- Lake Malawi is the star, with beaches, kayaking and colourful cichlid fish
- British passport holders have been able to visit visa-free since 2024
- Combine the lake with a safari in Liwonde or Majete
- Good value, with UK-style plugs and driving on the left
- Airports
- Lilongwe Kamuzu (LLW), Blantyre Chileka (BLZ)
- Flight time
- about 14h from London to Lilongwe, usually with one stop
- Best time to go
- May-October for dry weather and safaris; September-November for the warmest lake days
- Currency
- Malawian kwacha (MWK)
Malawi is small, safe and famously welcoming, which is why it is often called the Warm Heart of Africa. A third of the country is taken up by Lake Malawi, a freshwater inland sea with sandy coves, clear water and hundreds of species of brightly coloured cichlid fish. Add a few nights in revived parks such as Liwonde and Majete, and the cool hills of Mulanje, Zomba and Nyika, and you have a relaxed, good-value trip that feels far from the safari crowds.
For UK travellers, Malawi is two hours ahead of the UK in winter and one hour in summer. Cars drive on the left and sockets are the same three-pin type G as at home. English is an official language. This guide, part of our Africa section, covers where to go and how to plan it; it combines easily with Zambia or Mozambique.
Entry requirements
Malawi removed visa requirements for British nationals and many other countries in 2024, so British passport holders can usually enter visa-free as tourists for up to 30 days, with extensions possible locally. Your passport should be valid for at least six months with blank pages. A yellow fever certificate is required if you arrive from a risk country. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Where to go in Malawi
Cape Maclear and Lake Malawi National Park
The world's first freshwater national park protects the southern lake shore and its islands. Cape Maclear is the base for kayaking, snorkelling among cichlids and island camping, with simple guesthouses and a few upmarket lodges nearby.
Likoma Island and Nkhata Bay
Likoma, close to the Mozambique shore, has beautiful beaches, a large Anglican cathedral and an eco-lodge reached by small plane or the Ilala ferry. Nkhata Bay in the north is a relaxed, hilly harbour town popular with backpackers.
Liwonde National Park
Along the Shire River, Liwonde is now one of Malawi's best parks after major reintroduction work, with elephant, hippo, lion, cheetah and black rhino. Boat safaris are a highlight.
Majete Wildlife Reserve
In the south, Majete has been restocked with the Big Five and offers good game drives within reach of Blantyre.
Mount Mulanje and Zomba Plateau
Mulanje's granite massif rises to about 3,000 metres and offers excellent multi-day hikes with mountain huts. Zomba Plateau has forest walks, waterfalls and views over the plains.
Nyika Plateau
A high, rolling grassland in the north with zebra, roan antelope and wildflowers, cool and very different from the rest of Africa.
Best time to visit Malawi
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| May-August | Dry and cool, pleasant days and chilly nights; good game viewing |
| September-October | Hot and dry, the best wildlife viewing and warm lake water |
| November | Very hot, rains begin late in the month |
| December-April | Rainy season, lush and green; some roads and lodges harder to reach |
Fuel shortages and power cuts have been common in recent years, so build some slack into self-drive plans.
Getting to Malawi from the UK
There are no direct flights from the UK. Most travellers fly to Lilongwe via Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Airlines, Nairobi with Kenya Airways or Johannesburg with Airlink, taking about 14 hours. Blantyre has fewer international links, mostly via Johannesburg or Addis Ababa. Overland, Malawi is often combined with South Luangwa in Zambia, about a day's drive from Lilongwe.
Getting around
Malawi is compact, but roads can be slow, with potholes and police checkpoints. Most visitors travel with a driver-guide or a tour operator, which is affordable and less stressful than self-drive. Domestic flights link Lilongwe, Blantyre and Likoma, and the historic Ilala ferry runs along the lake, though schedules are irregular. Minibuses are cheap but crowded.
Money and costs
The kwacha is the local currency, and its value has fallen sharply in recent years. Larger lodges price in US dollars and accept cards, but take cash in US dollars or pounds to exchange at banks or official bureaux. Malawi is good value: expect about £60-120 per person per day for mid-range travel, rising to £250 or more per night at full-board safari lodges. ATMs are found in towns but can run out of cash.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Malawi safe for swimming?
Many people swim at Cape Maclear and other popular spots. Bilharzia can be present in still, weedy water near villages, so ask locally and consider a test after you return.
Is Malawi good for a safari?
Yes, especially as an add-on to a lake holiday. Liwonde and Majete now offer the Big Five, with far fewer visitors than neighbouring countries.
Is Malawi safe for tourists?
Malawi is generally considered one of Africa's friendliest and safest destinations. Take normal precautions in cities and avoid walking alone at night.
Do I need malaria tablets for Malawi?
Malaria is present throughout Malawi, including around the lake, so antimalarials are usually recommended. Speak to a travel clinic before you go.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
More from AnnaWe research every guide carefully, but prices, opening times and timetables change. Check them shortly before you travel. Links to our booking partners are affiliate links.
