Travel to Malawi — everything you need to know
When to go to Malawi?
- May – October — Dry season : The best time to visit: less rain, wildlife concentrated around water sources, pleasant temperatures (16–26°C). Exceptional visibility in the lake.
- November – April — Rainy season : Heavy rain (200–350mm/month around the lake), difficult bush tracks. Warm temperatures (25–30°C). Lush greenery.
Weather in Malawi
Check the weather city by city, starting with Lilongwe.
- [object Object]: daytime highs from 26 to 34 °C depending on the season, 71 mm of rain per month on average.
- Lilongwe: daytime highs from 23 to 30 °C depending on the season, 72 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Malawi?
Malawi is the 'Warm Heart of Africa': Lake Malawi (UNESCO, the world's 9th-largest lake) with its 1,000 endemic cichlid species — more than any other lake on the planet — is a wonder of biodiversity. A landlocked, gentle and affordable country, with the wildlife parks of Liwonde and Nyika, the Mulanje highlands, and legendary hospitality.
Lake Malawi — Snorkelling and cichlids
Lake Malawi (UNESCO) is a giant aquarium: 1,000 endemic species of cichlids (colourful tropical fish), more than in any other lake or ocean in the world. Snorkelling from the lodges at Cape Maclear or Likoma Island offers an experience comparable to the Maldives — without the crowds.
Highlights : Snorkelling at Cape Maclear — multicoloured cichlids, Likoma Island — Anglican cathedral in the bush + beach, Lake Malawi National Park (UNESCO), Sea kayaking among the rocky islands.
Liwonde National Park
Liwonde is Malawi's best wildlife park: crocodiles and hippos in the Shire River, elephants, buffaloes, and since 2017 black rhinos and lions reintroduced by African Parks. A boat safari on the Shire is one of the most striking wildlife experiences in Southern Africa — without the crowds of Kenya or South Africa.
Highlights : Boat safari on the Shire River — crocodiles and elephants, Reintroduced black rhinos (African Parks programme), Sunrise over the hippos from the riverside camp.
Mount Mulanje — High-altitude trekking
The Mulanje Massif (3,002 m, Malawi's highest point) is a granite inselberg that rises spectacularly 2,000 m above the surrounding tea plains. Trails cross endemic cedar forests, waterfalls and alpine meadows. The 3–5 day traverse with porters is one of the finest treks in Southern Africa.
Highlights : Sapitwa Peak (3,002m) — Malawi's highest point, Mulanje cedar forests (endemic species), Likabula Falls — swimming in nature.
Nyika Plateau — Horseback safari
Nyika is Malawi's largest national park: a vast grassy plateau at 2,000–2,500m altitude with endemic orchids, zebras, elands, leopards and Malawi's only horseback safaris. The rolling grasslands evoke the Scottish Highlands transplanted to Africa. Striking views over Lake Malawi on clear days.
Highlights : Horseback safari on the Nyika Plateau (unique in Malawi), Wild orchids (200+ species) in the rainy season, Panoramic view over Lake Malawi from the plateau, Night walk — leopards and hyenas.
Travel budget for Malawi
Malawi is one of the cheapest destinations in sub-Saharan Africa. Lakeshore lodges are affordable; only the high-end safari camps in the parks are expensive. The kwacha fluctuates significantly — cash in dollars is recommended.
- Backpacker : 25–45 €/j — Affordable lodge + local food + matola
- Comfort : 70–130 €/j — 3★ lodge + restaurants + excursions
Practical tips for travelling to Malawi
- Flight from Paris : ~13–15h via Nairobi (Kenya Airways), Addis Ababa (Ethiopian) or Johannesburg. No direct flight.
- Visa : Free visa on arrival for French citizens (30 days). Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Currency : Malawian kwacha (MWK). US dollars widely accepted in lodges. Cash essential outside towns.
- Language : Chichewa (national language) + English (official). English is spoken everywhere in tourist areas.
- Electricity : Type G (British, 3 rectangular pins) — 230V. Adapter recommended.
- Health : Antimalarial treatment essential. Bilharzia risk in the lake (avoid shallow, vegetation-lined water). Bottled water.
- Tap water : Not drinkable — bottled or filtered water only.
- Mobile network : Airtel and TNM offer decent coverage on main routes. Internet slow but available at lodges.
Compare Malawi with other destinations