Tribes Travel

Contact us on 01728 685 971 or by e-mail at amanda@tribes.co.uk or by post at

Tribes Travel, 12 The Business Centre, Earl Soham, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP13 7SA, UK

Tribes Travel

The art of travelling with respect

Contact us

or call now to speak to
one of our specialist travel team

01728 685 971

Help me plan my trip

  • Request a brochure
  • Add to my wishlist
  • Help me plan my trip

Malawi

About Malawi

  • Close Panel 

Malawi is not always the first place you think of for a safari or holiday in Africa, but it really should be considered as it has plenty to offer.

The cliche of Malawi being the "Warm heart of Africa" is actually probably true! Incredibly friendly people, a good climate, a gorgeous lake and some great wildlife ... what more could you want from a holiday or safari in Africa? 

The scenery here is diverse, though the focus is the lake and the mountains. There is a great range of activities including horse riding on the Nyika Plateau, hiking on Mount Mulanje, diving and snorkelling in Lake Malawi or cycling round the countryside. 

The roads are reasonably good and fairly quiet and there is a good network of light aircraft flights linking destinations too. 

The Lake provides a perfect place to relax and unwind after a safari or more strenuous activities, and there are many places where you can visit local villages and towns and have fun getting to know the real people of Malawi!  Malawi provides an Africa safari or holiday with a difference.

Pricing guidelines for Malawi

  • Open Panel 

We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £600 to £800 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). Malawi combines well with Zambia.

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

  • Example tripPrice per person
  • 1 week holiday /safari staying in quality accommodationBetween £1800 and £3000
  • 1 week stay at high quality lakeside lodges (including the islands)From about £2500 +

Weather and highlights

  • Open Panel 
    • Jan
    • Sunny
    • 15
    • 30
    • Feb
    • Heavy rain
    • 15
    • 30
    • Mar
    • Heavy rain
    • 15
    • 30
    • Apr
    • Rain
    • 10
    • 30
    • May
    • Sunny with Cloud
    • 5
    • 25
    • Jun
    • Sunny with Cloud
    • 0
    • 23
    • Jul
    • Sunny
    • 0
    • 23
    • Aug
    • Sunny
    • 5
    • 25
    • Sep
    • Sunny
    • 10
    • 30
    • Oct
    • Sunny
    • 10
    • 30
    • Nov
    • Rain
    • 15
    • 30
    • Dec
    • Sunny
    • 15
    • 30
  1. Lake  Malawi - swimming, snorkelling, diving, sailing, kayaking. 
  2. Culture - meet some of the friendliest people in Africa.
  3. Hiking - great trails around Mt Mulanje, Zomba and the Viphya
  4. Liwonde National Park - a very picturesque park on the Shire River with plenty of elephants. Boat safaris and the stunning birdlife are a highlight here.
  5. Likoma Island - a remote, peaceful place near the Mozambique shore with a unique British style cathedral, no traffic, laid back life style and the perfect place to get away from it all!

Map and country information

  • Open Panel 
Malawi

Language

English is the official language but not widely used in rural areas. The most common local language is Chichewa.

Visas

Not needed for most nationalities but check with your embassies before travel. If travelling to Nkwichi Lodge you will need a Mozambique visa.

Health

No vaccinations are compulsary but several are recommended. Yellow Fever certificate required for Nkwichi Lodge (Mozambique). See your GP for advice.

Best times to go

Malawi is a year round destination but some activities are better at different times of the year. The heaviest rain falls generally between February and March and windy season on the lake tends to be around June / July. The lake is calmest and best for snorkelling and diving between November and March which is also the hottest time of year. May - July can be quite cool and very cold indeed in the highlands.

Getting there

International flights to Malawi are either with Kenya Airways (via Nairobi) or South African Airways (via Johannesburg) daily and into either Lilongwe or Blantyre. Locally, there are frequent connections with neighbouring Zambia. Within Malawi light aircraft link local destinations.

  • Request a brochure
  • Add to my wishlist
  • Help me plan my trip

Your reviews

Read what our clients think of the places they've been with Tribes. Here are the most recent reviews.

Click to read more

  • A wonderful holiday. Everything went very smoothly and we really enjoyed the range of activities on offer. Malawi was wonderful and we enjoyed the to...

    • 4 Tribes points awarded
    • 1 point
    • 2 points
    • 3 points
    • 4 points
  • We had a fantastic time. Kaya Mawa was everything we were told it would be. It was luxurious, the food amazing, and the whole experience meeting up wi...

    • 4 Tribes points awarded
    • 1 point
    • 2 points
    • 3 points
    • 4 points
  • Absolutely perfect. One points we would mention - rather early drop off at Mufwe airport after our safari to fit in with other guests earlier flight s...

    • 4 Tribes points awarded
    • 1 point
    • 2 points
    • 3 points
    • 4 points