Let Us Customize the Perfect Luxury Malawi Safari
Below are our recommended places to visit. Contact us today or call 303-778-1089 to learn more about how we are able to customize the perfect luxury Malawi safari just for you!
Lake Malawi
One of the largest and deepest lakes in the world, Lake Malawi is over 360 miles long and ranges from 10 to 50 miles wide. Part of the lake and its surroundings were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional natural beauty, its importance for biodiversity conservation with its outstanding diversity of freshwater fishes (cichlids) and because it is an outstanding example of biological evolution in its cichlid population. Lake Malawi’s cichlids are “considered of equal value to science as the finches of the Galapagos Islands remarked on by Charles Darwin,” according to UNESCO.
The lake is known for its crystal clear water, millions of colorful fish, scenic beaches and variety of water activities. Visitors can snorkel and dive in its luminous waters to discover hundreds of fish species, kayak and SUP, take cruises (we love a sunset sailing cruise), hike along its shores, visit villages to meet and interact with locals and much more. A wonderful place to relax, there are myriad lodges from unique to luxurious to suit every taste. Lake Malawi is home to an estimated 700- 1,000 fish species-the largest number of any freshwater lake in the world.
Likoma Island
This island on Lake Malawi is situated just off Mozambique’s coast but is part of Malawi. It has a laid-back vibe and welcoming atmosphere. Dotted with baobabs and granite outcrops, its landscape is beautiful and interesting, but the real attraction is the chance to slow down and thoroughly relax. It’s a great stop at the end of a safari. Likoma is also a great place to meet and interact with the friendly locals.
Livingstonia
A tiny Scottish town in the middle of tropical Africa, Livingstonia is a scenic, strange and interesting place to stop for a day. Full of missionary history, it is a must-see for travelers passing by.
Liwonde National Park
This park has long held the best reputation for game viewing in Malawi. Its 238 square miles of protected area is home to many interesting birds (more than 400 species!), plus high densities of elephant and hippo, waterbuck, reedbuck, sable antelope and lions. The park hosts a range of habitats, but its beating heart is the slow-moving Shire River.
Majete Wildlife Reserve
Giving Liwonde National Park a run for its money in game viewing, Majete Wildlife Reserve is a wonderful conservation success story. Encompassing more than 170,000 acres, this Big 5 Great Rift Valley reserve has bounced back from rampant poaching in the 1980’s through the hard work of African Parks. The picturesque reserve has varied habitats including miombo woodland, granite-topped hills, lush river valleys and riverine forest.
Nyika National Park
Located on a high escarpment, the park offers magnificent views of Lake Malawi’s northern shores and is home to almost 100 species, a large herd of roan antelope, an endemic race of Burchell’s zebra, eland, abundant leopard and reedbuck. During the rainy season, the park bursts with wildflowers and is also home to around 200 orchid species, including 11 endemics.
When to Visit
Malawi is a year-round destination, though if pressed to choose, we would recommend visiting between May and October). The days are pleasant and the nights are mild to cool (depending on altitude). Like many other safari destinations in Africa, winter is also when vegetation dies and more animals can be found near dwindling water sources, making for excellent game viewing. Remember to tell your Journey Specialist about any special interests as some things, such as wildflower blooms or birding, are very seasonal.
