Take a trip to Malawi: Journey Through Nature -

Malawi, often called the “Warm Heart of Africa,” beckons travellers with its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. In this post, I outline my 5 day trip to Malawi to help you make the most of your visit to Malawi if you’re focused on nature and relaxation.

At the end of this post I will include links to friends’ blog posts which offer more ideas for your trip to Malawi.

My sister and I went on our trip to Malawi in December 2024. No part of this trip was sponsored.

Table of Contents

Cost breakdown
Panda’s Progressive Geography
When to take a trip to Malawi
Getting to Malawi
Where to Stay on your trip to Malawi
Tips for Your Trip to Malawi
Getting from Lilongwe to Cape Maclear
- Things to do on Lake Malawi
Things to do in Lilongwe

Cost breakdown

FIRST IT’S TIME FOR A BRIEF PPG (PANDA’S PROGRESSIVE GEOGRAPHY) LESSON!

Malawi’s history is a tapestry woven with threads of ancient kingdoms, colonial rule, and a hard-won path to independence. The land was once home to powerful kingdoms like the Maravi, whose influence still resonates today.
European colonization began in the late 19th century, transforming the region into British Nyasaland. After a long struggle for self-determination, Malawi gained independence in 1964, embarking on a journey to build a nation defined by its resilience and vibrant culture.
Following independence, Malawi was ruled by Hastings Banda for 31 years under a one-party system. This period was marked by authoritarian rule and human rights abuses.
In the 1990s, growing internal and external pressure led to the introduction of multi-party democracy.

This is a brief overview of Malawi’s rich and complex history. It’s a nation that has endured hardship and continues to strive for a brighter future, preserving its cultural heritage while navigating the challenges of the modern world.

When to take a trip to Malawi

Like most Southern African countries, the best time to visit Malawi is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. This period offers the most pleasant weather with sunny days, warm temperatures, and minimal rainfall.

I visited in December and I have to say that it was HOT. I would’ve been able to do and see more had I visited in cooler weather.

Getting to Malawi

While it might not have direct flights from every corner of the globe, there are several ways to reach Malawi:

1. Fly to Lilongwe or Blantyre:

Lilongwe International Airport (LLW): This is the main international airport in Malawi, located near the capital city. It has connections from various African cities and a few European hubs.

I flew Airlink which offers direct flights from Johannesburg to Lilongwe. The flight time is 2h 35m.

2. Connecting Flights:

If your starting point doesn’t have direct flights to Malawi, you can usually find connecting flights through major hubs in Africa or Europe. Popular connecting cities include:

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Johannesburg, South Africa
Nairobi, Kenya
London, UK
Amsterdam, Netherlands

3. Overland Travel:

While less common, it’s possible to reach Malawi overland from neighbouring countries like Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique.

Where to Stay on your trip to Malawi

Choosing where to stay in Malawi depends on your travel style and budget. Malawi offers several campsites throughout the country, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of nature on a budget. If you prefer to cook your own meals, self-catering apartments can be a great option.

Here are the two places we stayed at:

Mumbo Island: Mumbo Island is a secluded paradise located in the heart of Lake Malawi National Park. Kayak Africa owns and operates the only accommodation on the island. This eco-resort is committed to sustainable tourism practices, thus minimizing its impact on the environment. Staying on Mumbo Island offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience, allowing you to disconnect from the outside world and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. However, it is rustic and might not be ideal for the more luxurious traveller.
Quest Guest Lodge: Quest Lodges and Safari is a family run guesthouse in Lilongwe. The family lives on the property so they can offer 24/7 assistance if needed. Their rates include breakfast and there are a number of eateries in the area. Do yourself a favour and book the suite with an air conditioner if you visit in December!

Tips for Your Trip to Malawi

Currency: The Kwacha is the currency used in Malawi. However, most Malawians seem to prefer being paid in USD or other stronger currencies due to the hyperinflation of the Kwacha. A mix of both can be useful. With the exception of hotels and upmarket restaurants, Malawi operates on cash or mobile money (which tourists cannot use). So make sure to have some on hand.

Visa: Check visa requirements for your nationality before travelling. South Africans are visa exempt and can stay in Malawi for up to 90 days. For other nationalities, you are either exempt or you can apply for the eVisa through this official portal. You can use the Visa Eligibility Wizard to see what documents you need to apply online. Have your visa printed before landing in Malawi.

