An Awesome Malawi Itinerary (Plus Map, Tips & Things To Do)
Malawi is an incredible country, often overlooked compared to its bigger and more famous neighbours. But I would go as far as to say that Malawi is perhaps my favourite place in Southern Africa (Mozambique is up there too) to go proper ‘backpacking’.
Like old-school, rough and ready, ‘proper’ backpacking on local buses. Yet with enough hostel infrastructure to make sure there’s a nice, comfy and welcoming place to stay at the end of your arduous journeys. This also makes it one of the best places in Africa for solo travellers.
You can, of course, also self-drive, but the buses are cheap and cheerful! If also slow and squished.
Malawi, known as the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ due to the friendliness of the local people, is the type of place you get stuck. The people are just lovely, the backpacker hostels are all really awesome and chilled and it’s not uncommon for someone to go to a place for a few days and end up staying for a month.
This could also be due to the fact that getting around can be a bit of an effort, so it’s often easier just to stay where you are. Not due to lack of local transport, there are minibuses going here and there all day long. But they can take a while to fill up, you often need to change buses, they stop every few minutes, they’re packed and you end up covered in sardines (ok, so that only happened twice)…
And don’t even get me started on ‘Malawi Time’. Malawi time (similar to Madagascar time) is like ‘Africa Time’ x 10. Malawi is a frustrating place to travel at times. But for me, that’s all part of the fun and makes for the best stories (often in retrospect) and the most rewarding travel memories.
Malawi also attracts some cool people and the backpacking scene is pretty small so you end up meeting the same people over and over, or meeting friends of friends.
Last time I was there, we met lots of solo or pairs of travellers in different places and then we all ended up meeting up as one big group for a festival on Lake Malawi. So if you can time your Malawi trip with a festival – even better!
There’s are also loads of great things to do, so if you put this all together – that is why I LOVE backpacking through Malawi.
This itinerary isn’t exhaustive and there are many other places to visit in Malawi, but it will act as a guide. To see all of the ‘highlights’ on the itinerary below you would need at least 3 or 4 weeks I’d say.
So let’s start planning your Malawi itinerary!
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An Awesome Malawi Itinerary (Plus Map, Tips & Things To Do)
Malawi Itinerary Overview
For the purpose of this Malawi itinerary, I’m going to start in the north, as though coming from Tanzania, go down to the south and then end back in Lilongwe as if you were then going to travel overland into Zambia.
If you were doing a loop, you could start and end in Lilongwe (or Blantyre). Or start in one city and end in another, but Malawi is quite a long, thin country so doing it this way would mean doubling back on yourself a little bit.
But like I say, you can switch it about depending on your start and endpoints and I’ve listed a number of alternative routes at the bottom of the page.
There are so many amazing places to visit in Malawi! You’ll love it!
My perfect Malawi itinerary would go something like this:
- Livingstonia: 3 Days
- Nkhata Bay: 3 Days
- Kande: 2 Days
- The Ilala Ferry: 2 – 3 Days
- Cape Maclear: 2 Days
- Domwe or Mumbo Island: 1 – 2 Days
- Liwonde National Park: 3 Days
- Zomba: 2 Days
- Mulanje: 2 Days
- Blantyre: 2 Days
If you have longer, you could add the following place:
- Nyika National Park: 2 – 3 Days
- Ruarwe: 2 Days
- Likoma Island: 3 – 7 Days
- Kkotakhota Wildlife Reserve: 2 Days
- Nankoma Island: 2 – 3 Days
- Majete National Park: 2 Days
Livingstonia
Ah, lovely Livingstonia… this place was a real surprise to me. It wasn’t somewhere I’d ever really thought about until I heard about a mythical backpacker hostel and eco-lodge called Mushroom Farm (no, not that kind of mushrooms).
Everyone I met who’d been to Malawi in the last few years raved about this place, so my friend Melissa and I decided we needed to check it out for ourselves.
Getting there wasn’t easy, but it was definitely worth the effort because we had such an amazing time.
Livingstonia town itself is kind of quiet but charming and it’s up on top of a mountain so perfect for hiking and there are beautiful views all around. On our first night, we met a local guy who invited us to his sister’s dowry celebration – which is up there in my top 10 Africa travel experiences (I’ll write about it soon)!
The hostel is also super social with communal vegetarian dinners, so you can’t help but make friends!
Where to Stay in Livingstonia: You HAVE to stay at Mushroom Farm, it’s an eco-lodge and social enterprise with a cool vibe in an epic location – what’s not to love. Call ahead to book/check availability before turning up in Livingstonia as it’s an effort to get there.
Cool Things To Do in Livingstonia: Hiking to Manchewe Falls, chilling in a hammock, exploring Livingstonia town and trekking to Chombe Plateau. If you’re lucky maybe you’ll be invited to a local celebration like we were.
Nkhata Bay
Nkhata Bay is a bustling but laidback town in a beautiful setting on the shores of Lake Malawi.
The hostel we stayed at was a little out of the town centre, but right on the lake which was perfect. Most of the activities centre around the lake, and Nkhata Bay is a great place to learn to scuba dive.
My biggest regret is not spending more time in Nkhata Bay. We were meant to be here for a few days, but hearing that the Ilala Ferry was in town, we changed our plans and then only had one full day, half of which was spent horse riding at Kande Beach (although I do not regret that).
Where to Stay in Nkhata Bay: We stayed at Mayoka Village. This is a fun hostel that is great for meeting other travellers. They have complimentary trips each week, can organise any activities you want to do and serve great pizzas. The photo above was taken from the hostel. There’s also Butterfly Space and Soul Rebel Lodge & Backpackers.
Cool Things To Do in Nkhata Bay: Snorkelling, diving, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding and swimming in Lake Malawi, chilling on Chikale Beach, eating at Kaya Papaya, exploring the town, shopping for fabric and horse riding on Kande Beach.
Kande Beach
Kande is a village with a beautiful beach, about an hour away from Nkhata Bay. You could spend a day or two here, or do as we did and make it a day trip from Nkhata Bay.
There’s a backpacker hostel/campsite, called Kande Beach, which is unsurprisingly, right on the beach. This place is popular with the overland companies, so there’s usually a fun, party vibe. I stayed there with my overland group in 2009 and this is where I met Cheese on Toast, who I hear from reliable sources now lives in Nkhata Bay.
A lot of people used to come here for the horse riding, but the stables has sadly closed down now.
Where to Stay in Kande: Most people stay at Kande Beach, which is a good backpacker/overlanding option.
Cool Things To Do in Kande: Scuba diving, getting your hair braided (or maybe not), going for a local village dinner and shopping for the wooden trinkets that Malawi is famous for.
The Ilala Ferry
My friend Melissa and I got the ferry from Nkhata Bay, down to Nkhotakota. We were supposed to go all the way down to Monkey Bay, as we were planning to stay at Cape Maclear, but after a night and a half, we were kind of done with ferry life and made our escape in the middle of the night…
The Ilala Ferry is an experience. Definitely one of those Africa backpacking bucket list/badge of honour activities!
We spent around 31 hours on the ferry in total but part of that was spent having lunch and a snooze on the comfy couches at Mango Drift hostel on Likoma Island, which was a nice break from sitting on the hard ferry floor.
It wasn’t the most relaxing of journeys, but it was a real adventure and I am so glad that I did it. Would I do it again? God, yes!!!!
If you can’t stomach the ferry all the way down to Monkey Bay, perhaps get off at Nkotakota as we did and either stopover in Senga bay or hotfoot it all the way down to Cape Maclear by bus.
Cape Maclear
Cape Maclear, or Chembe as it’s also known, is an incredibly peaceful and beautiful village down in the far south of the lake, in Lake Malawi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It’s one of my favourite places to relax and as you can see from the picture above, you’ll be treated to some spectacular sunsets. There’s a good choice of restaurants and bars, so it’s also a great place let your hair down and party.
Last time I was there, there was an all-night party in the village for the inauguration of the new Chief. We danced all night long! The whole village was there, men, women and children and it was around 8am when I went to bed.
There are some great hiking routes with incredible views over the area, but my favourite thing to do is to take a stand up paddleboard out to Thumbi Island and snorkel. Lake Malawi is home to more species of freshwater fish than any other lake in the world, including over 1000 different species of colourful cichlid (pronounced siklid).
In the afternoons, the local kids come to play in the water whilst their parents wash clothes, pots, pans, their children and themselves. Life in Chembe is very much centred on the lake and it’s beautiful.
Where to Stay in Cape Maclear: I love Thumbi View Lodge. It’s in a great location, really comfortable rooms, right on the beach, with fabulous views of Thumbi Island. Other options include Mgoza Lodge, Fat Monkeys and Warm Heart Adventure Lodge.
Cool Things To Do in Cape Maclear: Going swimming and snorkelling, eating fresh fish from the lake, stand up paddleboarding and kayaking, hiking, walking around the village, hiking, scuba diving and going on a sunset cruise.
Domwe or Mumbo Island
One of my favourite things to do in Cape Maclear is to stay on either Domwe or Mumbo Island. Mumbo is the more luxurious island, whilst Domwe is a little more rustic – but they’re both pretty rustic to be fair!
I especially love Mumbo Island as they have these incredible chalets, right on the water! You can go to sleep with the doors wide open and waves lapping. It’s a wonderful experience!
Domwe Island is relatively close to Cape Maclear, so you can either canoe over to the island or get the boat. Mumbo is a little further away, so you have to get a
Cool Things To Do on Mumbo or Domwe Island: Swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, hiking around the island and going on a sunset cruise.
Liwonde National Park
Liwonde National Park is one of the best, yet underrated safari destinations in Africa in my opinion.
It is to this day, where I have had my favourite ever elephant encounters on safari. For a starter, look how close we were able to get in the boats! I actually took this picture, but the boats did swap around so we got close too!
Later that evening, I woke up in the middle of the night needing a wee. That would have been fine, had it not been for the elephant munching on some leaves outside my tent.
Where to Stay in Liwonde National Park: We stayed at a delightful camp called Mvuu Camp and our safaris were organised via Wilderness Safaris. They offer camping and static tent/chalet type accommodation, right on the river. They also have a nice pool and bar area. I would highly recommend it.
Cool Things To Do in Liwonde National Park: Going on safari, both by car and by boat.
Zomba
Once the capital of Malawi, Zomba is a charming place in itself, but the main reason a lot of people come here is to visit the Zomba Plateau, which rises 1800m above the town.
The drive up is breath-taking and once you reach the top you won’t be disappointed either, as the area is known for having some of the best hiking and nature trails in the country. There is quite a lot of deforestation though, which is a huge shame!
Where to Stay in Zomba: When I stayed in Zomba the first time, I camped on the plateau, but last time I went I stayed at the super-friendly and cosy Blend Lodge & Kitchen (formerly Pakachere Backpackers).
Cool Things To Do in Zomba: Hiking the Zomba Plateau and seeing the waterfalls, wandering around the historical city, going horse riding, visiting the central market, taking a trip to Ntonya Mountain, bird watching, mountain biking, fishing, rock climbing, visiting Lake Chilwa or taking a cooking or dance lesson.
Mulanje
Mulanje is famous for two things, tea plantations and Mount Mulanje, known as the ‘Island in the Sky’.
Mount Mulanje is known to be a challenging but beautiful hike. It’s 3,002m tall and the highest peak is called Sapitwa, which means ‘unreachable’ in the local language, Chichewa. You could do more gentle day hikes, but if you’re feeling fit, there are 6 main routes up the mountain that can be done as a multi-day expedition.
