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Malawi: The Underrated Safari Destination You’ve Never Heard Of

Updated: Aug 12

We’ve taken many trips as a family, but this was my first solo journey with mom—just us girls—and to no surprise, it was to my favorite continent: Africa.

While she had already experienced the luxury side of South Africa, this time I wanted her to see the raw, real beauty of the continent. And we did it my way.

We chose a place few venture into—Malawi—a destination that doesn't often make it to mainstream safari bucket lists. That’s exactly what makes it special. No traffic jams of safari jeeps, no packed tourist lodges—just serene wilderness, charming towns, and wildlife in its truest form.

Baby elephant drinking water in Liwonde National Park, Malawi

 Itinerary Overview

  1. Day 1: Lake Malawi

  2. Days 2–4: Liwonde National Park Safari

  3. Days 5–7: Zomba Plateau or Dedza


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Flights + Visa

We flew with Ethiopian Airlines, facing long layovers and airport naps—part of the adventure! The Malawi eVisa can be obtained online for $50. 👉 Apply for your Malawi visa here.

Pro tip: You’ll need an invitation letter from a local tour agent or hotel, and confirmed return tickets. Ours was processed in under 48 hours.

Yellow Fever Certificate is often asked for at immigration, even if not strictly required based on travel history—so carry it.


Language & Currency

English is widely spoken, especially in cities and tourist zones. We carried USD, which worked well for our 7-day trip since we had a local driver throughout.


Best Time to Visit

The dry season from May to October is ideal for safaris and lake days. We went in March—a lush, post-rainy season with zero crowds, but it comes with the risk of cyclones (like Freddy, which hit during our stay!).


Local Transport + Guide

We hired a local driver who also helped arrange budget stays and guides. For 5 days, expect to pay $450-$500 per car, not per person. Safari guides were included in our lodge stay. Reach out to Mvuu Lodge (details below) for trusted recommendations.



Where We Stayed

Lake Malawi: Norman Carr Cottage

A charming eco-friendly beach cottage where we woke to waves and bird songs. Ideal for kayaking, diving and stargazing. The food was delicious and fully vegetarian-friendly.

Liwonde National Park: Mvuu Lodge

Set inside the park on the banks of the Shire River, this solar-powered safari lodge blew us away.

 The luxurious tents came with open baths, huge decks for birdwatching, and no fences—meaning elephants and hippos strolled freely.

A special shoutout to the chef for creating the best vegetarian meals we've had on safari. Hot cocoa + cookies mid-day? Yes, please!

 Mvuu Lodge - Central African Wilderness SafarisWhat I loved about it was that there are no fences, which means you will find hippos, elephants casually wandering the grounds.

Lilongwe: Annavilla7 Aparthotel

A basic but comfy place to crash with A/C, WiFi, and hot meals after our adventures. 🌐 Annavilla7 Lilongwe



 Highlights


1. Lake Malawi

One of Africa’s largest and deepest lakes, with crystal-clear water, mountain backdrops, and over 700 endemic fish species—a paradise for beach lovers and snorkelers.

2. Liwonde National Park

Our 3-day safari was the crown jewel of the trip — even with Cyclone Freddy making an uninvited appearance.

 This was my very first forest safari, and the combination of moody skies, earthy scents, and soft rain made it feel straight out of a wildlife documentary.

We spotted baby elephants splashing in the shallows, graceful zebras grazing against the backdrop of palm-studded plains, herds of impalas leaping through the bush, and the elusive, rare sable antelope shimmering in the low light.

 There’s no rush here — you soak in the slow, hypnotic rhythm of nature, from leopard prints fresh on the trail to the distant, almost haunting sound of lions roaring in the night.

I could go on a hundred safaris and never get bored. Half the thrill is the surprise — a sable antelope darting from the bush, a family of elephants rustling through the trees, the distant roar of a lion or the screech of an unseen eagle. Sometimes, even fresh hippo prints on a riverbank are as exciting as the sighting itself.

Baby elephant drinking water in Liwonde National Park, Malawi

Dedza Plateau, Malawi

Our original plan was to hike Zomba Plateau, but Cyclone Freddy led us to Dedza — one of Malawi’s highest hillside towns and a stunning finale to our trip

We visited the famous Dedza Pottery & Café, set in peaceful gardens with sweeping views. Local artisans showcased beautiful handmade pottery, and the café served fantastic coffee, vegetarian meals, and their legendary cheesecake — the perfect souvenir stop on the way back to Lilongwe.

Road-tripping through Malawi’s Great Rift Valley is pure magic. From green plateaus and highlands to forested mountains and open plains, the scenery shifts constantly.

Village scene in Malawi with people cooking by roadside

Along the way, we passed maize grinding, cattle grazing, and roadside cooking — scenes that make Malawian drives unforgettable.

 For the most breathtaking route, drive from the Shire River to Livingstonia in the north, with sweeping views over Majete Wildlife Reserve as you descend the lush mountains.

Road-Tripping in Malawi

Malawi lies on Africa’s Great Rift Valley, so road trips here are stunning. You’ll pass rolling green hills, villages, maize fields, and mountain landscapes that will leave you speechless.

It reminded me of road trips in Lesotho—scenic, peaceful, and deeply human. If you love driving yourself, consider starting near the Shire River and continuing up to Livingstonia for epic views and untouched nature.

Final Thoughts

Where did my love for Africa begin? Kenya in 2018? Tanzania? Rwanda with gorilla babies? Maybe it doesn't matter. What matters is the deep sense of peace and perspective this continent brings.Wildlife trips are my happy place. Watching baby elephants tumble, hearing the haunting roar of lions, and seeing eagles soar—all of it resets your soul.

Malawi isn’t on most safari lists—and that’s precisely the point. No tourist rush. No overcrowded lodges. Just you, nature, and the raw heartbeat of Africa. This trip wasn’t just a memory. It was a gift I gave my mom—and myself. So go. Pick places that are lesser-known. Support conservation. Be humbled by nature. Because rain or shine, in Malawi, the animals still come out to play.

Thanks for reading. Got questions? Drop them below 👇🏽 

Love, Anki



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