Malawi, the “warm heart of Africa”, is better known for its friendly people and freshwater lake than for safaris. That is changing. Since the non-profit African Parks took over management of Majete in 2003 and Liwonde in 2015, wildlife has been reintroduced on a large scale, and both are now Big Five parks.
At a glance
| Best time | May to November |
| Getting there | Liwonde: about 2.5 hours from Lilongwe or Blantyre. Majete: about 1 hour from Blantyre |
| Time needed | 2 to 3 nights in each park |
| Big draws | Shire River boat safaris, reintroduced wildlife, value, few visitors |
| Good for | Combining safari and beach, conservation lovers |
Liwonde National Park
- Shire River: boat safaris pass hundreds of hippos, crocodiles and elephants drinking and bathing.
- Reintroductions: cheetahs returned in 2017, lions in 2018, and black rhinos live in a protected sanctuary.
- Elephants: in 2016–2017, the “500 Elephants” project moved hundreds of elephants from Liwonde and Majete to Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, one of the largest elephant translocations in history.
- Birds: over 400 species, including Lilian’s lovebird, Pel’s fishing owl and Böhm’s bee-eater.
- Activities: boat safaris, game drives, walks and rhino tracking.
Majete Wildlife Reserve
- In 2003, Majete had lost almost all its large animals to poaching. Since then, thousands have been reintroduced, including black rhinos, elephants, leopards and, in 2012, lions.
- Majete became Malawi’s first Big Five park.
- Its landscape of hills, miombo woodland and the Shire River is scenic and quiet.
Lake Malawi
End your trip on the shores of Lake Malawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Lake Malawi National Park) famous for hundreds of species of colourful cichlid fish, most found nowhere else. Snorkelling, kayaking and island stays are highlights.
When to go
- May to November: the dry season, best for game viewing. It becomes hot from September to November.
- December to April: the rains, with green landscapes and good birding.
Getting there
International flights reach Lilongwe and Blantyre. Liwonde is about 2.5 hours by road from either; Majete is about an hour from Blantyre.
Where to stay
Both parks have lodges and camps from mid-range to luxury, plus a few budget options on their edges.
Frequently asked questions
Is Malawi good for safaris? Yes, increasingly so. Liwonde and Majete are now Big Five parks with few visitors, and Malawi is good value.
Can I combine a safari with Lake Malawi? Yes. Liwonde and Lake Malawi are only a few hours apart.
Is Malawi safe? Malawi is generally considered safe and friendly for travellers. Check current government advice.
Are there rhinos in Malawi? Yes, black rhinos live in Liwonde and Majete, protected by rangers.
Related guides
- Gorongosa National Park
- South Luangwa walking safaris
- Rewilding Europe
- Animal profiles: African elephant, Cheetah, Black rhinoceros
Cover photo: Timon Zingg, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons