Malawi

Landmark4.3/5

Lake Malawi

This African Great Lake stretches to a far horizon, its blue freshwater giving the shoreline the feel of a sea. Its rocky shallows shelter hundreds of cichlid species found nowhere else.

Landmark4.2/5

Liwonde National Park

Welcome to Liwonde National Park, Malawi! Get ready for some epic wildlife sightings as you cruise along the Shire River. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, hippos, and crocodiles. Camp under the stars and listen to the symphony of nature. Don't forget to bring your binoculars and camera for unforgettable memories!

Landmark3.9/5

Zomba Massif

This Malawi massif has four peaks above Zomba and the surrounding countryside. A route linking all four covers 28 kilometers across the plateau.

Landmark4.3/5

Likoma Island

This Malawi island sits in Lake Malawi, with deep-blue water and villages such as Khuyu inland. People sample fish from the lake.

Outdoor4/5

Kumbali Castle Gardens

Garden with monkeys in the trees and a path down to the banana area. Ostriches are just outside.

Landmark4.6/5

Kamuzu Mausoleum

Pillars and flower pots mark this mausoleum, where Malawi’s first president, Hastings Kamuzu Banda, is buried. Guides trace the country’s route from British rule to multiparty elections, then explain what each design element means.

Landmark4.2/5

Lilongwe Wildlife Centre

Lilongwe's wildlife refuge has forest trails and raised boardwalks along a river. Monkeys come close as you walk beneath the trees.

Culture4.7/5

Mua Mission

This museum explores Malawian culture through masks, with explanations beside the displays. Guided tours trace the country’s history.

Landmark4.8/5

Mulanje Massif

Malawi’s granite massif rises above the surrounding plain, cut by streams and waterfalls. On the climb to Sapitwa, the country’s highest point, you pass cliffs and caves before reaching wide mountain views.

Shop4.4/5

Old Town Mall

Lilongwe shopping mall with a variety of stores and restaurants, including Indian food and Italian restaurant Mamma Mia.

Landmark3.7/5

Mzuzu Wood Market

Wood market in Mzuzu, Malawi.

Shop4.2/5

Clocktower Mall

This Blantyre mall has shops and a Chipiku Plus supermarket.

Landmark4.7/5

Nyika Plateau

Nyika Plateau feels like Scotland, with high, rolling grassland. Montane woods and streams cut across its open slopes in northern Malawi and southeastern Zambia, where zebra graze.

Eat4/5

Pa Mthunzi Lounge

Restaurant in Lilongwe for dinner and gatherings.

Drink3.4/5

Majestic Lodge

Bar in Lilongwe for drinks.

Eat4.2/5

21 Grill Restaurant

Blantyre grill restaurant with Chesterfield sofas, black-and-white tile and flame-grilled steaks. A softly lit tree stands at the center.

Cafe4.3/5

Red Zebra Cafe

This cafe on Malawi’s S122 serves typical local food, including chambo, a fish from Lake Malawi.

Eat4.3/5

Mamma Mia Restaurant

Italian restaurant in Lilongwe serving pasta, pizza and hearty mains. The pizza gets crisp edges and generous toppings.

Stay$$$$4.45/5

Kumbali Country Lodge

Just 10 minutes' drive from the centre of Lilongwe, Kumbali Country Lodge is situated on a 650-hectare forest reserve and dairy farm. The lodge has a garden with outdoor pool. The spacious, thatched rooms have their own entrance and a private bathroom. The beds are draped with a mosquito net. Kumbali's restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fine cuisine, including home-grown vegetables and dairy products are offered. Drinks can be enjoyed at the well-stocked bar. Activities in the surroundings include bird watching, forest walks, visits to the Kumbali Cultural Village and the Permaculture Centre at the Kusamala Institute of Agriculture and Ecology. Lilongwe International Airport is a 40-minute drive from Kumbali Country Lodge.

Stay$$$$4.1/5

Latitude 13 Degrees

Latitude 13 Degrees in Lilongwe offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Each room includes a balcony or patio with garden or pool views. Guests enjoy spa facilities, a fitness centre, sun terrace, and lush garden. The hotel features a year-round outdoor and indoor swimming pool, a restaurant, bar, and free WiFi. The traditional restaurant serves local and European cuisines with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Breakfast includes continental, American, buffet, and full English/Irish. Located 16 km from Lilongwe International Airport, the hotel provides free on-site private parking and a paid airport shuttle service. Nearby attractions include the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre.

Stay5/5

Kachenga Bush Camp

Self-catering bush camp inside Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, with suites and an open camping area.

Stay4.7/5

Mkulumadzi Lodge

Riverfront safari lodge in Majete Game Reserve, with bush chalets reached by a swinging bridge.

Stay4.7/5

Mvuu Wilderness Lodge

Liwonde riverside lodge with game drives and boat safaris. Hippos feed and play in the river through the night.

Stay4.6/5

Makuzi Beach Lodge

Lakefront lodge with a palm-shaded beach and leafy gardens. Kayaks go straight onto Lake Malawi.

Stay4.4/5

The Makokola Retreat

Lake Malawi resort with a swimming pool, spa and buffet-style meals. Many rooms look out over the water.