About Malawi Safaris
Malawi — known as the Warm Heart of Africa — is one of southern Africa's most exciting and underrated safari destinations. Despite being one of Africa's smallest countries, Malawi packs in extraordinary wildlife, stunning landscapes, and the vast Lake Malawi, which makes up nearly a third of the country's surface area.
Malawi's safari story is one of remarkable conservation success. Reserves like Majete Wildlife Reserve and Liwonde National Park, managed by African Parks, have been transformed from depleted wilderness into thriving Big Five destinations. Today, Malawi offers genuine, crowd-free safari experiences that rival its more famous neighbours.
A Malawi safari can be perfectly combined with a Lake Malawi beach extension, the highlands of Nyika National Park, and cultural experiences along the lakeshore — making Malawi one of Africa's most complete and varied safari destinations.
Malawi's National Parks & Reserves
Liwonde National Park
Malawi's premier wildlife sanctuary, famous for elephants, hippos, and sable antelope along the Shire River.
Explore →Nyika National Park
Africa's largest montane plateau — rolling highlands, wildflowers, roan antelope, and leopard.
Explore →Majete Wildlife Reserve
Africa's greatest conservation comeback story — all Big Five restored, now one of southern Africa's best reserves.
Explore →Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve
Malawi's largest and oldest reserve, recently restocked with elephants and lions.
Explore →Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve
Remote and wild — massive buffalo herds, elephant, hippo, and exceptional birding.
Explore →Lake Malawi National Park
UNESCO World Heritage Site — snorkelling with hundreds of endemic cichlid fish species in crystal-clear waters.
Explore →Lengwe National Park
Northernmost range of the nyala antelope, plus buffalo, crocodile, and diverse birdlife.
Explore →Why Choose a Malawi Safari?
Big Five & Beyond
Malawi now offers the full Big Five experience at Majete and Liwonde, plus sable antelope, nyala, and rare aquatic species.
Lake Malawi
The ninth largest lake in the world — crystal-clear waters teeming with hundreds of endemic cichlid species found nowhere else on Earth.
Nyika Highlands
Africa's largest montane plateau at over 2,000m — rolling grasslands carpeted with wildflowers and teeming with leopard and roan antelope.
Conservation Success
African Parks' transformation of Malawi's reserves is one of Africa's greatest wildlife recovery stories.
Walking Safaris
Malawi is renowned for its walking safaris — intimate, expert-guided experiences in pristine wilderness.
Crowd-Free Safaris
Unlike more famous destinations, Malawi's parks offer exclusive, uncrowded wildlife encounters throughout the year.
Best Time to Visit Malawi
The dry season (May to October) is the best time for wildlife viewing in Malawi. Animals congregate around water sources, vegetation is sparse for easier sightings, and roads are accessible. July to October is peak safari season with the best game viewing.
The green season (November to April) brings lush landscapes, excellent birdwatching, and fewer tourists. Lake Malawi is warm and perfect for water activities year-round.
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