If you are planning to visit Malawi, or possibly just doing some research trust us its gonna be one of your best decision. You have found the right website to help you know everything you’re curious about. There are loads of best things to do in Malawi, while this itinerary isn’t that comprehensive, but it will perform as a Malawi travel guide.
Malawi is a landlocked country located in south eastern Africa often termed as the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ bordered by Zambia, the United Republic of Tanzania and Mozambique. It is a home to friendly people, beautiful nature and landscapes including Lake Malawi (also called Lake Nyasa) which is the third largest fresh water lake in Africa. Lake Malawi is a UNESCO world heritage site, offering the largest number of colourful fish species known as cichlid (pronounced siklid) out of which 95% are endemic to the region. This lake is also best for diving and snorkelling, don’t worry the crocodiles and hippos wont harm you anyway, they stay some place far away from the civilization…
Malawi may not have the famous national parks unlike Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa, still (hosts 9 national parks) but we are sure it is the type of place where you would get stuck with its uncommon beauty and incredible sunsets. Malawi attracts some cool travellers be it solo or pair. Mostly you would find tourists who are backpackers here. We ended up being friends with some and to us that’s the best feeling ever, knowing people from around the world and collecting experiences.
Moreover Malawi’s flora and fauna, diverse bird species, culture, friendly people makes it an ideal destination for anyone to fall in love with Africa’ and experience the bush and beach at the same time. Malawi as a nation is still a hidden gem to many travellers, as tourism hasn’t bloomed yet, which means less tourists everywhere which allows you to enjoy the amazing sites and landscapes without a crowd.
Further you can cross the overland border and travel to Zambia, Mozambique or Tanzania. Click to read our detailed blog and everything you would want to know about Zambia and Tanzania.
Things to know before you go : Things to do in Malawi
1. Best time to visit Malawi : Things to do in Malawi
You can visit Malawi all year round. But the best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season between May and October. Monsoon begins between November and April.
2. Is Malawi safe : Things to do in Malawi
Yes, absolutely. We didn’t feel unsafe or uncomfortable for a single moment. The people are so friendly and polite they helped us with everything possible they could. But we would advise you to take taxis and do not go anywhere alone in the dark, keep to busy streets and preferably walk in a group. Unfortunately, being gay is an illegal and impressionable offence in Malawi, so please be aware of this when visiting. You might find some local vendors pitching you multiple times to sell their products, avoid them softly just by saying ‘Ayi’ (N0) if you don’t wish to buy anything from them, they are not harmful in any way.
3. Medication you need before travelling to Malawi
As Malaria risk is high in Malawi it is advisable that you start your malaria medication before you travel. You would also need a Yellow Fever Certificate to visit this country. Make sure to carry mosquito or insect repellent along with you every time and everywhere here. You can see whether you need a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate here.
Note: there is a high chance of you getting infected by Bilharzia, which is a parasitic illness carried by freshwater snails. So we would highly recommend taking medications even if you don’t go swimming or perform any water activities. Start the medication later in six weeks once you return from Malawi.
4. How to get Malawi Visa : Things to do in Malawi
Most nationalities would need a visa to enter Malawi. You can apply for a 30 day single entry visa which is $75.You may also be able to get 90 days if obtaining your visa at an embassy. Most nationalities can get visas on arrival, however we applied it online and received it in less then 48 hrs.
We would recommend getting it online prior to your arrival to avoid any complications at the immigration. We felt people were very suspicious about everything (found it very weird) and the security checking was crazy. While some African passports allow you to enter without a visa, check your visa regulations here.
Note: Before applying for the Malawi visa you would also need an invitation letter from the lodge or hotels with whom you would be staying with, stating your reason for the visit. Click here to apply Malawi E Visa
5. Currency in Malawi : Things to do in Malawi
The official currency is the Malawian Kwacha (MK). 1 USD is equivalent to 1048 MK. There is a parallel market rate in Malawi and you may perhaps end up getting more/less than quoted rate online.
6. Language in Malawi : Things to do in Malawi
Chichewa is the national language in Malawi. However English is the official language which is spoken almost everywhere so communication isn’t a big problem.
7. How to travel around Malawi
Getting around in Malawi could be a bit of an effort, because the transportation modes aren’t that great, especially if you are travelling to the interior and remote areas. You might find local motor bikes and minibuses going around all day long in cities and towns. You often need to change buses as they stop every few minutes changing routes, it’s frustrating!
While the best way to travel around Malawi, is to hire a local guide and tour operator who can help you arrange your whereabouts right from the beginning till the end. We were fortunate enough while browsing the internet came across Kay De Silva (+265999913927) a beautiful lady and a wonderful host who helped us with everything, from stays to transfers. Words are less to describe her in person who knows the best of Malawi. Please convey our love and regards if you meet her.
We booked our stay and travel with (Warm Hearts and Adventures) and we are so glad that we did it with them. Would highly recommend you to consider this operator for any bookings, reservations and adventures- all you need to do is sit back and relax and leave everything on them.
8. How to reach Lilongwe
We boarded direct flights from Nairobi, Kenya and landed in Kimuzu International Airport (Lilongwe) within two hours of flying. You can also check with the available flight options you have, depending on the origin of your departure.
