Some destinations impress you with their scale; others stay with you because of the way they make you feel. Malawi, known as the Warm Heart of Africa, offers a gentler and more personal kind of safari, where wildlife, warm hospitality and inspiring conservation stories come together beautifully.

Quieter than many of its neighbours and set beyond the traditional safari circuit, Malawi feels refreshingly unhurried. For travellers looking for something less crowded, more intimate and deeply rewarding, it is often one of Africa’s most memorable journeys.

The Safari You Didn't Know You Needed

Malawi is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets, and for years it has sat quietly outside the spotlight, often overshadowed by some of the continent’s more famous safari destinations. Today, however, thanks to extraordinary conservation work, beautifully managed parks and increasingly impressive safari experiences, it is firmly earning its place on the radar of travellers who want to experience Africa in a more personal and meaningful way.

As Brett Horley explains:

“Malawi is one of Africa’s unknown stars. It has two magnificent parks that are managed incredibly well, and when you combine them with Lake Malawi, you’ve got something really special. I love ending a safari on the lake. It’s the perfect bush-and-beach combination.”

One of the reasons we love Malawi is how naturally it combines with neighbouring Zambia. With direct flights between South Luangwa and Lilongwe, it is easy to pair two exceptional safari destinations before slowing down on the shores of Lake Malawi, creating a wonderfully balanced journey that moves from big wilderness and rich wildlife viewing to warm water, soft beaches and quiet time at the lake.

For experienced safari travellers, Malawi offers something genuinely different. Whether it is a second or third safari, a beautifully considered honeymoon, or a journey for those who want to go beyond the more familiar routes, Malawi has a sincerity and sense of place that feels authentic from beginning to end.

Liwonde National Park: Africa's Great Conservation Comeback

Few places show the power of conservation as clearly as Liwonde National Park. Once heavily affected by poaching and habitat loss, the park has undergone an extraordinary transformation through the work of African Parks in partnership with Malawi’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife, with long-term investment in anti-poaching, community partnerships, habitat restoration and carefully managed wildlife reintroductions.

Today, Liwonde is one of Southern Africa’s most exciting safari destinations, with a remarkable diversity of wildlife returning to the landscape. Visitors may encounter:

• Elephant
• Lion
• Cheetah
• Black rhino
• African wild dog
• Hippo
• Nile crocodile
• Exceptional birdlife

At the heart of the park is the Shire River, which creates one of Malawi’s most memorable safari experiences. Boat safaris here feel wonderfully immersive, drifting past pods of hippo, basking crocodiles, elephants drinking at the water’s edge and rich birdlife along the banks. It is a quieter, more fluid way to experience the wild, and one that feels distinctly different from anywhere else in Southern Africa.

Our Favourite Places to Stay in Liwonde National Park

• Mvuu Lodge – A classic safari lodge overlooking the Shire River, ideal for boat safaris, wildlife viewing, and relaxing between game drives.
• Kuthengo Camp – A small luxury tented camp with beautiful river views, exceptional guiding, and easy access to both game drives and boat safaris.

Majete Wildlife Reserve: Where the Big Five Returned

If Liwonde tells one remarkable conservation story, Majete tells another. In the early 2000s, wildlife had almost disappeared from the reserve after decades of poaching, but under African Parks’ management, more than 2,500 animals were successfully reintroduced, transforming Majete into one of Africa’s most powerful conservation success stories.

Today, visitors can once again experience the Big Five in a reserve that continues to thrive through conservation, community partnerships and sustainable tourism. Majete also offers a very different safari atmosphere to Liwonde, with rolling hills, river valleys and beautiful woodland landscapes creating a sense of space, softness and variety across the reserve.

Highlights include:

• Big Five game viewing
• Excellent birding
• Guided bush walks
• River experiences
• Intimate safari lodges
• Exceptional conservation success stories

For many travellers, Majete is one of the clearest examples of what becomes possible when local communities, governments and responsible tourism work together with a shared long-term vision.

Our Favourite Place to Stay in Majete Wildlife Reserve

• Mkulumadzi Lodge – A beautifully positioned luxury lodge where the Shire and Mkulumadzi Rivers meet, offering exceptional guiding, comfortable riverside suites, and easy access to one of Africa's greatest conservation success stories.

Lake Malawi: The Perfect Safari Extension

One of the things that makes Malawi so unique is that the adventure doesn't end when you leave the bush.

Stretching along the country's eastern border, Lake Malawi is one of Africa's Great Lakes and one of its most beautiful. Its crystal-clear waters are home to more freshwater fish species than any other lake on Earth, making it a paradise for snorkelling, diving, kayaking, sailing, and simply slowing down after safari.

Whether you're travelling as a couple, celebrating a honeymoon, or exploring Africa as a family, the combination of Liwonde National Park, Majete Wildlife Reserve, and Lake Malawi creates one of Southern Africa's most rewarding bush-and-beach itineraries.

If you're planning time on the lake, read our guide to snorkelling and diving in Lake Malawi or explore our complete Malawi safari and Lake Malawi itinerary guide for more inspiration.

Our Favourite Places to Stay on Lake Malawi

• Pumulani Lodge – An elegant lakeside retreat by Robin Pope Safaris, offering private villas, spectacular lake views, kayaking, sailing, and the perfect place to unwind after safari.
• Kaya Mawa – A beautiful island lodge on Likoma Island, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, exceptional snorkelling, laid-back atmosphere, and barefoot luxury.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Malawi?

Malawi is a rewarding destination throughout much of the year.

May to October

The dry season offers the very best safari conditions.

Expect:

• Excellent wildlife viewing
• Comfortable temperatures
• Ideal walking safari conditions
• Beautiful clear skies

November to April

The green season transforms Malawi into a lush paradise.

This is an excellent time for:

• Birdwatching
• Landscape photography
• Fewer visitors
• Vibrant scenery around Lake Malawi

Frequently Asked Questions About Safari in Malawi

Is Malawi good for safari?

Absolutely. Malawi offers exceptional wildlife viewing, intimate safari experiences, and some of Africa's most inspiring conservation success stories, all without the crowds found in many neighbouring countries.

Can you see the Big Five in Malawi?

Yes. Majete Wildlife Reserve is home to the Big Five following one of Africa's most successful wildlife restoration programmes.

What is Liwonde National Park famous for?

Liwonde is renowned for its thriving elephant population, boat safaris on the Shire River, exceptional birdlife, and successful reintroductions of lion, cheetah, black rhino, and African wild dog.

Why combine safari with Lake Malawi?

Lake Malawi offers the perfect contrast to safari. After days spent exploring the bush, travellers can unwind with snorkelling, kayaking, sailing, and lakeside relaxation in one of Africa's most beautiful freshwater destinations.

Who is Malawi best suited for?

Malawi is perfect for experienced safari travellers looking for somewhere different, honeymooners seeking a unique bush-and-beach escape, and families wanting a slower, more authentic African adventure.

Plan Your Malawi Journey

Malawi is one of Africa's most rewarding destinations for travellers looking beyond the traditional safari circuit.

From the remarkable conservation stories of Liwonde and Majete to the crystal-clear waters of Lake Malawi, it's a journey that surprises, inspires, and stays with you long after you've returned home.

For more information or to begin planning your journey, contact us or WhatsApp +27 63 298 6442.