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Adventure & Outdoors

Ayurveda

Beaches

Family

Heritage & Culture

Heritage & History

Highlights with a Twist

Luxury

Nature & Landscapes

Relaxation & Spas

Round Trips

Self Drive

Wildlife & Safaris

Wine & Food

Adventure & Outdoors Ayurveda Beaches Family Heritage & Culture Heritage & History Highlights with a Twist Luxury Nature & Landscapes Relaxation & Spas Round Trips Self Drive Wildlife & Safaris Wine & Food
Duration (days)
1-10 Days 11-14 Days 15-19 Days 20-25 Days 26+ Days
Budget Per Person
Up to $4000 $4000-$5000 $5000-$6000 $6000-$7000 $7000-$8000 $8000-$10000 $10000+

Best Time To Visit Malawi

Beautiful wide view of Nyika plateau, Malawi, Africa
Herd of zebra's standing in the plains and nature of Nyika national park, Malawi, Africa
small herd of elephants walking through Botswana Okanvango delta with grasses and tree in background
Zomba Plateau - Malawi, Africa
Game Safari, Deer, Malawi, Africa
Man standing near Lake in Malawi
A mokoro boat ride against a golden sunset at Kande Beach, Nkhata Bay, Lake Malawi, Malawi
Overview
Best Time to Visit
Tours
Things To Do
Travel Guide

When is the ideal time to travel to Malawi?

Malawi has a subtropical climate throughout the year. Although it is very warm all year round, there is a clear distinction between the dry and the rainy season (September-April). During the rainy season, there are strong showers, especially in the afternoon. The roads are often difficult to pass at this time.

The best time to visit Malawi is from May to September, during the cooler season. The temperatures are pleasant and Lake Malawi is the perfect location for a beach vacation in Africa.

Best Time To Visit

Most Ideal
Low Season

overview

The country is engulfed in the throes of rain, making conditions underfoot very muddy. Do note that lodges around Lake Malawi usually close around this time so you will need to factor that in your travel plans.

we recommend

  • This is a great time for birdwatchers as the migratory birds will have arrived from the Northern Hemisphere, making birdlife viewing great at any of the national parks

overview

The heavy rains continue through the month and conditions are hot and humid. This still remains a great time for birdwatching, with Nyika National Park, in particular, looking lush and beautiful at this time courtesy the terrestrial orchids that begin to make an appearance across the plateau.

we recommend

  • Head to Nyika National Park for a spot of birdwatching!

overview

This is a mixed month in Malawi. It marks the last of the heavy rainy months, so conditions will greatly vary. It’s not the ideal time to see wildlife as given the lush vegetation, animals will be difficult to spot.

we recommend

  • If you do happen to be in Malawi around this time, head to any of the national parks for a bit of birdwatching!

overview

With the rainy season finally abating, expect longer patches of sunshine and dry periods in the country. Temperatures, especially during the night, start dropping in the higher regions as well as the further south you go.

we recommend

  • Spend time in Lilongwe, the capital city, as you savor its charms on a walk in The Old Town with its African vibe, vibrant street life and a large walled market selling a multitude of things!
  • A must visit is the Lizulu Market in Lilongwe – this bustling activity takes place on both sides of the Lilongwe River, which are connected by bamboo bridges

overview

Conditions continue to dry out and temperatures are largely mild, as you head towards the cold season. This is mating season among the crocodiles so keep your eyes peeled when you visit the national parks!

we recommend

  • Head to Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary with its spotted hyena, porcupine, bush pig, bushbuck, velvet monkeys and crocodiles
  • Enjoy walks, hikes and cycling tours at the spectacular Zomba plateau! The table-top mountain has streams, waterfalls and lakes, vast tracts of cedar, pine and cypress forests!

overview

This is the start of high season in Malawi. While it remains warm and sunny during the day, with temperatures touching the mid 80s, do note that that night-time temperatures can drop significantly – in the highland regions log fires are burnt for warmth and you can even expect frost in places like Mount Mulanje.

we recommend

  • Opt for boat and canoe safaris in Liwonde National Park, and observe a variety of animals: gazelles, zebras, elephants and wildcats

overview

Sunny days and cool (veering to cold and chilly) nights continue through the month. The dry conditions make it a good time to plan your safaris! Do note that this month the Lake Malawi International Sailing Marathon – a week-long June–July event on Lake Malawi, among one of the longest freshwater sailing competitions in the world – takes place.

we recommend

  • Enjoy the magnificent summit panorama in the shade of the Mulanje Mountain during a hike in the tea plantations
  • During your hike, take a break at its beautiful waterfalls such as Likhubula Waterfalls
  • If hiking isn’t your cup of tea, relax as you take in your scenic surroundings sipping on a hot cuppa in one of the old colonial tea estates here

overview

Expect temperatures to slowly start increasing around this time, while conditions largely remain sunny and dry, making this one of the best times to visit the country.

