The climate in Malawi 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.
Malawi can be visited at any time of year but from a game viewing point of view, broadly speaking the drier and hotter it is than the better the game viewing. As well as this, generally Lake Malawi is best during the dry season as well. The lake is at its clearest from September to January.
Even in the so-called wet season, the rains are usually short-lived storms, as is typical of the tropics, and at no time does the climate seriously inhibit the traveller. Some of the best bird watching can be had from November to April and the orchids of Nyika are best seen from December to March/April.
For further details on when is the best time to visit the various regions of Malawi, chat to one of Mahlatini’s experts.
There are a few main regions which attract visitors to Malawi and these can be reached in a number of ways. Generally tourists enter Malawi at its capital city Lilongwe. From here visitors either embark on private fly in safaris, self drive trips or guaranteed departure mobile safaris.
Variety is the country's key word. For those on a budget then there are often inexpensive and comfortable options. For those used to the superb quality of the lodges in Botswana, South Africa and Zambia we can offer Chelinda Lodge, Mvuu Lodge, Kaya Mawa and Mumbo Island, all linked by charter plane or private transfers in air conditioned vehicles. Private safaris can be done with any number from 1-20. These are guided throughout by a company guide in our own specially converted safari vehicles. Usually a caterer also accompanies and standards are of the highest order. We can also offer private fly-in safaris or a combination of vehicle and light aircraft.
For fly in safaris there is a choice of trips, the first is using air charter for all transport between overnight stops such as in our Best of Central Africa Wing Safari. The other option is for a group to charter the plane for their exclusive use and over a whole itinerary as per our specialists' guide program. These trips can be unaccompanied or accompanied by one Wilderness Safaris’ guides.
Together with our partner Wilderness Safaris we can put together several special interest trips for groups and can offer birding, cultural, vegetation, and historical trips all with a specialist guide. Wilderness Safaris have particular experience with birding and mountain-biking trips.
We can also organise family trips to a number of establishments in Malawi which not only offer ideal accommodation but also specific activities for children. These range from junior orienteering to fishing, sailing, hiking, and mountain biking.
We do not always recommend self-drive in Malawi as it is not an easy place to get around. Some roads are in poor shape - what looks like the most practical route on the map is often not. Comparatively expensive hiring prices, often means that a similar itinerary with transfers using a knowledgeable local guide often works out at a similar price. So essentially we tend not to recommend self drive holidays but only quote on them to those who are committed self drivers.
Another popular way to travel Malawi is in guaranteed departure mobile safaris such as our Great Malawi Journey exploration. Chat to one of the experts at Mahlatini who will assist you in the planning of your holiday to Malawi.