I haven’t climbed Mount Mulanje yet, but it’s on my list… Mulanje is also a good place to base yourself before you head overland into Mozambique.
Where to Stay in Mulanje: I’d recommend you to stay at Likhubula Forest Lodge. or AfricaWildTruck Eco Lodge. There are huts on the mountain for those who decide to climb.
Cool Things To Do in Mulanje: Climbing Mount Mulanje, visiting a tea plantation and swimming in the Likhubula Pools.
Blantyre
I used to work in a few of the villages around Blantyre, so it’s a city I am incredibly fond of.
It’s not the most exciting city in Africa, but it is lovely, the area is beautiful and I saw some of my favourite sunsets in Blantyre. If you are interested in history, then Blantyre is a good place to see some of the more historical buildings in Malawi.
Where to Stay in Blantyre: I stayed at a place called Fisherman’s Rest which was really nice and popular with groups of volunteers, but quite far outside of the town. If you don’t have your own transport as I did, I would suggest staying at Doogles or Annie’s Lodge.
Cool Things To Do in Blantyre: Touring the Carlsberg Brewery, visiting Mandala House (the oldest building in Malawi) and doing a bit of shopping, visiting Malawi’s National Museum, go shopping for fabrics and get clothes made by a local tailor, going for afternoon tea at Huntingdon House Tea Plantation and going on safari to Majete Wildlife Reserve.
Lilongwe
As African cities go, Lilongwe is a pretty nice one. Not quite as lovely as Blantyre, but not as hectic as the likes of Nairobi or Dar es Salaam. It’s a good place to stay for a day or two, centre yourself and stock up on anything you need before moving on.
Whenever I’m there I like to go for food at Mediterraneo or Mamma Mia. Italian is the one type of food I crave when I’m away (weirdly I hardly eat it at home) and both of these restaurants do great Italian food.
If you don’t want to go all the way to Lilongwe from Blantyre you could stop off in Senga Bay on the way.
Where to Stay in Lilongwe: A lot of my favourite places sadly closed down during Covid, so there aren’t many backpacker places left! But a new one called Mpatsa Quest Backpackers has opened – I’ve not stayed there, but If you’re looking for slightly owever my friend Dilo
Cool Things To Do in Lilongwe: Shopping for souvenirs at the craft market outside the Old Town Post Office, visiting the Lilongwe Wildlife Trust, shopping and dining at the Four Seasons Centre, eating pizza at Mamma Mia’s and eating brunch at Four Seasons‚ going for an Ethiopian coffee ceremony at Seble Ethiopian Restaurant.
Alternative Routes
Malawi is a long, thin country and the capital, Lilongwe is slap bang in the middle. If you fly into Malawi, you’ll fly into either Lilongwe or Blantyre. So here are some alternative routes depending on where you are coming from:
- Fly into Lilongwe, go up to Livingstonia, then back down to Nkhata Bay, then get the ferry down to Monkey Bay, then see the southern parts of the country and fly out of Blantyre. This is probably the best route if you are only visiting Malawi and want to see a lot. You can also get the bus up to Lilongwe from Blantyre if you want to fly in and out of Lilongwe Airport. You will end up doubling back on yourself a bit, but it’s not so bad, hit some places on the way up and others on the way down or travel by land one way and on the ferry the other. You don’t have to go to the same place twice (aside from Lilongwe usually).
- Fly in and out of Lilongwe, just do the northern parts of the country.
- Fly in and out of Blantyre and just do the southern parts of the country.
- Travel in overland from Tanzania, just do the northern parts of the country, then travel overland into Zambia via Lilongwe (skipping southern Malawi).
- Travel in overland via Mozambique or Zimbabwe, just do the southern parts of the country, then travel overland into Zambia via Lilongwe.
