Malawi travel advice
Driving tip
Simon Mills, from our supplier, Native Escapes, on self-driving in Malawi:“Malawi’s one of the few countries in Africa’s southeast where self-driving can be done and the infrastructure has improved considerably over time. The roads are good because they’re tarmacked, which isn’t the case all over Africa, and the challenges you face often make it interesting as they’ll be things like incursions from livestock and locals on bicycles, but as long as you drive carefully and take your time it’s enjoyable. Africa being Africa, you may get one or two inadvertent roadblocks too. Car rental can be expensive, so local driver guides are a great option. They know the roads and drive them every day, so you can just sit back and enjoy it while they tell you stories about their country and their culture.”
Our Malawi Holidays
Malawi self drive holiday
Discover Malawi at your own pace on this self-drive trip
From
£3150
10 days
ex flights
Zambia & Malawi small group safari
Unique adventure safari kayaking, game viewing & hiking
From
€2840
16 days
ex flights
Malawi tailor made holidays
Magical Malawi combined with a walking safari in Zambia
From
£3375 to £5600
13 days
ex flights
Malawi & Zambia culture and nature tour
Explore Malawi's unique areas and Zambia's National Park
From
£2810 to £3095
15 days
ex flights
Malawi luxury holiday
A luxury guided trip introducing you to magnificent Malawi
From
£3250
13 days
ex flights
Malawi conservation volunteering experience
2-12 weeks exploring and researching the Wild Heart of Africa
From
£1370 to £4350
14 days
ex flights
Nature tips
Simon Mills from Native Escapes on Malawi’s natural world:
“I’ve only ever been through Lilongwe, but I don’t think there’s much to keep people there because there’s so much variety across Malawi’s beautiful landscapes, particularly on the southern circuit – if you do want to head for a town, Zomba, which is Malawi’s old capital, is much more interesting. I would recommend that people get out into Malawi’s incredible nature where there is so much to see and then spend a day in a city en route home if they’re curious. People don’t go to Malawi for cities; they go for landscape and wildlife.”
“I’ve only ever been through Lilongwe, but I don’t think there’s much to keep people there because there’s so much variety across Malawi’s beautiful landscapes, particularly on the southern circuit – if you do want to head for a town, Zomba, which is Malawi’s old capital, is much more interesting. I would recommend that people get out into Malawi’s incredible nature where there is so much to see and then spend a day in a city en route home if they’re curious. People don’t go to Malawi for cities; they go for landscape and wildlife.”
Health & safety in Malawi
HEALTH
SAFETY
Our top Malawi Holiday
Malawi self drive holiday
Discover Malawi at your own pace on this self-drive trip
From
£3150
10 days
ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Malawi or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.

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Malawi tips from our travellers
At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travellers are often... other travellers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do - and opinions about what not to.
We have selected some of the most useful Malawi travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your holiday - and the space inside your suitcase.
We have selected some of the most useful Malawi travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your holiday - and the space inside your suitcase.

Volunteering at Lilongwe was very much oriented towards animal care, but volunteering at the Kuti reserve seems to offer more opportunities for getting involved in the local community.![]()

- Steve Boud
"You'll make the most of it if you go prepared, but with an open mind and relaxed attitude. This is Africa, not Europe... but that's why you go! if you have the chance I would recommend a safari in Zambia and a trip to Lake Malawi, both breathtaking." - Catherine Coleman
“If you go to Malawi, take a Visa card – not Mastercard – for expenses.” Chaz Seymour
“Take something warm for the winter months, it does get cold at night and first thing in the morning. A fleece hoodie and a blanket are essential kit.” – Emma Daw
“Make sure you take enough memory for your camera because you'll take more pictures than you think, especially if you go on safari.” – Diana Fentiman
“A volunteering trip in Malawi is the perfect way to travel differently. You really learn about local life and issues, and have the opportunity to get involved in it. You really meet people and animals.”– Geraldine Seguret
“If you go to Malawi, take a Visa card – not Mastercard – for expenses.” Chaz Seymour
“Take something warm for the winter months, it does get cold at night and first thing in the morning. A fleece hoodie and a blanket are essential kit.” – Emma Daw
“Make sure you take enough memory for your camera because you'll take more pictures than you think, especially if you go on safari.” – Diana Fentiman
“A volunteering trip in Malawi is the perfect way to travel differently. You really learn about local life and issues, and have the opportunity to get involved in it. You really meet people and animals.”– Geraldine Seguret

You'll make the most of it if you go prepared, but with an open mind and relaxed attitude. This is Africa, not Europe... but that's why you go!![]()

- Catherine Coleman