi’s eastern edge is lined by the shimmering waters of Lake Malawi. Golden sand, palm trees, and granite boulders fringe its clear waters. Fish eagles soar overhead. Traditional fishing boats with wind-filled sails ply the lake. This is the heart of Malawi, an African country best known for the eponymous lake of the Great Rift Valley and the Shire River that drains it.

 

10 Best Places to Visit in Malawi for an Unforgettable Trip

But there’s much more to Malawi than a lake. This small country packs in a whole lot of variety, from highlands and forests to game parks teeming with wildlife. The people are some of the friendliest you’ll meet in Africa making Malawi a great holiday destination. Their welcome has earned Malawi the epithet of the “Warm Heart of Africa”.

 

Here are the top places to visit in Malawi to discover its diverse treasures:

 

1. Lake Malawi National Park

 

Lake Malawi National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unmatched variety of fish species. Located near the southern end of Lake Malawi, this park includes several small islands and a sizable aquatic area.

Some key things to do:

• Snorkel or scuba dive to see colourful cichlid fish up close

• Take a boat trip to Mumbo or Domwe Island

• Hike along the Otter Point trail for scenic lake views

• Watch the African fish eagle swoop down to snare prey

 

2. Majete Wildlife Reserve

 

In southern Malawi, Majete Wildlife Reserve is one of the best places to spot African wildlife. This 700 sq km reserve is home to the Big Five: elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo.

Key activities:

• Go on a game drive to spot lions, leopards, and elephants

• Take a boat safari on the Shire River to see hippos and crocodiles

• Hike up Majete Hill for panoramic views of the reserve

• Stay in a luxury lodge or family chalet inside the park

 

3. Zomba Plateau

 

Rising dramatically from the plains of southern Malawi, the Zomba Plateau reaches an elevation of over 2080 meters. This slab of rock is crisscrossed by streams and covered in vegetation and wildflowers.

Things to do:

• Drive up to the top of the plateau for sweeping views

• Hike the network of paths through forests and grasslands

• Watch for birds like the long-crested eagle and the Bertram’s weaver

• Visit the Ku Chawe Inn, a grand colonial-era hotel on the Zomba Plateau

 

4. Liwonde National Park

 

Liwonde National Park hugs the banks of the Shire River in southern Malawi. It’s one of the top Malawi tourist attractions for wildlife safaris. The park has a large elephant population along with other mammals like hippos, crocodiles, antelopes and monkeys.

Key activities:

• Take a boat trip on the Shire River to spot elephants, hippos and birdlife

• Go on a guided walking safari to track rhinos

• Stay in an upmarket lodge like Mvuu Camp or Kuthengo Camp

• Visit the nearby Liwonde town, a trading post during the slave trade era

 

5. Likoma Island

 

Likoma is a small island located in the northern waters of Lake Malawi. It is famous for its large Anglican cathedral, the St. Peter’s Cathedral, built in 1903. The island has some lovely beaches and offers various water activities.

Things to do:

• Visit the St. Peter’s Cathedral, supposedly the largest in Africa

• Snorkel in the crystal clear waters to see colourful cichlids

• Enjoy a sunset cruise or try kayaking on the calm lake

• Stay at Kaya Mawa, an upscale lodge on the island

 

6. Nyika National Park

 

Nyika National Park is Malawi’s largest park. It sits on the 2500-meter-high Nyika Plateau in northern Malawi. The park is known for its rolling grasslands, herds of roan antelope, and rich birdlife. The views from the edge of the plateau are spectacular.

Key activities and sights:

• Spot antelope species like roan, eland and reedbuck on game drives

• Go trout fishing in the clear streams of the plateau

• Hike or bike the network of trails across the grasslands

• Look for the rare Denham’s bustard and wattled crane

• Visit the Chelinda Lodge, watch wildlife at the salt lick

 

7. Lilongwe

 

Lilongwe is the capital city of Malawi. It is divided into the Old Town and New City. The Old Town has bustling markets and local food stalls, while the New City is more modern with government buildings, hotels, and malls.

Things to do:

• Visit the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre to see rescued animals

• Shop for souvenirs at the Lilongwe Curio Market

• Dine at Bombay Palace for delicious Indian food

• Take a tour of the Kamuzu Mausoleum and memorial tower

• Stay at Latitude 13 or Sunbird Capital hotel

 

8. Thyolo Tea Estates

 

Thyolo district in southern Malawi is known for its sprawling tea plantations. The scenic tea estates date back to the early 1900s. A visit offers insights into Malawi’s tea industry and a chance to taste some of the finest teas.

Key activities:

• Take a guided tour of the Satemwa Tea Estate

• Learn about the tea production process from leaf to cup

• Sample a variety of teas at the estate’s tasting room

• Stay at the Huntingdon House, a charming colonial-era house

• Visit the nearby Thyolo Mountain for hiking and birding

 

9. Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve

 

Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve lies in central Malawi along the shores of Lake Malawi. It is one of the oldest reserves in Malawi. The park is known for its pristine miombo woodlands and large herds of elephants.

Things to do and see:

• Take a guided walking safari to track elephants on foot

• Go birdwatching, look for the African skimmer and palm nut vulture

• Canoe on the Bua River running through the reserve

• Stay at the Tongole Wilderness Lodge inside the park

• Visit the nearby Nkhotakota Pottery to buy ceramic souvenirs

 

10. Mount Mulanje

 

Mount Mulanje is a granite massif in southern Malawi near the city of Blantyre. Its highest peak, Sapitwa, reaches 3002 meters. The mountain is known for its hiking trails, waterfalls, and endemic cedar trees.

Key activities and sights:

• Hike up to one of the peaks for panoramic views

• See the Dziwe la Nkhalamba and Likhubula Falls

• Look for the Mulanje tiger moth and other rare species

• Stay at the Likhubula Forestry Lodge at the base

• Visit a tea plantation around the mountain like the Lujeri Estate

From the lake to the mountains, these are some of the best places to visit in Malawi. The country offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, wildlife, outdoor activities and cultural experiences. An off-the-beaten-path destination, Malawi lets you discover Africa at a slower pace.

 

Staying Connected in Malawi with Airtel

 

While Malawi has good mobile connectivity in cities and major towns, network coverage can be limited in remote areas like national parks. Investing in an international roaming plan is a smart way to stay connected wherever you go.

Airtel’s Postpaid International Roaming Packs offer a convenient solution. Their affordable plans come with generous data allowances, covering worldwide. Having a data plan lets you access maps, book hotels, find restaurants, and share your Malawi experiences on social media without worrying about high roaming costs.

Malawi beckons with its unique sights and experiences. Add these beautiful places to visit in Malawi to your bucket list. With stunning natural beauty, rich wildlife, and the warm hospitality of its people, Malawi truly lives up to its reputation as Africa’s “Warm Heart”.