Malawi Travel

Getting There

Flights
Lilongwe would be recommended as your entry point into Malawi from outside of Africa. Air Malawi have flights from within Southern Africa to Lilongwe, international flights from outside of Africa are serviced by British Airways (London) and KLM (Amsterdam).

Land & water
Main entry points into Malawi from other African countries include Tanzania (Songwe), Zambia (Mchinji & Chitipa), South Africa (Marka), Mozambique (Zobue & Lake Malawi) and Tanzania (Kyela & Songeya Ferry).

When to Go

The best time to go is during Malawi's dry season from April to October. The vegetation is at its most attractive between May and July, it is green and lush.

From September the temperature starts to rise and the landscape starts to dry out, by October it is definitely hot, but the best time to view the wildlife and just before the rains fall.

Highlights not to Miss

Nyika National Park
Malawi's oldest and largest national park, Nyika is about 3000 sq km with a vast range of grassland covered rolling hills, unusual for Africa. It boasts a dense pine forest where the air is cool. Views on a clear day in this national park are endless. From December to April, when the rainfall is high, wild flowers contribute to the beauty of the Nyika National Park and around 200 species of orchid grow on the plateau. Birds are also prolific in the area with wildlife ranging from antelopes to predators. From Lilongwe the park is about 350 km, the best way to get there is by charter flight.

Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve
The vegetation and habitats in this wildlife reserve is varied. In the north is the Vwaza Marsh, a large area of swamp surrounded by miombo woodland with patches of mopane and acacia woodlands. The reserve is about 300 km from Lilongwe and a charter flight can get you there in no time.

Nkhata Bay
This lush tropical bay is on the northern lakeshore of Lake Malawi. With picturesque sunsets and the Caribbean atmosphere Nkhata Bay could be your escape to a small paradise. Activities include swimming, kayaking and scuba diving. Nkhata is about 250 km from Lilongwe.

Likoma Island
Getting to Likoma is a ferry away from Nkhata Bay. Although it is on the Mozambique side of Lake Malawi it belongs to Malawi. The island is about 17 sq km with a population of about 6000. Likoma boasts pristine beaches and the area is covered by eucalypts and mango trees in the north where it is hilly. In the south you will find a flat sandy area with baobabs and you can view the wild coast of Mozambique which is 40 km away. Activities on Likoma Island include swimming, snorkeling, water skiing, scuba diving, mountain biking, walking or just lazing in the sun.

Kasungu National Park
West of Kasungu town you will find this 2000 sq km national park. Since the elephant population has greatly reduced by poachers, the miombo woodland is dense and covers the region. Bird watching is excellent, woodland and grassland species as well as waders can be seen.

Cape Maclear
On the southern end of Lake Malawi you will find Cape Maclear. Being well publicized and a popular place for tourists it is ideal for first timers. This picturesque and relaxing place gives you an opportunity to unwind and enjoy the beauty and activities of the Lake. Cape Maclear is part of the Lake Malawi National Park, one of the few freshwater aquatic parks in Africa.

Liwonde National Park
Rated the best national park in Malawi you can find Liwonde National Park which is about 16 km from Lilongwe. The Shire River in the west attracts an abundance of wildlife and floods the plains in the east of the park.

The Zomba Plateau
The plateau is divided into two by the Domasi Valley. In the southern half you will find hiking paths that go through pine forests and patches of indigenous woodlands. Viewpoints of the plains below are found along ridges on the edge of the escarpment. There are streams, waterfalls and some lakes where you can go fishing. Hiking is good in the cool air which is a welcome from the heat of the lowland areas.