8. ATMs in Malawi
It would be great if you can keep cash handy at all times. You might not be able to access ATMs in the countryside.
9. How many days you need to explore Malawi
We would say it would take 2-3 weeks if you wish to explore the major highlights of Malawi. However we were there for a short visit and as we were coming from Kenya, travelled all the way to the south and then ended back in Lilongwe. Further you can cross the overland border and travel to Zambia, Mozambique or Tanzania.
Click here for a detailed blog and everything you would want to know about Zambia and Tanzania.
Here is the complete guide of visiting Malawi in 4-5 days, and things to do in south Malawi
Take a city tour of Lilongwe
While we started our journey from the capital city of Lilongwe, at the very beginning wished to get a feel of the country and its culture. Though there is nothing much to do and see in Lilongwe, hence we visited a local settlement with shop for curios and souvenirs. While we skipped visiting the Wildlife Centre which is home to orphaned animals, you can definitely give it a try and soak in the vibe of Lilongwe before heading out to the numerous other locations the country has to offer.
Ease yourself at Cape Maclear
From Lilongwe to Cape Maclear it is a drive about 5-6 hours, so be prepared. We were awestruck to see the natural beauty of the mountains while driving towards the south that it inherits. The roads are well maintained but a few kilometers before reaching Cape Maclear were bumpy and shaky. Cape Maclear or Chembe is an incredibly peaceful and beautiful village which offers breathtaking sunsets on the lake.
Click here to know more about things to do at Cape Maclear.
Go for a game drive at Liwonde National Park
From Cape Maclear we drove from another 4 hours and arrived at Liwonde National Park, located in southern Malawi close to the Mozambique border. It runs alongside the Shire River and part of Lake Malombe. We checked in at Kutchire (means bush) Lodge by late afternoon, and to our surprise met two African elephants right on the edge of a small stream that flows alongside the lodge, munching their meal. It was really fascinating to watch them while sipping our coffee. In this lodge you would mostly find backpackers and solo travelers, it was really fun interacting with everyone sitting by the fire and having the last meal of the day. The night ended with a local dance and vocal show.
Excitement was at its peak for the sunrise, and holding the privilege of visiting the national park for the ultimate game drive the day next. Honestly we have been to more than 60 national park game drives across Africa but the level of enthusiasm is very different every time. Our safari vehicle was set and so were we (group of 8 people). The game drive was exhilarating while we came across many elephants, lions, kudus, warthogs, hippos, gazelles and lot more. We really wished to see a rhino but had hard luck. Hope you all see some.
Did you know? Liwonde national park was in decline and also on the edge of total collapse, almost to the extent. But since then, Liwonde has tried to establish effective ranger forces and training grounds for the protection of wildlife and orchestrated animal reintroductions. In 2016 the park was at the epicentre of one of the largest elephant translocations in history. In our opinion Liwonde is one of the best, yet underrated safari destinations in Africa.
Park entry fee is 10$ for international visitors.
Take a boat ride to the Shire River
The sun was shining bright while we gulped our lunch at Kutchire lodge in search for more elephants who might visit the small stream to drink water. Later in the afternoon we all settled in for a boat game ride in the Shire river( boat carried 9-10 people). We were absolutely sure to witness crocodiles and hippos and the amazing flora and fauna.
We may have been on a number of safaris, but nothing comes close to the river safari offered in Liwonde. The bird life is abundant and we saw the hippos in hundreds. It is voted as one of the most glorious spots to enjoy a river safari and we can’t agree more!
Visit the Malape Pillars- A hidden gem
We are sure you haven’t heard of these pillars before. This place is still a hidden gem for many. To some its definitely gonna take you back to Cappadocia, Turkey. Malape Pillars may not be as well-known as Mount Mulanje or Lake Malawi but these mysterious sandstone formations nest deep in the trees at the foot of the forested Chikala Hills, in the Machinga District.
This is a geographical site and these pillars are formed due to the natural forces of nature. Because of their dramatic shapes the locals believe this to be a spiritual place and say some strange things used to happen earlier in the 20th century. From Lilongwe it is about 4 hours of drive to reach Malape, and from Liwonde national park it is just a short drive of 40-50 min. So make sure to visit the Malape pillars during your visit to Liwonde.
Points to remember while visiting Malape pillars
- Your vehicle might not enter till the entry point of the pillars. All you need to do, is park your car at Chindenga Village and hire a motor bike and ride at least 3km to the bumpy upcountry.
- Don’t go if it is raining.
- Try not to rely on GPS, it might be absolutely misleading. Unfortunately even locals weren’t very sure about the existence of the pillars, seriously we had a hard time finding this place(with no signboards). Still had to rely on every single soul we met on the street. Good luck!
- Before reaching you need to stop by a house where you would be asked to sign in the visitor’s book before you begin. While it is a short walking distance to the pillars from the house.
- Pay a small fee (less than 5$).
Envisioning the lovely end to this amazing time at Malawi. Guys hope you find this blog helpful planning yours, and if you have any queries please write it down in the comment section below. We would try to help with the best of our knowledge.
