Top 3 reasons to visit Malawi
Trying to choose only three reasons to visit Malawi is an almost impossible task, as there are many, many reasons to go to Malawi on safari with Journey Beyond in 2026. However, in this blog we’ll do our best to stick to the three most important!
The people
Malawi is known as the ‘warm heart of Africa’ – and with good reason. The people are exceptionally friendly and hospitable, and you’ll be welcomed with warm genuine smiles wherever you go. This contributes to a genuinely relaxing vibe, which, combined with opportunities to explore, makes this place a very worthy bucket list destination.
Lodges and camps dotted around Lake Malawi (more on that later) provide beach lifestyle opportunities combined with the novelty of swimming in warm, non-salty water. If you’re looking for somewhere to do nothing, it is ideal – but having said that, there are so many activities on offer that you may not want to stay in your hammock for your entire vacation (tempting as that probably sounds!)
All in all, Malawi offers a peaceful vacation destination in the best possible sense. It can be thrilling and exciting, certainly, but the feeling of being away from it all and the generally slower part of life add up to a deeply relaxing experience.
Lake Malawi
Malawi is a relatively small country by African standards (which means shorter distances between attractions), and much of it is taken up by the lake. If Malawi is the heart of Africa, then Lake Malawi is the heart of the nation. This immense expanse of freshwater has shaped many aspects of life, from the cuisine to the easygoing nature of the people.
The lake is well-known for its biodiversity, including the many unique species of cichlid fish that are found nowhere else. Combined with the clarity of the water, this makes Lake Malawi a wonderful place in which to try snorkeling or SCUBA diving – there are even dive centres where you can gain your PADI qualifications.
Other water activities include kayaking along the edge of the lake, exploring coves, remote beaches and small islands, or simply running into the water to cool off. When compared with the ocean, the lake is safer and more relaxed: no waves, no currents, and if you accidentally get a mouthful of it, no salt!
Lake Malawi is also the setting for the annual Lake of Stars music festival. This fascinating cultural event takes its name from the magical lights you may see reflected in the waters of the lake at night. They look like fallen stars, but are actually lanterns on small local fishing boats that are used to attract fish.
Many of the islands in Lake Malawi are nothing more than collections of smooth boulders basking in the sun, but the two largest – Likomo and Chizumulu – are inhabited and well worth a visit, with attractions including one of the largest cathedrals in southern Africa. For the ultimate lake experience, you can even stay in one of the small, intimate island eco lodges (such as Mumbo Island).
Exploring Malawi
You may not think of this country as a wildlife safari destination, but trust us, you can have incredible Big Five sightings here. The country’s two most important national parks, Liwonde and Majete, are conservation success stories where ambitious wildlife reintroduction programs have helped to restore ecosystems and biodiversity.
Other options include a river safari on the Shire River, or hiking Malawi’s upland regions such as the Zomba Plateau and Mount Mulanje. Mulanje in particular feels like it’s on a different planet – a rocky, misty mountain with unique vegetation that makes for an ideal contrast with time spent at the lake.
For expert assistance with creating the ultimate safari experience, contact the journey specialists at Journey Beyond today.