Journeying through Malawi: 8 Fantastic Things to See in ‘The Warm Heart of Africa’

Malawi, the little landlocked country boasts a range of things to see and is most famous for its warm and smiling people. Known for Lake Malawi, the country is largely a ‘beach destination’ but has also a range of National Parks and Wildlife Reserves – a true hidden gem. Away from tourist crowds, you get an authentic experience of slow daily life, untouched nature, and even wildlife!

In this guide we’ll explore how to travel to Malawi from Tanzania, the best things to see and do, and why it’s worth visiting!

Things to Know Before Traveling to Malawi

Visa

Since February 2024, Malawi waived visa fees for 79 countries, making it easier than ever to visit the country. If you are from Germany, France, the UK, Canada, Australia or certain countries in Asia and Africa you can now visit Malawi visa-free for up to 90 days. Check the official government website for more info and whether you need to apply for a visa!

Official LanguagesEnglish and Chichewa (Chewa) are the official languages. Learning a few basic phrases in Chichewa can be helpful.

Best Time to Visit Malawi

Malawi has a tropical climate with a rainy season from November to April and a dry season from May to October. Especially in the ‘winter’ it can get chilly at night and in the morning. Hence, if you are planning to go on safari, make sure to pack some layers and long-sleeved clothing.

Internet & WiFi

Internet access is available in guesthouses and hotels as well as some tourist spots. Purchasing a local SIM card from Airtel however, will be helpful. If you want to be connected the minute you arrive, think about getting an eSIM help with mobile data.

How to Get Around Malawi

Public Transport: Buses, minivans and shared taxis are common for intercity travel in Malawi. In most cities, I couldn’t find big buses and when I did, their ‘schedule’ largely varied from day to day. These buses are unpredictable and I wouldn’t recommend trying to catch them in the villages but only in the bigger cities. Mostly you’ll find minivans and shared taxis, waiting in certain areas of town and just after the border.

Here are some costs and routes I took from Tanzania by bus to Malawi, heading from north to south:

Tanzania to Malawi

Mbeya (Tanzania) to Malawi: Nane-Nane Bus Stop, find a bus to the border at Kasumulu for 7000 TSH or US$2,60. Add another 1-2000TSH for a moto-taxi taking you to the border from the bus terminal or walk alternatively.

North Malawi to Central Malawi

Kasumulu to Karonga: Catch a minivan or shared taxi to the next bigger city which is Karonga. The ride will cover about 1-2 hours and costs 5,000 MKW. If you’re good on time, head further south towards Chitimba Camp to cover about 126km that day for US$10. Be prepared the roads up north are some of the worst, littered with potholes which makes it hard to advance.

Chitimba to Mzuzu to Nkhata Bay: From Chitimba to Mzuzu it’s about 4 hrs drive. Here you need to change cars and head on to Nkhata Bay for another 1,5 hrs, costing about 12,000 MKW or US$10.

Bay to Nhkotakota: By far one of the longest stretches and my most uncomfortable experience while taking the minivans. They often tell you the ride will be direct, but I found they were likely to combine cars at some point. The trip will cover about 190km and can take up to 7 hrs! Cost for the was about 20.000 MKW or US$12.

Nhkotakota to Lilongwe: Covering another 196km, the roads are slightly better and after Salima very good. You’ll change cars in Salima and on the crossing just getting into Lilongwe. It’s true what they say – you need patience in Malawi. The trip will take about 6-7 hrs and cost 15,000 MKW or US$8.

My biggest tip: make sure to get the front seat next to the driver and you’ll be less squeezed.

Car Rental: Renting a car is possible, but be prepared for varying road conditions.

The most comfortable way to get around is certainly to have a tour operator like Tongole or Crafted Africa arrange a trip or at least have a private driver.

Malawi 8 Best Things to See and Do

Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi, also known as the “Lake of Stars,” is one of Africa’s most stunning natural attractions. This lake has to be one of Malawi’s best things to see, and is one of its main appeals. It is home to more species of fish than any other lake in the world, particularly cichlids. They are small, colorful and popular among aquarium enthusiasts. The lakeshore in particular is dotted with small villages where you can experience Malawian culture, traditions, and hospitality.

Some of the most popular places to visit on Lake Malawi are Cape McClear, Monkey Bay, Chitenche, Nkhata Bay, Chimtimba or Likoma Island.

Chitimba

Chitimba is a great stopover point for travelers heading to or from the northern regions of Malawi, including the Tanzanian border. It’s an excellent place to break up a long journey and enjoy some rest on the golden beach.

Nkhata Bay

Nkhata Bay is a lively town with a vibrant atmosphere, often considered the backpacker’s hub of Lake Malawi. It combines the charm of a small fishing village with the amenities of a tourist hotspot. Tourists here mainly enjoy snorkeling, canoeing, or SUP on the lake. Besides touristic endeavors, many people come to volunteer for various projects. Check out Butterfly Space for a few of theirs!

