Malawi: The Warm Heart of Africa

Malawi is a land-locked country at the southern end of the Great Rift Valley in Central Africa. Promoted as the Warm Heart of Africa, it is justly famous for its hospitality and welcoming people. By African standards Malawi is tiny, but it has a wide diversity of scenery and wildlife. The backbone of the country is Lake Malawi which stretches for over 300 miles covering more than 20% of the country in water. Lake Malawi is an excellent watersports destination, making diving in Malawi, kayaking in Malawi and snorkling in Malawi great holiday activities for after a traditional Malawi safari. The back drop of mountains, tropical white beaches and crystal clear waters make this one of the most scenic parts of Africa. Away from the lake, three high plateaux, Nyika, Zomba and Mulanje, tower above Malawi’s rolling farmlands; all offer gentle hiking in a rich wilderness of moorlands, forests and opportunities for some unique African safaris.

Nature lovers will adore Malawi’s national parks and game reserves, hiking and horse-back safaris. Malawi’s small size, well-maintained roads and good public transport make traveling a pleasure.

Our Experience

Ali on her Malawi Safari near Lake Malawi
Ali, our product manager at Mahlatini writes about her time in Malawi. Read her stories here

Planning your trip to Malawi


Malawi is a tiny country but it offers a wide diversity of scenery and wildlife. Most people combine a visit to Lake Malawi with one of the more traditional safari experiences offered by its neighbours in Zambia and Tanzania.

As always the climate and your personal interests need to be considered when choosing when to travel. The climate here is equatorial but altitude and aspect have a dramatic influence. In general the dry season is from May to August, followed by a hot humid period from September to October and a wet season from November to April. Temperatures are much lower in the highland areas.

The back drop of mountains, tropical white beaches and crystal clear waters make this World Heritage Site one of the most scenic National Parks in Africa; a superb location for snorkelling, diving and fishing, the perfect way to relax after your safari. Away from the lake, three high plateaux, Nyika, Zomba and Mulanje, tower above rolling farmlands; all offer gentle hiking in a rich wilderness of moorlands and forests - and opportunities for some unique safaris. Nature lovers will adore the national parks and game reserves, hiking and horse-back safaris. . The forest reserves host species such as the samango monkey, bushpig and even leopard, Elephant Marsh on the lush Shire River supports Malawi's largest population of crocodiles as well as numerous hippos. Malawi’s small size, well-maintained roads and good public transport make travelling a pleasure.



These are all just sample itineraries to you an idea of how to use your time. There is a huge range of accommodation styles and options so please do call us and speak to one our specialist advisors who will then prepare your personal quote.