On a Safari in Malawi: My Key Takeaways

When I first started planning a safari in Malawi, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Malawi isn’t the first country people usually mention when talking about African safaris, but that’s exactly why I was drawn to it. I wanted something different—more off-the-beaten-path, less crowded, and more personal.

After a week exploring Malawi’s parks and reserves, I walked away with a deep appreciation for its relaxed pace, raw beauty, and the quiet magic of seeing wildlife without the tourist circus. If you’re considering a safari in Malawi, or just curious about how it compares to other African destinations, here’s everything I learned.

Key Points

• Malawi is ideal for a slower, more intimate safari — not the place for Big Five checklists, but perfect for immersion and solitude.
• Liwonde and Majete are the two best parks to focus on, with solid wildlife sightings and comfortable lodges.
• Pair it with Lake Malawi if you want a beach-and-bush experience without hopping countries.

What to Expect on a Safari in Malawi

Malawi's safari experience is quieter and less commercial than better-known destinations like South Africa or Kenya. That was one of the biggest selling points for me. I wasn't jostling for space in a queue of Land Cruisers or hearing camera shutters more than bird calls. It was just us, the guide, and the bush.

The wildlife is recovering, especially in parks like Majete Wildlife Reserve and Liwonde National Park. Both are success stories thanks to African Parks, the organization that manages them. While sightings aren’t as dense as, say, Kruger National Park, I still saw elephants, hippos, crocs, and even lions.

If you want to compare other options across the continent, check out this guide on African safari countries.

Liwonde National Park

Liwonde National Park sits along the Shire River and is a fantastic place for both game drives and boat safaris. I spent two nights here and squeezed in one of each. The boat safari at sunset was hands-down one of my favorite memories from the trip. The light turned golden as we floated slowly downriver, hippos surfaced and grunted all around us, crocodiles sunned themselves on the muddy banks, and we spotted a herd of elephants crossing in the distance. It felt like something out of a dream—peaceful, wild, and completely unfiltered.

Game drives here are a bit more mellow than in parks like South Luangwa or the Serengeti. Sightings aren’t constant, but they feel more rewarding because of it. We saw a small group of sable antelope, a massive bull elephant up close, and a troop of baboons causing all kinds of mischief near the lodge.

The birdlife in Liwonde is unbelievable. I’m not a hardcore birder, but even I got swept up in the variety. Fish eagles were everywhere, their calls echoing across the water. Kingfishers zipped by in flashes of color. We even saw a Pel’s fishing owl, which our guide told us was quite rare. If you're into birds even a little, bring binoculars.

Lodging in Liwonde ranges from rustic bush camps to stylish eco-lodges. I stayed at Kuthengo Camp, which cost around $400/night all-inclusive (meals, game drives, and boat safaris). Some budget-friendly options start closer to $150/night, but it's worth checking what’s included. Transfers can add $100–$150 depending on where you're coming from, so plan ahead.

If you're short on time, even a single night in Liwonde with one boat safari and one game drive would give you a great feel for the park.

Majete Wildlife Reserve

Majete Wildlife Reserve feels even more remote than Liwonde, and that isolation is both a challenge and a reward. The roads into the park are bumpier, and the terrain is more rugged, which gave it a more adventurous edge. Wildlife is a bit harder to spot here compared to Liwonde, but when you do, it feels like a bigger payoff. This is one of the few places in Malawi where lions and rhinos have been successfully reintroduced, making it a legitimate Big Five reserve. I didn’t get to see rhinos, but I did come across a pride of lions resting under a tree just before sunset—absolutely thrilling.

The bushwalk here was also a standout experience. It wasn’t just about spotting animals, but about slowing down and paying attention to tracks, dung, plants, and bird calls. Our guide was phenomenal and made the landscape come alive in a way that you don’t always get from a vehicle. I left that walk feeling grounded, alert, and deeply connected to the place.

Accommodation in Majete is generally a little more rustic. I stayed at Thawale Lodge, which cost around $250 per night, full board. The rooms are tented but well-kept, with outdoor showers and shaded porches. The best part? A waterhole just in front of the lodge. I woke up one morning to see a group of elephants drinking 30 feet away while I sipped coffee on the deck. It felt like a private viewing and completely surreal.

If you're looking for a more rugged, immersive experience that doesn't feel polished or overly structured, Majete delivers that in spades. Just know that you might need more patience with sightings, and the roads can be a bit of a haul depending on where you're coming from.