we recommend

  • Explore the diverse landscape of the Majete Wildlife Reserve with its elephants, buffaloes and rhinos
  • Discover the Shire uplands mountain biking or on horseback as you are surrounded by stunning views of Mulanje Mountain
  • Enjoy lovely walks through the large tea plantations of the Shire Highlands or in the rainforest, go on coffee or tea tasting excursions, bird-watching!

overview

Expect hot and dry conditions to hold sway through the country as night-time temperatures start warming up as well. This makes it the ideal time to visit Lake Malawi, especially given the clear conditions and enjoy its plentiful aquatic life and various water sports!

we recommend

  • Head to Blantyre, known for its scenic beauty and hilly terrain, elegant hotels, fine restaurants, and fashionable pubs
  • In Blantyre, visit the Museum to see some ethnic gems and spend an afternoon in the art gallery of the colonial-style Mandala House
  • At Lake Malawi, you can kayak over to Mumbo Island for some private downtime under sunny skies, or put your feet up on serene sandy shores
  • Enjoy The Lake of Stars Music Festival, held on a different lakeshore in Lake Malawi towards the end of the month

overview

This is the last of the warm dry months before the rainy season sets in, so make the most of the outdoors! Temperatures can cross 100°F in some parts of the country so keep your sunscreen and sun hat handy!

we recommend

  • Enjoy the beaches, and colorful underwater life at the majestic Lake Malawi as you go scuba diving, sailing, water skiing, and snorkeling
  • Spend time in picturesque Cape Maclear – the town is part of the Lake Malawi National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Unwind on one of the romantic islands with a sundowner as you take in the glorious orange-red sunsets in the skies above Lake Malawi

overview

This is the start of Malawi’s long rainy season. The rains though remain erratic, only settling in towards the end of the month. This is also the time the migratory birds start arriving in the national parks.

we recommend

  • Explore Nyika, Malawi’s largest national park, home to a variety of different game, 400 species of birds and stunning views of the landscape

overview

The rainy season sets in properly during this month – expect several thunderstorms!

we recommend

  • Visit Livingstonia, near Lake Malawi, which is a mixture of colonial architecture and dusty, tree-lined streets and offers a fascinating glimpse into Malawi’s colonial past

What to Pack

What you carry on your trip to Malawi depends on the time of year you choose to visit. Here are a list of items you would possibly need: light clothes in cotton or linen, preferably of bush-like colors, light jumper or jacket, light rain gear such as a waterproof jacket and footwear that will dry out easily, good sunscreen and sunglasses, long trousers and long sleeved shirts for prevention of insect bites in the evenings, mosquito repellent, warm clothing such as gloves, hat, scarf, thermal layers, warm jacket or fleece.

Best time to travel to Africa

Popular Trips to Africa

Liwonde - Nairobi to South Africa

Highlights of Malawi

12 Days from $8,090 USD / person

On this tour of Malawi, go off the beaten path to see hidden gems untouched by mass tourism. Apart from thrilling safaris in Majete Wildlife Sanctuary and Liwonde, discover the verdant, scenic hills at the Shire Highlands, walk, hike and cycle in the verdant woodlands of the Zomba plateau, and enjoy the clear waters, unspoiled…

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Best Places To Visit

Things To Do

The sparkling Lake Malawi, dreamy villages and fairytale landscapes – Malawi is brimming with treasures. Follow this link to discover our list of top Malawi attractions, activities and highlights.

Things To Do in Malawi

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What Our Guests Say

We have travelled to three different countries with the assistance of Enchanting Travels, most recently to Namibia. Each experience has been positive. Namibia was wonderful to visit and our trip was enhanced with the help and coordination of Danielle and Meghan (and undoubtedly so many others who are behind the scene). Our itinerary was individualized and catered to what we value and request. Our trip coordinator, Meghan, is so professional, prompt, and very invested in us having a wonderful experience. The in country guides and excursion companies Enchanting Travels has connected us with have been top notch. The new Trip Agent app which details the trip itinerary is fabulous! We highly recommend Enchanting Travels and are already working with Danielle to plan a trip to Egypt!
Rating 5/5
Enchanting Travels
Rachael Linnea Coady

USA

This was our first trip with Enchanting Travels and I could not make a higher recommendation. From the time of planning to execution of our trip to Southern Africa, the service was excellent. The attention to detail of every aspect of our trip was outstanding. The trip was seamless, from transportation to accommodations. It was comforting to have a connection in Africa who met with us online prior to the trip and was available throughout our journey. The app with all of our travel plans and documents made the trip stress free. We plan to use Enchanting Travels again in the future.
Rating 5/5
Okavango Delta
Tamela Gough

