Malawi: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Are you ready for an unforgettable African adventure? Look no further than Malawi, a land of natural wonders and cultural riches. From the calm shores of Lake Malawi to the towering peaks of Mount Mulanje, Malawi is a gem waiting to be explored. Let us show you the best things to do in Malawi and reveal its secrets.

• Malawi is a top destination for diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences.
• Lake Malawi, the third-largest freshwater lake in the world, offers a wealth of activities from snorkeling to kayaking.
• Liwonde National Park is a prime safari destination, teeming with elephants, hippos, and a variety of bird species.
• Mount Mulanje, the highest peak in Central Africa, provides challenging hiking trails and scenic vistas.
• Malawi’s vibrant capital, Lilongwe, showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage and cuisine.

The stunning Lake Malawi stretches across a fifth of Malawi, inviting you to explore an aquatic wonderland. Its sandy beaches and calm waters are full of life. This makes it a top spot for water sports and relaxing vacations.

Snorkeling and diving here are amazing, with over 1,000 species of colorful fish. You can feel like you’re in a giant aquarium. For a calm day, try kayaking or sailing, or just read a book at a beach lodge.

By the lakeshore, you’ll find cozy fishing villages and beach lodges. These places offer a real taste of Malawian life. You can explore local communities or enjoy private spots like Mumbo Island or Nkwichi Lodge on the Mozambican shore.

Whether you’re near Likoma Island or in Cape Maclear, the lake’s calm vibe will relax you.

Lake Malawi is a gem with its diverse life, water sports, and peaceful beach spots. It’s perfect for a lazy, refreshing vacation.

Planning your trip to Malawi? Don’t miss Liwonde National Park, the top safari spot. It’s a beautiful place by the Shire River, known for its amazing wildlife.

Step into Liwonde and see huge herds of elephants, many types of antelope, and lots of birds. You’ll also see hippos and crocodiles by the river. Stay at the fancy Mvuu Lodge and go on early morning bush walks with guides. Or, take exciting boat safaris on the Shire River to see wildlife up close.

“Liwonde National Park is a true gem, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in Malawi’s incredible natural wonders.”

Liwonde National Park has lots of activities and places to stay. It’s ideal for your Malawian safari. Whether you want an exciting wildlife adventure or a quiet time in nature, this park has it all.

Located 70 km southwest of Blantyre, Malawi, the Majete Wildlife Reserve spans 70,000 hectares. It was once nearly empty but has made a big change. Now, it’s home to the Big Five – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo. You’ll also find zebra, hippo, crocodile, and many antelope species.

The luxurious Mkulumadzi Lodge is a top spot in Majete. It sits by the Shire River, offering a great place to stay for safaris. The lodge’s chalets are perfect for exploring this peaceful area.

• Enjoy guided nature walks and immersive game drives to spot the Big Five and other iconic African animals
• Experience the thrill of sunset boat safaris on the Shire River, where you can observe hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds
• Indulge in the first-rate service and amenities at Mkulumadzi Lodge, your home away from home in the heart of the Majete Wildlife Reserve

Majete Wildlife Reserve is a hidden gem, offering a unique safari experience away from the crowds. It’s a place to see the amazing work of conservation. With its beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and luxury lodges, it’s a top spot for any safari lover in Malawi.

“Majete Wildlife Reserve is one of the continent’s greatest conservation success stories, a true hidden gem in the heart of Malawi.”

Mount Mulanje stands tall at over 3,000m, making it Central Africa’s highest peak. It’s a top spot for hikers in Malawi. The mountain, just 65 km east of Blantyre, has trails through tea plantations and cedar forests. These trails lead to stunning waterfalls and cool rock pools, perfect for a swim.

Hiking here is a challenge that requires good fitness and the right gear. But the views from the top are worth it. From Sapitwa Peak, you can see the lights of Mozambique twinkling below. The way down is tough, with steep rocks that you’ll climb using your hands, feet, and even your bottom.

For a full experience, try the 3-night, 4-day trek on the Mulanje Massif. This 46 km journey takes you from 850m to 3,000m, burning about 15,000 calories. You’ll stay in mountain huts, like the historic CCAP Hut and the modern Lichenya Hut, near cool water pools.

If you’re looking for a thrilling hike in Malawi, Mount Mulanje is the place to be. With the help of guides from Mulanje Outdoors, you can tackle this amazing mountain and enjoy Malawi’s stunning nature.