- If you were doing a longer trip but didn’t want to leave or enter Malawi via Zambia, you could travel overland from Tanzania (as above) and go from top to bottom and out through Zimbabwe or Mozambique (or vice versa). Although not so many people travel via Mozambique as the northern part is said to be a bit tricky to navigate – not done it myself so I don’t know but will report back when I do.
Other Malawi posts you might enjoy…
- The Ilala Ferry – My Best Worst Journey Ever
- 10 Fun Things To Do in Malawi
- My Complete Africa Packing List (Plus FREE Africa Packing Checklist)
- The Hazy Beauty of Liwonde National Park
- The Best Places for Safari in Southern Africa
- 16 of Africa’s Most Incredible Hiking Destinations
If you’d like to join one of the Rock My Malawi Adventure tours you can find out more here.
I hope you enjoyed this Malawi itinerary post and that you have an amazing trip. If you need any extra info, feel free to pop your questions in the comments below!
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Helen, this guide is amazing. The places you’ve visited are awesome. I love the nature, the mountains, the beach and the people look so friendly. You surely enjoyed your stay, I can see. Hoping to visit there someday and will keep this as a reference. Great post!
Thanks Dawn! Malawi is such a cool country. Frustrating… but amazing!!! You have to visit!
We have a sponsor child in Malawi and I have been dying to go – so we can visit her but also to see what looks like such a great country. This post is such a great reference! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Rebecca! Yes you definitely need to go! The reason I first went to Africa was because a) I wanted to climb Kili and b) I sponsored a child in Tanzania (who I went to meet when she was 8 and again at 14).
So great to see pics of Malawi. I used to work there so know It quite well. It isn’t my favourite African country but I have very fond memories.. ..except the weekend I spent at a romantic retreat with my boss. We didn’t like each other very much so it was a bit odd!
Ha ha, a romantic retreat with the boss? Sounds awkward! 🙂
Malawi is probably the most frustrating country to travel through but i love it for that! Makes me feel like I earn my beer at the end of the day!
Helen you are giving me major wanderlust and got me wanting to book a ticket back to Africa ASAP! I had always dreamed of Africa my whole life and finally got to visit Tanzania a few months ago. It was incredible and ever since I just want to go back and see more of this incredible continent!
I’ve never really thought of visiting Malawi (actually, whenever I hear the word the first thing that comes to mind is Madonna adopting her daughter from there), because I’ve never really read about anyone visiting. But now that I’ve read your post I totally want to go visit! I love that it is so small and somewhat untouched by tourists. These are the kinds of places I love visiting.
And wow, Liwonde National Park and those elephants!! I am in love. What a wonderful safari experience.
Thanks for sharing about this less-visited country!!
You definitely need to visit Malawi then! It’s kind of like Tanzania, but friendlier and a bit rougher round the edges! You’ll love it!!!!! As does everyone who visits!
I agree with all of the places you listed, but there’s one you left out that’s my favorite place in Malawi: Nyika National Park. It’s not easy to get to but it’s so worth it! Gorgeous rolling hills like the Scottish Highlands, but with herds of antelopes and zebras!
I’ve never been sadly! There’s so many amazing places in Malawi! Will try and get there when I’m back later in the year! Thanks for the recommendation! 🙂
Malawi is full of natural beauty and there are a lot of things to do in Malawi.Malawi is quite underrated and hardly people know about it but believe me this place is an outstanding one.
I agree!
seeing AFRICA in a new way, though these are little and unknown places but still a lot to see and explore. very amazing horse riding and the huts where people are living
Thanks Kazim!
Wow, I would love to go to Malawi. It seems like such a peaceful place. I would definitely go this summer but I’ve already made plans to visit Haiti and Puerto Rico.
It is a great place to visit! Haiti and Puerto Rico will be amazing though I’m sure!
Nice and beautiful images. These images expressing that how much you enjoyed that place.
Thanks Henry!
it seems like such a wonderful\ and peaceful place in these beautiful pictures. Now, after reading your blog this place is on my bucket list for this year. I wish I ill go there soon with my family. Thanks for letting us know about this wonderful place through your blog.
