Custom travel to Malawi

Malawi is one of East Africa's most authentic destinations — a small landlocked country of 118,500 km² for 21 million inhabitants, 12 h of flight with stopover from Paris. Independent in 1964, nicknamed 'the warm heart of Africa' by Malawians for their legendary hospitality. The country is dominated by Lake Malawi (UNESCO 1984, world's 9th largest lake, Africa's 3rd, 580 km long, 700 m deep), unique worldwide with 1,000 endemic cichlid species. White sand beaches, turquoise waters and snorkeling among multicolored fish, with no bilharzia in tourist zones. The national parks, less frequented than Tanzania's or Zambia's, offer excellent Big Five safaris: Liwonde (548 km², 600 elephants, lions and black rhinos reintroduced by African Parks), Majete (700 km², Big Five since 2003) and Nyika (3,200 km², high-altitude plateaus with unique landscapes). Mount Mulanje (3,002 m) unfolds its trails in 'little African Switzerland'. Plan 10-12 days to combine safari and beach in this authentic, safe and accessible destination.

Highlights

  • UNESCO Lake Malawi (Africa's 3rd largest)
  • Liwonde National Park (elephants, Big Five)
  • Majete (Big Five reintroduced by African Parks)
  • Mount Mulanje (3,002 m, hiking)
  • 1,000 endemic cichlid species
  • 'Warm heart of Africa' hospitality

Frequently asked questions

When?

May-October (dry season). Avoid November-April (monsoon, but lake still accessible).

How long?

10 days for Liwonde + Majete + Lake Malawi. 14 days to add Likoma and Nyika.

Budget?

€4,200-€5,500 per person for 10 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €6,800-€9,500. Flights: €1,200-€1,800.

Visa?

E-visa ($75, 30 days, online at evisa.gov.mw).

Family?

Yes, from age 8. Lake Malawi perfect for children (freshwater, safe swimming, no bilharzia in tourist zones), suitable Liwonde safari.

How to get around?

Ulendo Airlink domestic flights ESSENTIAL between parks and lake. Safari 4×4 with English-speaking ranger.

Lake Malawi: bilharzia?

No bilharzia in main tourist zones (Cape Maclear, Likoma, Mumbo). Check locally before swimming. Beachside snorkeling safe.

See Big Five: possible?

Big Four at Liwonde (lions, leopards, black rhinos, elephants — no buffalo). Complete Big Five at Majete since 2012 (African Parks reintroduction). Combining 2 parks ideal.

Combine?

Yes: Malawi + Zambia (Lilongwe-Mfuwe 1-h flight for South Luangwa), Malawi + Mozambique, Malawi + Tanzania.

Tips?

10% in restaurants. $5-$10/day for rangers and lodge staff (essential to their income).