Small, landlocked, and dominated by stunning scenery, Malawi is one of the least visited countries on the traditional safari map.

We hope to change that fact because, quite honestly, it is an absolutely wonderful holiday destination!

Did you know that Lake Malawi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to more species of fish than any other lake on the planet? Malawi also used to be the only country outside of Denmark to brew the famous Carlsberg beer, which, according to the Danes anyway, is ‘probably the best beer in the world’. 

If you are interested in visiting Malawi, here are 5 things you absolutely MUST DO:

1)    Visit One of the Islands on Lake Malawi

There are a number of absolutely stunning islands to be found on the lake including Likoma Island (a firm favourite of ours), and the wonderful and tiny Mumbo Island. 

If you’re a fan of getting out onto the water, kayaking around Mumbo Island is a truly spectacular morning activity.

2)    Go on a Safari

There are currently two prominent parks in Malawi - Liwonde and Majete. After a number of years of rewilding, both are on the cusp of being phenomenal conservation success stories. Thanks to our partners African Parks, both Liwonde and Majete have been transformed back to their original glory within a relatively short space of time. 

The park that we directly support, Nkahotakota, is well underway to join them, after the successful translocation of more than 500 elephants.

3)    Hike the Nyika Plateau

The Nyika National Park is a maze of endless grasslands draped over rolling hills that offer a beauty that is unimaginable. There is the option of a 3-day hike over the plateau, which is well worth it for anyone who is keen to see a completely off-the-beaten-track side of Africa.

4)    Visit the Tea Estates

Tea is one of Malawi’s major exports and accounts for an incredible 8% of the country's exports. Thoylo, in Southern Malawi, is the region where the tea estates are found, and for many, this is the most scenically beautiful place in the entire country. 

If you stay at Huntingdon House, which we would highly recommend, you can enjoy long walks through the grounds as well sample the local produce, either in its normal tea form or as part of a cocktail before and after a wonderful decadent dinner!

5)    Head Out on a Traditional Dhow Cruise in Cape Maclear

The sunsets over Lake Malawi, accompanied by the cries of the African Fish Eagle as they swoop down for their evening meal are quite extraordinary. Sailing out on a traditional Dhow to see the sunset with a cocktail in hand is a fitting end to any day.

As the sun sets, the ‘Lake of Stars’ is lit up by the lights of the fisherman in their dug-out canoes as they head out to continue the work of the Fish Eagles.

There are of course a multitude of other wonderful places to visit and things to do in Malawi. In fact, this list could easily become '100 Must-Do Things in Malawi'!

If you are interested in finding out more, please feel free to get in touch.