Best Things To Do In Malawi

The Responsible Safari Company is owned by Dom and Kate Webb. We both live in Malawi and love finding off-the-beaten-track places around Malawi, as we are convinced  these unique experiences that stay with you forever!

As local travel specialists, we have put together our favourite top 5 things to do to in Malawi to make your Malawi holiday a step above the rest. Whether you are staying for business in Malawi, visiting friends or family or want a packaged weekend break, these top tips are a 'must do' guide to the warm heart of Africa. We have so many more favourite gems to suggest so get in touch and we will reveal all!

Number 1: Community Project Visits

Malawi community project visits add so much to your Malawi holiday, and we believe a visit to a local Malawi community will be one of the best local experiences visitors can have!

All The Responsible Safari Company's Community Projects are picked to be near the main attractions in Malawi and are ideal to stop off for 30 mins or more. Please email or call us so we can let them know you are coming. Here are three examples:

Mulanje Orphan Care Visit
Lake Malawi Boat Yard Visit
Thyolo Recycling Project Visit

Visitor Dances at Mulanje Orphan Care Centre

Number 2: Lake Malawi Islands

From Cape Maclear, visitors to Lake Malawi can be adventurous and kayak over to the stunning uninhabited Domwe Island. Camp or stay in the basic safari tents, cook dinner under stars and swim, snorkel and kayak during the day- complete paradise at a cheap budget! Book Domwe Island Now! Alternatively, treat yourself and stay on the stunning Mumbo Island. Book Mumbo Island Now!

Kayaking to Domwe Island

Mumbo Island Rooms

Number 3: The Tea Estates, Southern Malawi

As you drive out of Blantyre and head south, the landscape opens up and you are treated to rolling fields of perfectly manicured tea. Stunning colours bounce from the landscape as the road winds between the fields. On a clear day visitors are treated to the magnificent backdrop of Mount Mulanje in all her glory, rising up out of the tea estates. Beautifully renovated cottages and lodges have been converted to allow visitors to stay within the working tea estates of the region. Our favourite tea estate hideaways are Lujeri Lodge, with the wonderful swimming pool and Mulanje Mountain backdrop, and Huntingdon House, with the beautifully converted rooms and stunning Thyolo Mountain. 

Picking Tea in the foothills of Mulanje Mountain

Number 4: Experiencing Nyika Plateau

Nyika Plateau is quite a drive to reach, but once there you will not be disappointed. The beautiful scenery rolls across the plateau and the cool temperatures make evenings around the open fires at Chelinda Lodge a completely different Malawi experience. The majestic roan antelope stands gracefully amidst the moors and zebra and antelope move across the landscape to streams and dams to drink. Nyika is a unique experience and shows the diversity of Malawi and the sheer beauty of this region of Africa.

Roan Antelope, Nyika Plateau

Number 5: Lake Malawi Idylic Retreats

Splash out on the shores of Kaya Mawa or go green at the stunning Manda Wilderness Reserve, Nkwichi Lodge. Lake Malawi is the perfect location to find off the beaten track lodges. The islands are remote and unspoilt and the numerous bays dotting the shoreline have inspired owners and architects to create inspirational lodges.

Beach at Nkwichi Lodge, Lake Niassa, Mozambique

Snorkelling at Kaya Mawa, Likoma Island, Lake Malawi

For the more budget conscious. Rent one of Malawi Self Catering Cottages for that ideal weekend retreat with friends and family.