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.”
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.”
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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
More Malawi articles
Go after the December to March rainy season, when temperatures are warm, but not scorching, and the landscape still lush.
Overlooked in favour of Zambia and Botswana, Malawi has wonderful wildlife parks, including Nyika and Liwonde.
Find all the fascinating destinations in the country, from national parks to lakeside spots to hiking routes.
Once run-down and depleted due to years of poaching and neglect, Malawi’s national parks and reserves are beginning to thrive.
Also known as the Lake of Stars, Lake Malawi is part of the Great Rift Valley chain of lakes.
Liwonde National Park has some of the best river-based wildlife viewing in Africa.
Huge efforts have been made over the past decade or so to revitalise the country’s national parks and reserves.
The drive to make the tourism sector in Malawi more responsible is ever-increasing.
