When people think of safari in Africa, their minds often drift to the Serengeti or the Okavango Delta. Rarely does Malawi top the list. And that’s precisely its magic.

Tucked quietly between Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique, Malawi Africa offers something increasingly rare: space, authenticity and a sense of discovery. Known as the “Warm Heart of Africa,” this compact country delivers an unexpected pairing, meaningful Malawi safari experiences alongside the vast, shimmering waters of Lake Malawi.

It’s not loud. It’s not crowded. And that’s exactly why it stays with you.

Why Malawi is Africa’s Best-Kept Secret 

Malawi is defined by contrast, revitalised wilderness reserves in the south, river systems alive with wildlife, and one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world stretching along its eastern border.

Unlike more commercial safari destinations, Malawi moves at a gentler rhythm. Camps are intimate. Game drives are uncrowded. Encounters feel personal. You don’t queue for sightings. You absorb them.

And then, just when you think you understand the country, it shifts,  from bushveld to beach.

The Rise of the Malawi Safari 

For decades, Malawi was overlooked as a safari destination. Today, it stands as one of Africa’s most inspiring conservation success stories.

Majete Wildlife Reserve

Once depleted of wildlife, Majete Wildlife Reserve has undergone a remarkable transformation. Thanks to visionary conservation partnerships, elephants, lion, leopard and black rhino now thrive here again.

Game drives in Majete feel exclusive and rewarding. The reserve’s relatively small size and low visitor numbers create the perfect environment for meaningful sightings without the pressure of crowds. It’s safari in its purest form, focused, intentional and quietly powerful.

Liwonde National Park

Further north, Liwonde National Park offers one of the most diverse wildlife experiences in Malawi. Set along the Shire River, Liwonde blends classic game drives with boat safaris,  an underrated highlight of any Malawi safari.

Drifting along the river at golden hour, past pods of hippos and elephants feeding at the water’s edge, feels cinematic. Birdlife is prolific. Leopard sightings are increasingly common. And the park’s scale allows for a sense of immersion that larger, busier parks often lose.

Together, Majete and Liwonde showcase how Malawi has redefined itself, not as a mass-market safari hub, but as a conservation-led, low-impact destination.

Lake Malawi: Africa’s Inland Sea

And then there’s Lake Malawi.

Stretching over 560 kilometres, it feels more like an ocean than a lake. Clear, freshwater laps against sandy shores. Traditional wooden dhows drift across the horizon. Sunsets stretch wide and uninterrupted.

Lake Malawi is home to more species of fish than any other lake on Earth, making snorkelling surprisingly vibrant. Brightly coloured cichlids flicker beneath the surface. Kayaks glide across glassy morning waters. Time slows, naturally.

Likoma Island 

For something truly special, head to Likoma Island. Remote and beautifully understated, Likoma feels like a secret within a secret.

There are no crowds here. Just barefoot beach days, dhow cruises at sunset and a pace that encourages you to exhale. It’s the perfect complement to safari, a shift from adrenaline to ease.

Few destinations in Africa allow you to track rhino one day and snorkel in crystal-clear freshwater the next. Malawi does so effortlessly.

Safari & Shoreline in One Seamless Journey

What makes Malawi so compelling isn’t just its individual components, it’s how well they combine.

Within a single itinerary, you can:

• Track big game in Majete Wildlife Reserve
• Explore river ecosystems in Liwonde National Park
• Relax along the mainland shores of Lake Malawi
• Escape to Likoma Island for total tranquillity
  
  

The country’s compact size means travel between regions is manageable, allowing for a diverse yet unhurried journey. For travellers seeking both adventure and restoration, Malawi offers that rare balance.

When to Visit Malawi

The best time for a Malawi safari is during the dry season, from May to October. Wildlife viewing peaks as animals gather around water sources, and temperatures remain comfortable.

Lake Malawi is beautiful year-round, though the dry winter months offer cooler evenings and clearer skies. The green season (November to April) transforms landscapes into lush, vibrant scenes and is particularly rewarding for birding enthusiasts.

Is Malawi Right for You? 

Malawi is ideal for travellers who:

• Have already experienced classic safari destinations and want something unique
• Value conservation and low-impact travel
• Prefer intimate camps over large lodges
• Want to combine safari with beach-style relaxation
• Seek authenticity over spectacle
  
  

It’s not about ticking boxes. It’s about feeling present.

The Quiet Power of Malawi

Malawi doesn’t demand attention. It earns it.

In a world where safari can sometimes feel crowded or commercial, Malawi remains refreshingly grounded, defined by genuine hospitality, meaningful conservation and the simple pleasure of moving from wild bush to open water.

For those willing to look beyond the obvious, Malawi may just be Africa’s most rewarding surprise.

The BHS Perspective

At BHS, we see Malawi as one of Africa’s most intelligently designed journeys. It offers depth without distance, diversity without complication.

We favour Malawi for travellers who want to move beyond the expected, combining conservation-led safari in Majete and Liwonde with the restorative calm of Lake Malawi and Likoma Island. The logistics are seamless, the camps are intimate, and the experiences feel genuine rather than staged.

It’s a destination we recommend not because it shouts the loudest, but because it delivers something rarer: balance, authenticity and space to truly connect.

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FAQs About Visiting Malawi

Is Malawi good for safari?

Yes. While lesser known than other African safari destinations, Malawi offers excellent wildlife viewing in Majete Wildlife Reserve and Liwonde National Park. Thanks to conservation efforts, populations of elephant, lion, leopard and black rhino are thriving.

What is Lake Malawi known for?

Lake Malawi is one of Africa’s largest freshwater lakes and is famous for its crystal-clear water and extraordinary diversity of cichlid fish. It offers kayaking, snorkelling, dhow cruises and relaxed beach stays.

How many days do you need in Malawi?

A well-balanced Malawi itinerary typically ranges from 8 to 12 days, combining safari in Majete and Liwonde with time on Lake Malawi or Likoma Island.

When is the best time to visit Malawi?

The dry season (May to October) is best for wildlife viewing. Lake Malawi is enjoyable year-round, though the dry months offer particularly pleasant conditions.

Is Malawi safe for tourists?

Malawi is widely regarded as one of the friendliest countries in Africa. With experienced guides and well-managed reserves, it is a safe and welcoming destination for travellers.

Plan Your Malawi Journey

Malawi is for travellers who value authenticity over spectacle. Those who want meaningful wildlife encounters by day and still, glassy lake horizons by sunset.

At BHS, we tailor each Malawi safari to the seasons, tracking big game in Majete and Liwonde during the dry months, drifting along the Shire River at golden hour, or unwinding on the shores of Lake Malawi and Likoma Island when the water is at its calmest.

Start planning your Malawi safari and lake escape today, and discover why this quietly captivating country remains one of Africa’s most rewarding secrets.