Things to do in Malawi

25 things to do in Malawi

Listed in full below. The running order is set by votes and loads with the page.

• Kayak to Mumbo Island in Lake Malawi National Park

  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.

  Cape Maclear, Lake Malawi

• Hike to the top of Mount Mulanje

  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.

  Mulanje District

• Go on a safari in Liwonde National Park

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

  Liwonde

• Explore Chongoni Rock Art Area

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

  Dedza District

• Snorkel at Otter Point in Lake Malawi National Park

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

  Cape Maclear

• Camp on Nyika Plateau

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

  Nyika National Park

• Visit the Kungoni Centre of Culture and Art

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

  Mua Mission, Dedza

• Tour the Livingstone's Mission at Cape Maclear

  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.

  Cape Maclear

• Wander the markets of Lilongwe Old Town

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

  Lilongwe

• Track rhinos in Majete Wildlife Reserve

  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.

  Majete, Chikwawa

• Rock climb the Chambe Peak west face, Mulanje

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

  Mulanje

• Stay at The Mushroom Farm eco-lodge overlooking Lake Malawi

  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.

  Livingstonia area

• Watch the fish eagle's dive at sunset on the Shire River

  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.

  Liwonde National Park

• Attend the Lake of Stars Festival

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

  Nkopola Lodge, Mangochi

• Explore the Missionaries' Graves and the Livingstonia Church

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

  Livingstonia town

• Taste fresh chambo fish at a lakeside restaurant

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

  Cape Maclear

• Walk the Zomba Plateau forest trails

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

  Zomba

• Kayak the Shire River rapids at Kapichira Falls

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

  Majete Wildlife Reserve

• Take a dip in the Likhubula natural rock pools

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

  Likhubula, Mulanje

• Visit the Mandala Historical House and craft shop

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

  Blantyre

• Birdwatching in the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve

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

  Nkhotakota

• Coffee cupping at Satemwa Estate

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

  Thyolo

• Watch a Gule Wamkulu performance

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

  Mua Mission, Dedza

• Hike to Kangasangazi Falls in the Viphya Mountains

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

  Viphya Plateau

• Reflect at the Blantyre Clock Tower and War Memorial

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

  Blantyre