Thanks Johnson, it truly is a wonderful country! 🙂
Hie Helen
Am Malawian and half my family & I live in UK. We loved reading your blog and gave us all a giggle. It one of the 1st blogs that captures the true beauty and spirit of Malawi you were so on the money with the “malawi time” I lived in Malawi till 16band never appreciated it till I was older. Plan to go back as a tourist someday to proper see our beautiful country. Thanks for showing the warm heart of Africa.
Hi Thelma, Thanks so much for reading! I totally missed your comment the first time around! Glad that it brought back some lovely memories for you! Malawi truly is the warm heart of Africa and I hope you get to go back soon!!! xxx
Hello Helen,
My friend and I are planning to go to Malawi after summer. We’d like to know if there’s an easy way to move in the country ? We don’t have car, but we’ve heard about buses company. What do you think about it ? Do you recommend it?
Thanks a lot,
Alix Et Margot from France
Hi Roux,
You can easily get local mini buses. There are some coaches too. the local mini buses are crammed and uncomfortable, but fun.
Good luck!
Helen
Hi, I’m thinking of going to Malawi. I have about 3 weeks to spend. Would you recommend to only do Malawi or to combine with e.g. a part of Zambia?
Hey Mark,
You can do either! Both would be good! I could easy spend 3 weeks in either but they can also be easily combined!
I have a Malawi, Zambia & Botswana trip running in October if you’re interested!
Thanks. I decided to do Malawi only the 3 weeks, leaving next week. 🙂
Thank you for all the wonderful info!
Do you happen to remember the name of the bus company and price from Dar to Kyela? And how long was the journey?
Thnx so much
Hi Tamar,
I forget the name of the bus company, but it took around 16 hours!
Hi Helen,
Visiting beautiful Malawi very early Aug next year ( 2019 ) with my wife. Do you know of any good private drivers that can take us around? We have a window of say 6/7 days. Many NP and Game Reserves that feature the Big 5 to choose from, and many elephants ( we already done Botswana *love* last time we came back to Africa ). What would you recommend if top 3 NP/Game Reserves?
Nice pictures and tips you have. Appreciated in advanced.
Hi Jonathan,
Are you just wanting to visit safari parks? Then I guess I’d recommend Liwonde, Majete and Nyika.
If you only have 6 or 7 days, might be a rush to get around the parks, especially if you go to Nyika too, as it’s probably a 2 day drive from Liwonde or Majete to there. I’d stick to the south and do Majete, Liwonde and maybe a bit o relaxing on Cape Maclear.
I know a driver who could potentially take you. And then I guess you would then do safaris at the safari parks using a different vehicle?
The pictures seem to be telling the whole story – peace and tranquility.
People may not have a lot in Malawi but from the look of things they are not going out of there way to get it at the expense of visitors.
I hope to visit Malawi soon.
Thank you!!
lilongwe is an absolute DREAM! This is a wonderful itinerary!!!
Thanks Nina! Lilongwe is nice, but the rest of the country is even better! 🙂
Hi Helen,
Great blogs, myself and a few friends are travelling from Lusaka and plan to spend just over 2 weeks in Malawi. We are then travelling back down to livingstone (cheaper return flights!). Do you have any travel suggestions for us? particularly whether this is possible coach wise.
Thanks!
Hello!
Yes you can get the bus from Lusaka to Chipata, change there and then get the bus to Lilongwe. There are quite a lot of companies. If you want to do it in one, leave super early
I think Jonga bus are the best to Chipata and then from there… don’t take the Chipata/Lilongwe border bus (I think it says Malawi – Zambia on the side or something like that), apparently it takes ages because of all the business travellers. I just got a taxi to the border from Chipata, walked across the border, got a taxi to the next town and then hopped on a mini bus to Lilongwe on the other side.
Then you can get around Malawi using the small mini buses. There are some bigger coaches but I’ve never taken them.
Hope that helps!