Logistics: Planning and Budgeting

Malawi safaris are generally more affordable than those in neighboring countries. If you’re budget-conscious, this is a major plus. That said, things like fuel and park fees still add up, and the remote locations mean you’ll want a good guide or tour operator.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of how much safaris cost, including tips on saving without sacrificing too much comfort.

When to Go

Dry season (May to October) is best for wildlife because the bush is thinner and animals congregate around water sources, making sightings much easier. I went in August and really lucked out with the weather—blue skies every day, no rain at all, and not a single mosquito bite. It got warm in the afternoons but cooled off nicely in the evenings.

If you're not a fan of heat, I’d recommend late May or June. Just keep in mind that some of the greener scenery disappears the later you go into dry season.

Wet season (November to April) is lush and beautiful but makes wildlife spotting harder. However, birders might love this time of year since migratory species show up in large numbers.

Getting There

I flew into Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital, which had the most affordable flights from where I was coming from. The roundtrip flight cost me around $1500 from the U.S. via Addis Ababa.

From Lilongwe, it was about a 4.5-hour drive to Liwonde National Park. The road was paved most of the way but still tiring. I hired a private driver for the transfer, which cost about $150 one way. Some lodges offer this service as part of your stay or for an added fee.

If you're flying into Blantyre instead, it's slightly closer to Majete Wildlife Reserve. Domestic flights between Lilongwe and Blantyre are available, but they can be expensive and aren’t always reliable, so I stuck to overland travel.

Car rental is possible, but I personally wouldn’t recommend self-driving unless you’re already familiar with African road conditions. A local driver who knows the routes and can navigate lodge turn-offs is well worth the extra cost.

Pairing Safari with Lake Malawi

This is where Malawi really shines. After several days of dusty game drives and early mornings, diving into the clear freshwater of Lake Malawi felt like a complete reset.

I spent two nights at a lodge near Cape Maclear, and it was easily one of the most peaceful parts of the trip. The lake is huge—you’d swear it was the ocean—but there are no tides, and the water is clean enough to swim, snorkel, or kayak in comfortably.

At Cape Maclear, I stayed at a mid-range lodge that cost around $120 per night, including breakfast and basic equipment rentals (like a kayak). There were cheaper options starting around $50 per night and more luxurious stays that went up to $300 or more. The value here was great compared to beach lodges in other safari countries.

Later, I met another traveler who had spent a few nights on Likoma Island, which is more remote and requires a flight or a long boat trip. She paid about $200 per night at a boutique lodge there, and said it was worth every penny for the isolation and charm. That island is still on my list.

If you’re thinking about all-inclusive safari vacations, definitely ask whether they include or can arrange a lake extension. Some lodges in Liwonde or Majete work with beach lodges to create a combo package, and it’s one of the most unique safari + relaxation pairings I’ve come across in Africa.

How Malawi Compares to Other African Safari Destinations

If you’re researching where to go on safari, I’ve done quite a bit of comparison myself while planning my trip, and here’s how some of the other countries stacked up in my experience:

• Safari in Zambia: Wildlife is more abundant, especially in places like South Luangwa. But it's pricier overall, and many lodges cater to luxury travelers. If you're into walking safaris, Zambia might top your list.
• Safari in Tanzania: The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are legendary for a reason, but I personally found them a bit overwhelming in terms of crowd size. If it’s your first time and you want big game in high numbers, this could be ideal, but I craved something more low-key.
• Safari in Botswana: Easily one of the most pristine places I’ve ever seen, but the cost kept it off my itinerary. Botswana tends to focus on fewer tourists and more exclusive experiences, which means higher prices. If money isn't a major concern, it's incredible.
• Safari in Uganda: Uganda is mostly known for gorilla trekking, but it doesn't have quite the same volume of big game in its plains. It’s a great option if primates are a priority for you, though.
• Safari in South Africa: Probably the easiest place to go on your first safari. Tons of infrastructure, lots of self-drive options, and good roads. But it’s also more built-up and can feel less wild in certain parks. Great if you want convenience.

If you're still weighing options, I put together a more detailed breakdown on the best places to go on safari in Africa.

Final Thoughts

Malawi isn’t trying to be the next Serengeti. It offers something else entirely: a quiet, soulful experience that feels personal. I didn’t come home with 10,000 lion photos, but I came home with memories of slow mornings, kind people, and wild places that felt truly wild.

For those curious about other overlooked safari options, you might also want to read about safaris in Gabon, Republic of Congo, or Mozambique.