Things to do in Malawi

Paddle across crystal-clear waters to a pristine, uninhabited island, snorkeling among colorful cichlids and relaxing on secluded beaches within a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Trek through misty forests and giant lobelias to Sapitwa, the highest point in Central Africa, with dramatic granite cliffs and sweeping views across the plains.

Drift along the Shire River spotting elephants, hippos, and crocodiles, with guided walks and night drives in one of Malawi's premier wildlife havens.

A UNESCO-listed cluster of over 100 rock shelters boasting ancient paintings of the Chewa people, some dating back to the Late Stone Age.

Swim among thousands of endemic cichlid fish in a protected underwater paradise just off a rocky headland, with clear visibility and vibrant aquatic life.

Experience Africa's largest high-altitude grassland plateau, with rolling hills, zebra, and roan antelope, under vast starry skies at remote campsites.

A vibrant hub preserving Chewa, Ngoni, and Yao heritage through museum displays, woodcarving workshops, and traditional dance performances.

See the site of David Livingstone's 1875 mission, with remnants of the original church and a museum detailing early European settlement and the slave trade.

Immerse yourself in the bustling stalls of Lizulu Market, the city's largest, where vendors sell fresh produce, textiles, and traditional medicine.

Go on a game drive or bush walk to see reintroduced black rhinos, elephants, and the Big Five in a resurrected park that's a conservation success story.

Tackle one of the longest rock climbs in Africa, a 1,700-metre granite wall with multi-pitch routes, demanding technical skill and endurance.

Sleep in quirky, hand-built chalets perched on a cliff edge with panoramic views of Lake Malawi, offering self-guided hikes to waterfalls and community tours.

The iconic African fish eagle plunges for its prey against a golden sky during a boat safari, one of the park's most memorable wildlife spectacles.

An international music and arts festival on sandy beaches, featuring African and global artists, workshops, and a vibrant atmosphere under the stars.

The stone church built by Scottish missionaries in 1894 overlooking Lake Malawi, with graves of early pioneers and a museum telling the Livingstonia story.

Savour grilled chambo, Malawi's prized tilapia, served with nsima at a breezy deck right on the water's edge, paired with local greens.

Meander through pine and cedar forests to viewpoints over the former capital and Lake Chilwa, with hidden streams and unique cycads.

Paddle Class II–III rapids past dramatic waterfalls in a remote wilderness area, ideal for adventurous kayakers.

Crystal-clear mountain streams have carved out smooth granite pools near the base of Mulanje, perfect for a refreshing swim after a hike.

The former African Lakes Corporation headquarters, now a serene cafe and boutique selling artisan crafts, offering a glimpse into colonial-era commerce.

A rich miombo woodland habitat hosting over 280 bird species, plus elephant, buffalo, and lion, with guided walks along the Bua River.

Tour a family-run plantation and savor single-origin Arabica with distinct fruity notes, learning about sustainable farming in the Shire Highlands.

Witness the UNESCO-recognized masked dance of the Chewa, with elaborate costumes and spirited drumming, a profound cultural ritual.

A little-visited trail through pine plantations and indigenous forest leads to a 30-metre cascade plunging into a deep pool, a tranquil retreat.

This landmark commemorates Malawians who served in the World Wars, surrounded by bustling streets and colonial architecture in the commercial hub.