Malawi Tours & Vacations
Nestled between some of East Africa's blockbuster destinations is Malawi, a country small in geography but large in appeal.
Malawi is full of contrasts, the most obvious being that it's a nation of fishermen - despite being landlocked - owing to the clear waters of Lake Malawi. It boasts verdant highlands and tropical forests, undulating valleys and exceptional game viewing within its national parks. Malawi is also home to some of the continent's friendliest folk, meaning it's a country well worth considering on your African agenda.
Our Malawi trips
Malawi at a glance
CAPITAL CITY
Lilongwe
POPULATION
20 million
CURRENCY
Malawian kwacha (MK)
LANGUAGE
Chichewa, English
TIME ZONE
Central Africa Time (GMT+2)
CALLING CODE
+265
ELECTRICITY
Type G (Irish/British 3-pin)
Learn more about Malawi
Best time to visit Malawi
The best time to visit Malawi is during the dry season from late April to October or November. For wildlife viewing, late in the dry season is best as this is when animals converge at water holes, although the afternoons can be long and hot. The scenery is at its best from May to July when the weather is also less oppressive, although nights can be chilly and local wildlife harder to spot. The wet season runs from December to March and, and while the weather can be quite unpredictable, the vegetation will be at its lushest.
Geography and environment
With the third largest lake in Africa running almost the entire length of its eastern flank, visitors to Malawi often make a beeline to the idyllic shores of Lake Malawi and choose to explore no further. And, with pristine water that's ideal for all forms of water-based fun, it's easy to see why! But venture a little further afield and you'll discover much natural diversity and changing terrain of lush forests and game parks, rugged mountains and fertile plateaux.
Top active pursuits in Malawi
1. Waterside fun
Go swimming or try your hand at some water sports on the vast expanse of Lake Malawi.
2. Throw a line in
Experience the daily routine of lake-dwelling fishermen firsthand by rising early to watch them fishing on the still lake at the break of day.
3. On two feet or two wheels
Hike or cycle around the fishing villages that pepper the shoreline of this magnificent landscape.
4. Underwater world
Strap on a snorkel or join a scuba diving excursion to experience the abundant underwater world that thrives beneath the calm surface of the lake.
5. Hit the streets
Explore the bustling markets and city streets of the country's beating heart, Lilongwe.
Further reading
| Title | Author |
|---|---|
| The Heaven Shop | Deborah Ellis |
| The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind | William Kamkwamba |
| Dark Star Safari | Paul Theroux |
| To Africa with Spatula | Jane Baker Lotter |
Festivals and events
Public holidays that may impact travel:
John Chilembwe Day
Martyrs' Day
Labor Day
President Kamuzu Banda's Birthday
Eid al-Fitr / End of Ramadan*
Independence Day
Please note Malawi public holidays may vary.
Malawi travel FAQs
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.
Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
Some foreign nationals – including those from Australia, Ireland, Belgium, the UK and the USA – will be required to obtain a visa prior to traveling to Malawi. Certain nationalities may be able to obtain a visa on arrival. Please check with your nearest Malawi Embassy for more information.
Tipping is generally left up to the discretion of the customer, however if the service in a cafe or restaurant is good, feel free to leave spare change or round up the bill. Many service workers in Malawi receive low wages, so tipping waiters, porters and drivers is considered generous.
Travelers will be able to access the internet at cyber cafes or hotels in Malawi's large cities and towns frequented by tourists. Expect little to no internet access in remote and rural areas.
Cell phone coverage is generally available in Malawi's large cities and tourist towns. Rural and remote areas may have less network coverage. Remember to activate global roaming with your service provider before leaving home.
Malawi has a mix of squat toilets and flushable toilets. As a developing nation, expect to adjust to different levels of sanitation. Always carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer as these are rarely provided.
- Cup of coffee in a cafe = 210 MWK
- Beer in a bar or restaurant = 140 MWK
- Basic, takeaway lunch = 350 MWK
- Dinner in an inexpensive restaurant = From 420 MWK
Tap water isn't considered safe for tourists to drink. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Ask your leader and accommodation provider for local advice on where drinking water can be accessed. Also, avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit before eating.
Credit cards are used in Malawi's major cities but on a limited basis. Large hotels, restaurants and tourist service providers usually accept credit cards, but expect smaller operators and shops to accept cash only.
ATMs are quite limited, but can be found in Malawi's major cities and areas frequented by tourists. If traveling through rural and remote areas, be aware that there will be limited or no access to ATMs.
Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
World Bicycle Relief
World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most.
Find out more or make a donation
- 1 Jan New Year's Day
- 2 Jan New Year's Day Holiday
- 15 Jan John Chilembwe Day
- John Chilembwe Day Holiday*
- 3 Mar Martyrs' Day
- Good Friday*
- Easter Saturday*
- Easter Monday*
- 1 May Labour Day
- 14 May President Kamuzu Banda's Birthday
- Eid al-Fitr / End of Ramadan*
- Eid al-Fitr / End of Ramadan*
- 6 Jul Independence Day
- Mother's Day*
- 25 Dec Christmas Day
- 26 Dec Boxing Day
*Please note these dates may vary. For a current list of public holidays in Malawi go to World Travel Guide's website.
Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. It's important to understand that each country you visit may have its own specific entry requirements, and some destinations mandate travel health insurance for all foreign travelers, regardless of their nationality.
We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation, but minimum coverage may differ from trip to trip, so make sure you check the Travel Insurance section in your Essential Trip Information. You will not be permitted to join the group until your leader has sighted your insurance policy number and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number, and these details will be recorded on the first day of your trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is an essential part of every journey.
For travelers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or the USA, the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However, the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travelers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.
We recommend that all travelers check with their government or national travel advisory organization for the latest information before departure. If traveling from the US, you can find helpful information from the US Department of State and the World Health Organization.
Read more about traveling with Intrepid as an American