Lilongwe is the lively capital of Malawi, blending modern and cultural charm. It’s split into the modern New Town and the vibrant Old Town. Visitors can find many attractions here.

Experience the energy of Lilongwe’s markets, especially the central market on Malangalanga Road. You’ll see vendors selling local produce, textiles, and Indian spices. Enjoy haggling and the lively atmosphere.

When you’re hungry, check out Lilongwe’s food scene. The Old Town has many restaurants and cafés. They offer local and international dishes, from traditional Malawian to Indian and global flavors.

Between the New and Old Towns is the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre. It’s a place for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. Take a tour to learn about conservation and meet rescued animals.

For history and culture, visit the Kamuzu Palace, where Malawi’s first president lived. Near it, the Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary has trails and birds to see.

Sports fans can play golf at the Lilongwe Golf Club. It has a great course and beautiful views. Lilongwe offers a memorable experience with its markets, food, wildlife, and history.

“Lilongwe is a city of contrasts, where the modern and the traditional coexist in a captivating dance.”

Nyika National Park is a gem in northern Malawi, known for its stunning natural beauty. It boasts high-rolling grasslands and lush valleys. This makes it a top spot for wildlife lovers.

Take a game drive during the day to see the park’s amazing animals. You’ll see roan antelope, eland, and zebra roaming freely. At night, look out for hyenas, jackals, and the rare serval.

For those who love adventure, Nyika offers great hiking and mountain biking. Explore the vast grasslands and enjoy the beautiful views. It’s perfect for those who want to see wildlife up close or just enjoy nature.

“Nyika National Park is a true gem of Malawi, offering visitors a unique and unforgettable safari experience. The diverse landscapes and abundance of wildlife make it a true standout in the country’s collection of natural wonders.”

Explore the lush forests and trails of the Zomba Plateau, a natural wonder in Malawi. This area was once the capital and now has a lively market and old colonial buildings. The real magic is the breathtaking views from the top.

Climb the Zomba Plateau, a mountain with forests, streams, and trails. Reach Queen’s View and Emperor’s View for amazing views. Or, relax at the Ku-Chawe Hotel with afternoon tea on the terrace.

Zomba, the former capital, shows off Malawi’s colonial history. Walk through the market to see local goods. Look at the old buildings with moss and ferns, showing Malawi’s architectural past.

“The Zomba Plateau is truly a hidden gem, offering a delightful blend of natural wonder and historic charm. A visit here is a must for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in Malawi’s captivating landscapes and cultural tapestry.”

To truly get to know Malawi, we suggest you dive into the lively local village life. The friendly Malawian people live in traditional villages and are a big draw. They welcome visitors with open arms, showing off their culture and traditions.

Step into the heart of traditional villages to see daily life in action. You can watch woodcarvers at work or even try your hand at cooking local dishes. Strolling through flea markets lets you see and buy handmade items, helping the local economy.

• Explore the traditional architecture and layout of Malawian villages
• Witness the skilled artistry of local woodcarvers and try your hand at creating your own masterpiece
• Participate in a cooking class to learn the secrets of Malawian cuisine
• Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of bustling flea markets

Malawi’s rural areas show off the country’s warm welcome and strong traditions. By connecting with the locals and experiencing village life, you’ll gain a deep respect for the Malawian people’s spirit.

“The friendly Malawian people are the heart and soul of this captivating country. Exploring their traditional villages is a truly unforgettable experience.”

Malawi is a truly remarkable destination for adventurous travelers. It offers serene shores, wildlife-rich national parks, and more. Whether you want a relaxing beach vacation, an exciting safari, or to dive into local culture, Malawi has it all.

The country is known for its stunning natural beauty. It has the third-largest lake in Africa, towering mountains, and vast grasslands full of wildlife. Liwonde National Park is a top spot for safaris, with elephants, hippos, and over 400 bird species.

Nyika National Park is the largest in Malawi and offers breathtaking landscapes and wildlife encounters. Beyond nature, Malawi’s cities like Lilongwe are vibrant. They invite you to explore markets, taste local food, and connect with the friendly Malawian people.

Whether you’re hiking, experiencing village life, or relaxing by Lake Malawi, Malawi will leave a lasting impression. Start planning your trip to Malawi now. Discover the best things to do, attractions, and an authentic travel guide to this amazing place.