USA

This trip to South Africa has been on our bucket list for a long time. Our only regret is that we didn’t do it sooner. It exceeded all expectations, particularly because of Enchanting Travels and our travel coordinator /consultants Akshay, and Cyprian. Their expertise, and professionalism allayed any concerns we had. Also, the timeframe and specific tours on our itinerary were perfect – four days in Cape Town, two days at the Krueger Safari Park, two days in Zimbabwe/Victoria Falls, and two days in Johannesburg. We were glad Enchanting Travels was recommended by a relative who relied on them for a trip to South Africa. Everything was perfectly customized to meet our needs and we thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this trip.
Rating 5/5
South Africa
Gail Lofton

USA

We went to Africa because it was on our bucket list. We thought it would turn out to be a nice trip but words cannot express how wonderful it was. We felt like we were living in a fantasy. Every single person that we met in Africa was amazingly friendly and happy. Everything else we saw there was so much more amazing that it being on television. We are really considering going back in the future since it was absolutely the best trip we have ever been on!!! I am suggesting Africa to everyone.
Rating 5/5
Sunrise-over-the-savanna-and-grass-fields-in-central-Kruger-National-Park
Leanne Hoffman

USA

This is a raving review of Enchanting Travels and the South Africa experience. From the first phone call to the last message from our trip coordinator it was flawless and made for the dream vacation to exceed any possible expectations we could have imagined. We will definitely return to South Africa and won’t go anywhere without Enchanting Travels again. If you even think you would be interested in this trip just do it you won’t regret it. Cheers
Rating 5/5
Enchanting-Travels-Zimbabwe
Sean Gill

USA

Enchanting Travels did amazing, they took all the stress out planning the trip and allowed us the ability to concentrate on what truly mattered, making lasting memories.
Rating 5/5
Okavango-Delta-Botswana
Joi Thornton

USA

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What Our Guests Say

We have travelled to three different countries with the assistance of Enchanting Travels, most recently to Namibia. Each experience has been positive. Namibia was wonderful to visit and our trip was enhanced with the help and coordination of Danielle and Meghan (and undoubtedly so many others who are behind the scene). Our itinerary was individualized and catered to what we value and request. Our trip coordinator, Meghan, is so professional, prompt, and very invested in us having a wonderful experience. The in country guides and excursion companies Enchanting Travels has connected us with have been top notch. The new Trip Agent app which details the trip itinerary is fabulous! We highly recommend Enchanting Travels and are already working with Danielle to plan a trip to Egypt!
Rating 5/5
Enchanting Travels
Rachael Linnea Coady

USA

This was our first trip with Enchanting Travels and I could not make a higher recommendation. From the time of planning to execution of our trip to Southern Africa, the service was excellent. The attention to detail of every aspect of our trip was outstanding. The trip was seamless, from transportation to accommodations. It was comforting to have a connection in Africa who met with us online prior to the trip and was available throughout our journey. The app with all of our travel plans and documents made the trip stress free. We plan to use Enchanting Travels again in the future.
Rating 5/5
Okavango Delta
Tamela Gough

USA

This trip to South Africa has been on our bucket list for a long time. Our only regret is that we didn’t do it sooner. It exceeded all expectations, particularly because of Enchanting Travels and our travel coordinator /consultants Akshay, and Cyprian. Their expertise, and professionalism allayed any concerns we had. Also, the timeframe and specific tours on our itinerary were perfect – four days in Cape Town, two days at the Krueger Safari Park, two days in Zimbabwe/Victoria Falls, and two days in Johannesburg. We were glad Enchanting Travels was recommended by a relative who relied on them for a trip to South Africa. Everything was perfectly customized to meet our needs and we thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this trip.
Rating 5/5
South Africa
Gail Lofton

USA

We went to Africa because it was on our bucket list. We thought it would turn out to be a nice trip but words cannot express how wonderful it was. We felt like we were living in a fantasy. Every single person that we met in Africa was amazingly friendly and happy. Everything else we saw there was so much more amazing that it being on television. We are really considering going back in the future since it was absolutely the best trip we have ever been on!!! I am suggesting Africa to everyone.
Rating 5/5
Sunrise-over-the-savanna-and-grass-fields-in-central-Kruger-National-Park
Leanne Hoffman

USA

This is a raving review of Enchanting Travels and the South Africa experience. From the first phone call to the last message from our trip coordinator it was flawless and made for the dream vacation to exceed any possible expectations we could have imagined. We will definitely return to South Africa and won’t go anywhere without Enchanting Travels again. If you even think you would be interested in this trip just do it you won’t regret it. Cheers
Rating 5/5
Enchanting-Travels-Zimbabwe
Sean Gill

USA

Enchanting Travels did amazing, they took all the stress out planning the trip and allowed us the ability to concentrate on what truly mattered, making lasting memories.
Rating 5/5
Okavango-Delta-Botswana
Joi Thornton

USA

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