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Malawi Luxury Safari

Capital

Lilongwe

Currency

Malawian Kwacha (MWK)

Language

English, Chichewa, Chinyanja, Chiyao & Chitmbuka

Time Difference

UTC+02:00

This landlocked African country is dominated by towering mountains and cliffs, the vast Lake Malawi, and endless savannah plains that are home to huge herds of elephants, prides of lions, bathing hippos, and other wild animals. Explore cloud-coated mountain peaks in the south, rolling highlands in the north, and expansive waterways and grassy plains in the center. Malawi is often considered the ‘warm heart of Africa’ thanks to its beautiful scenery and welcoming people, and there is no better way to explore this amazing country than on a carefully crafted Ker & Downey Africa luxury safari.

Visit Malawi and explore one of Africa's top safari destinations

Malawi is undoubtedly one of Africa’s untouched wildlife destinations. This landlocked African country is dominated by towering mountains and cliffs, the vast Lake Malawi, and endless savannah plains that are home to huge herds of elephants, prides of lions, bathing hippos, and countless other huge and impressive wild animals. The Great Rift Valley dissects the country in two, creating Africa’s third-largest lake, which is popular with divers, snorkelers, kayakers, and beachgoers; there are also several secluded desert islands to visit. Malawi is quickly emerging as one of Africa’s top safari destinations, and its small size puts all that the country has to offer within easy reach. Majete Wildlife Reserve is Malawi’s only Big Five destination, and under the management of Africa Parks, it has become a conservation success story. Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve and Liwonde National Park are also fast becoming top wildlife destinations in Malawi.

Luxury Safari Malawi Packages

Luxury Malawi Safari Sights

A land of fast-flowing rivers & thick forests, Majete Wildlife Reserve is the symbol of what can be achieved when conservation & tourism come together.

The Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve in Malawi is one of the two large game areas in central Africa, with large herds of elephants being translocated into the reserve and more than 130 recorded species of vultures and birdlife calling Nkhotakota home.

Conservation enthusiasts from around the world flock to Liwonde National Park to witness herds of elephants trampling the ground between ancient baobab trees.

Capital

Lilongwe

Currency

Malawian Kwacha (MWK)

Language

English, Chichewa, Chinyanja, Chiyao & Chitmbuka

Time Difference

UTC+02:00

Luxury Malawi Safaris FAQs

Where is Malawi located?
The landlocked country of Malawi is located in southeastern Africa, nestled between Tanzania to the north, Mozambique to the south and east, and Zambia to the west. Malawi’s most prominent geographic feature, Lake Malawi, is shared with Mozambique, and its northern shores determine the border with Tanzania.
What can you expect of the terrain in Malawi?
Malawi is a pint-sized land of many terrains. Rocky cliffs and mountains split the country in two through the center, with some areas boasting savannah grass as far as the eye can see, creating a picturesque African landscape as if taken directly from a travel brochure. In the north of the country, rolling highlands and rugged hills are often compared to the Scottish Highlands, and in the south, thick clouds cloak towering mountains and thick woodland. Malawi is also dominated by meandering rivers and the large Lake Malawi.
What type of wildlife will we see while on a luxury safari in Malawi?
Malawi may be a small country, but it has no shortage of wildlife waiting to be spotted by adventurous travelers. Huge herds of breeding elephants are scattered across the country, as are hippos and crocodiles bathing in the lakes and rivers. You can also expect to see various antelope species, including eland, roan antelopes, and greater kudu, chacma baboons in the trees, vervet and blue monkeys, and bush babies. As Lake Malawi covers a third of the country, Malawi is also home to 500 species of fish, including African catfish, carp, sardines, and barbs.
When is the best time to go on a luxury safari in Malawi, and why?
Between mid-May and October, the cooler months of the dry season, the weather is more predictable, and the wildlife is concentrated along the shores of lakes and rivers. However, there is a possible frost at night at the higher altitudes. The rainy season between November and April is best for visiting the northern plateau as the temperatures are warmer. In terms of extreme weather, cyclones are possible from mid-November to mid-May.
When is the high season?
Although there is no crowding at any time of the year, the dry season between May and October is the busiest time for visitors.
When is the low season?
Few visitors come to Malawi during the extremely hot and humid rainy season between November and early April. At this time of year, safaris will feel more exclusive, but flora and fauna will not be in bloom.
When is the best weather in Malawi?
From May to October, temperatures are lower, and skies are clear, making for spectacular photographic backdrops. When visiting the northern hills, November to April brings more pleasant weather for hiking.
What are some of the best destinations to visit while on a Malawi luxury safari?

Liwonde National Park
Located in southern Malawi, Liwonde National Park is Malawi’s most popular game park, offering thrilling game viewing opportunities, including elephants, hippos, and crocodiles which congregate along the banks of the Shire River, which flows along the park’s western border. Boat safaris are a superb way to explore this park, as well as more traditional game drive safari activities. Just outside the park’s boundary, there are several local communities offering wonderful cultural experiences.

Lake Malawi
Lake Malawi forms part of a stunning natural reserve and a World Heritage Site. The lake lies within Malawi’s Western Rift Valley and is one of the deepest lakes in the world. The crystal clear waters of Lake Malawi are home to a wide range of freshwater fish, while around the lake’s shores, you’ll find baboons, antelope, and hyrax. Boat safaris are popular here, alongside a wide range of water activities, including kayaking.

Nyika National Park
This is Malawi’s largest national park, spanning a vast area that extends across the great Nyika plateau. The stunning scenery here is unlike any other in Africa, a granatic dome of rolling ‘whaleback’ hills cut by picturesque streams and pockets of evergreen forests. Here, you’ll find a large number of African safari animals, including antelopes, leopards, hyenas, elephants, zebras, warthogs, and bush pigs, to name just a few. The park also has more than 400 species of birds, including the rare Denham’s bustard and the wattled crane. The park is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and more traditional game drive safari activities.

Majete Wildlife Reserve
Located in the southwestern part of Africa, Majete is a breathtaking wildlife reserve that demonstrates how careful conservation efforts can reap rewards. Prior to 2003, Majete was an unknown reserve where almost all its wildlife had been hunted. Following an agreement between African Parks and the government of Malawi in 2003, the park has seen a host of wildlife reintroduced, including rhinos, elephants, lions, giraffes, cheetahs, and wild dogs. The reserve is now transformed, boasting abundant wildlife, including over 12,000 animals.

Can I visit tea plantations while on a luxury safari in Malawi?

Yes, there are several tea plantations that you can visit while on a Malawi trip, with the majority located in the Mulanje and Tyolo areas. Ker & Downey Africa can help arrange for private guided tours of Malawi’s best tea plantations. Contact our team today to arrange a luxury safari holiday in this stunning African destination.

What airport will I fly into for a luxury safari in Malawi?

There are several airports in Malawi that accommodate both private jets and international flights. Which airport you fly into will depend on your safari itinerary and point of departure. Some of the most popular airports include:

  • Kamuzu International Airport
  • Chileka International Airport
  • Likoma Airport
What other luxury safaris can I enjoy in Africa?

If you want to enjoy a luxury safari in Malawi or any other destination in Africa, contact the luxury safari travel specialists at Ker & Downey Africa. We have access to the best accommodations and safari lodges and can craft a bespoke luxury safari itinerary with unique experiences and adventures that are bespoke to you. We boast intimate knowledge of the best safari destinations, ensuring a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience. Plan your next adventure; contact our team today or browse our carefully curated selection of luxurious lodges.

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