DO NOT RELY ON VISA ON ARRIVAL OPTIONS. I advise this for every African country due to the corrupt nature of airport officials. Get your eVisa in advance. Malawi is no different as they tried to swindle me by insisting I needed proof vaccination (you DO NOT need this to enter Malawi).

Packing: Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat. Even in winter, the African sun is strong and days get quite warm!

Medication: Malaria is endemic in more than 95% of Malawi. Start your course of Malaria medication before leaving for your trip.

Getting around: I personally thought it was worth it to hire a driver in Malawi because I didn’t want to deal with the stress of navigating roads in Malawi and because I didn’t want to deal with local police who are known for stopping cars with foreign drivers. Please find the driver’s details below; we were extremely happy with the level of service, punctuality and communication from this driver:

Boyce: +265996589888 (you can WhatsApp him- say Aneesa sent you)

Malawi was a place I visited to rest, recharge and relax. Lake Malawi’s stunning beaches were the main attraction.

Getting from Lilongwe to Cape Maclear

Lake Malawi stretches through the entire country. It’s important to choose the section you want to spend your holiday at. We chose Cape Maclear as our base and it did not disappoint. However it is important to note that it takes 5 hours to drive from Lilongwe to Cape Maclear- despite what Google says- and the road conditions are definitely questionable in some parts.

We arranged with Kayak Africa to spend the night at their Cape Maclear cottage which was ready for our arrival. There was a restaurant nearby but we opted to bring our own food since the cottage has a fully equipped kitchen.

No matter how you get to Cape Maclear, please try to stock up on anything you might need in Lilongwe at a mall or large store. Areas outside of the capital have mostly basic supplies and fresh produce.

The next day we relaxed until our boat arrived at 10:30 to whisk us to Mumbo Island. It was an hour-long journey (we dropped off people at Domwe Island first) until we arrived at our resort.

THINGS TO DO- Cape Maclear

With rest and relaxation at the forefront, we didn’t do much other than swim, read and sleep. Remember that Mumbo Island has little electricity, no wi-fi and limited cellphone signal.

However we did make time for:

A sunset cruise along Lake Malawi: The vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple paint the sky, reflecting on the calm waters and casting a magical glow on the surrounding rocks. As the day fades, the sounds of the lake come alive – the gentle lapping of waves and the calls of distant birds. Sipping on a refreshing drink while witnessing this breathtaking spectacle creates a truly serene and memorable moment. The resort provides drinks from their bar or you can take your own.

Kayaking on Lake Malawi: We glided through crystal-clear waters, marvelling at the vibrant fish darting below us. Kayak is a great way to explore hidden coves, discover secluded beaches, and soak in the tranquility of the surrounding scenery. The calm waters of the lake make kayaking a relaxing and enjoyable experience for all skill levels, while the breathtaking beauty of the lake creates a truly unforgettable activity. The resort has a few kayaks available and you just need to reserve them in advance.

Mumbo Island has a kitchen that guests can use so we prepared our own meals however, there are all inclusive options that cater to a variety of dietary preferences. You just need to arrange these things in advance when booking with Kayak Africa.

THINGS TO DO- Lilongwe

After disconnecting from the world while on Mumbo Island, we returned to Lilongwe with a day to spend in the city. During this day we visited:

-Lilongwe Wildlife Centre: This sanctuary allegedly provides a safe haven for orphaned and injured wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and smaller mammals. However, we did not see a SINGLE animal during our afternoon there so please manage your expectations. Rather treat this as a place you can walk through a forest- they have various trails to follow and they’re quite gentle. There are also little animal-themed exercise pitstops which kids (and adventurous adults) will enjoy.

-Woodlands Restaurant: The evening atmosphere at Woodlands Restaurant is serene , with soft music playing in the background as you dine in a garden lit with fairy lights. The restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring both Asian and Continental cuisine. I recommend the Chambo stew which is a delicious fish stew made with locally caught fish. Don’t miss the kulfi ice cream for dessert and a cup of strong masala tea.

Malawi, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Visitors can marvel at the crystal-clear waters of Lake Malawi, explore diverse landscapes ranging from rolling hills to dramatic cliffs, and encounter a variety of wildlife in national parks and reserves. The warm and friendly Malawian people, coupled with the country’s variety of accommodation options and stunning sunsets over the lake, make a trip to Malawi an unforgettable and rewarding destination for those seeking an authentic African adventure.