The best large bus line is SOSOSO. If you are coming from the North” a Kid” will line up a ride for you at the border. Dont forget to tip him. It should cost about 16 USD to get to Mzuzu. Maybe stay the nite because the coffee is incredible. You can get a taxi to Nkhata Bay for about 5 USD. On return the taxi will take you right to the SOSOSO bus line. If you leave buy 9am from the Bay you will catch the 10AM bus to the Capital. There are 2 bus times from Lilongwe to Blantyre, 7 am and 1 pm. This covers over half the country without the discomfort and wasted time on a mini bus.
Hi Helen,
I read your travels across Malawi with total amazement. You seem to have had a fantastic time!
If I may ask you, in few words, what would you say are the destination experiences of Lake Malawi, noting that much tourism is abut it?
Cheers,
Hi,
Great post, I wondered how long this trip would take and how much i would need to budget if i was going to do something similar in Malawi? i.e. how much would you spend a week/month?
Hi Alice,
It really depends. I will try to write a Malawi budget post in the future. Malawi is a relatively cheap place to travel though!
hi helen. is all amazing about this website 🙂
could u help with info about a travel to malawi?¿
im super excited to visit with my wife
thank u
Hello Helen,
We are thinking about visiting Malawi in December. Have you ever been then? It’s supposed to rain a lot….
Cheers, Sandra
Hi Hellen,
Could you recommend any car rental places? We are planning to go mid october, and drive from Lilongwe to Mulanje, and do some pit stops along the way. We wanted the flexibility of a car, that is why we are looking to rent a car.
This is so helpful thank you! I just got to Malawi and this has given me some great ideas. I’m wondering about going to Mozambique afterwards via lake Malawi, do you know if this possible?
Hi Helen,
Your blog is amazing and very helpful, thank you for sharing your Africa passion : )
I spent 2 years in Africa travelling on my bicycle but I didn’t have the chance to go Through Malawi. I will be in Africa in March and would absolutely love to visit Malawi. I am aware it’s the wet season so I would like to ask if you have travelled there during this period? I am a budget traveller and a tour seems over my budget… Could you give some tips in public transport in Malawi for a solo woman traveller during this period? I will have 4 weeks so maybe try to stick to mid/south part as it seems challenging to go all the way North from Lilongwe on public transports at this time of the year… Any shared light will be very much appreciated!
Asante Sana Rafiki <3
Hello Helen,
I’m currently in Malawi. I crossed Malawi from Mozambique at Chiponde. So my first stop was Zomba and then Mulanje. Where do you advise to go from Mulanje ? We have a month to visit Malawi before heading into Tanzania from the north of the country.
Thanks in advance !
Pauline
Hi Pauline,
I’d maybe go to Liwonde National Park?
Have a great time!
Helen
Hi
we are thinking of arriving in Blantyre going north. To avoid backtracking we are concidering continuing to Dar Es Salaam to cathc a flight home. How long time do we need for such a trip? We are used to travel. We are not on a tight budget, but cannot afford to rent a car. So we take local transportation.
How much do we need to book ahead? Safari, accommidatuib etc?
Hi Helen, great blog! Just wondering about tourist visas… To get the e-Visa you need to upload a “Covering letter from the host in Malawi (Must be signed by Host)” and a ” Covering letter from Agent or Accommodation booking (Must be signed by Agent)”. I don’t know anyone in Malawi so any ideas who I could contact to provide the host cover letter?
Thanks!
Steph
Hi Steph,
Have you booked any accommodation? I’m sure your hotel could organise this for you! Even if you just book your first night’s accommodation – I’d recommend that!
Hi Helen,
Loved this post and found super inciteful ! Which months do you recommend doing this trip in ?
Many thanks,
Tara
Hi Tara,
Thanks!
I love Malawi from June to October! 🙂
Hi. Your blog is great. I have a question for you. I plan to go from Tanzania to Malawi. Can I take a boat to Mozambique?