Accommodation Lake Malawi

Chitimba Camp: I recommend staying at Chitimba Camp which lies right by the golden beach. It features small single cabins, dorm rooms and private more spacious rooms on a huge compound. The Dutch owners are knowledgeable, it’s welcoming, clean and affordable. They’ve got a restaurant on-site which serves great meals and drinks. You need to pay for your own WiFi here. The beauty of Chitimba is one of the best things you can see when on Lake Malawi.

Mayoka Village in Nkhata Bay: A friend recommended me this boutique hotel right by the shore. The single room I booked had one of the best views, top-to-ceiling windows with a view of the lake – almost loft-like. The staff was very friendly and the food was tasty – a bit more on the pricier side compared to the other hotels. Very worth it!

Budget options along that side of Lake Malawi include the Butterfly Space, Soul Rebel Lodge & Backpackers

Nhkotakota Wildlife Reserve

Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve is one of Malawi’s oldest and most significant protected areas. The reserve covers about 1,800 square kilometers (approximately 695 square miles), making it one of the largest and most unspoiled wildlife areas in Malawi. Nkhotakota is famous for its elephant population and therefore one of the best things to see. In one of the most significant wildlife translocation efforts in history, a team relocated over 500 elephants from other areas of Malawi between 2016 and 2017 to repopulate the reserve and aid in conservation efforts.

The reserve is home to a variety of species, including buffalo, antelope (like sable and kudu), warthogs, primates (including vervet monkeys and baboons), and numerous bird species. Predators such as leopards and hyenas also inhabit the area, though they are more elusive. Staying here for a few days is one of the best things you can do in Malawi!

Muta Falls

As one of the activities offered by Tongole Wilderness Retreat, you can head on a morning excursion to Muta Falls. It’s a quick 15-minute drive and walk till you reach the river. You’ll cross a few boulders, and have the falls in front of you – in all it’s unspoiled beauty. The tranquility, and calmness of the falls made it one of the best things to see in Malawi.

Nkhotakota’s Wildlife

The Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve was once home to thousands of elephants. Sadly its population dwindled to fewer than 100 by the early 2000s due to poaching and habitat loss. This decline severely impacted the reserve’s ecosystem. In 2015, African Parks, a non-profit conservation organization, took over management of the reserve and initiated one of the largest elephant translocation projects ever.

Their goal was to restore the ecological balance by relocating over 500 elephants from other areas where populations were stable. This ambitious effort has since revitalized Nkhotakota, bringing new life to the reserve.

The translocation project also included other species, such as sable antelope, waterbuck, buffalo, and warthogs, to increase the biodiversity of Nkhotakota. These species were relocated from other reserves within Malawi where their populations were more robust.

Now you can see the bushbucks roaming around Tongole, and if you’re lucky even spot herds of elephants in the camp! Booking a safari with the team is truly one of the best things you can see and do in Malawi!

Accommodation Malawi – Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve

Tongole Wilderness Retreat is one of the more well-known lodges, being the only eco-friendly luxury lodge. They have about 5 spacious rooms, each with a private terrace overlooking the river. The service is truly outstanding, including afternoon tea and personalized guiding with a ranger by your side. The food was one of my favorite parts, creative, filling, and wonderfully presented. You’d end up sitting by the fire, making new friends, or spotting animals by the water. It’s one place you need to see when in Malawi!

Lilongwe

The last part of my Malawi trip was the capital Lilongwe. It’s a key economic and administrative hub located in the central region. Although it’s not the most appealing capital, the city blends old and new, with its historic Old Town and modern City Centre. While Lilongwe isn’t a traditional tourist hotspot, it’s the gateway to the country and a great place to start your trips from. Lilongwe hosts government offices, markets, and cultural sites like the Kamuzu Mausoleum.

Lizulu Market

Lizulu Market in Lilongwe is one of the city’s bustling and vibrant marketplaces situated in Old Town. The vendors will greet you as soon as you arrive, showing off their fresh produce. It’s a wonderfully lively and often crowded place, filled with vendors selling a variety of goods. It’s here where you find everything from food to clothing and textiles, household goods and even street food.

The highlight have to be the wooden footbridges connecting one side with the other. You need to pay around 100 MKW to cross any of the handmade bridges. Seeing the bridges in the afternoon sun, with vendors and visitors crossing was truly one of the best things to see in Malawi.

Accommodation Malawi – Lilongwe

Crafted Africa Guesthouse: The newly built guesthouse is a stylish retreat from the busy city. Right in the middle of Area 12, you have a fully stocked kitchen with Smeg appliances, a seating area outside, and all you need for a self-catering stay. I really loved the local furniture, African-inspired details and security of the place. Definitely recommend staying there!

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Malawi might not be the easiest to travel to, but the welcoming locals, truly wild nature and offbeat vibes away from the crowds made the effort so worth it! I hope this guide with Malawi’s best things to see inspires you to visit this country one day.

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