Unique Things to Do in Malawi

1. Snorkel in an inland sea

Lake Malawi looks more like an inland sea than a lake due to its enormous size; it occupies more than 20% of Malawi’s entire area. No need to jet out to the beach to unwind and soak up some rays when your vacation is over; its pristine waves gently lap against golden sand beaches.

This list would not be complete without including Lake Malawi, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Malawi. One of the best parts of this natural aquarium is diving in and seeing the hundreds of different kinds of vibrant cichlid fish, just one of the many freshwater fish species. All around the lake and its islands are great spots to go snorkelling. You may explore this aquatic environment from the shore thanks to the equipment that your hostel usually offers free of charge. Alternatively, you can book a boat tour that will take you to some of the top places and maybe even include some extras like a fish supper, seeing fish eagles fed, or sundowner cocktails.

Lake Malawi also offers a wide variety of recreational activities. As expected, scuba diving is also a highly popular pastime, with numerous PADI dive centers providing opportunities to dive and learn about the world’s finest freshwater diving. Aquasports abound, including kayaking, sailing, waterskiing, kitesurfing, and countless more.

2. A boat safari on the Shire River in Liwonde

When in Malawi, make sure you don’t miss this activities either. Liwonde National Park and Majete Wildlife Reserve are the two locations in the Shire where one can go on a boat safari. An amazing safari can be had in either protected region, where you can see lions, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, hippos, buffalo, and a plethora of antelope species, among many others. But if you’re looking for a boat safari, Liwonde is definitely your best bet. The Shire’s expansive areas are home to the highest densities of hippos and crocodiles. The wide floodplains or the riverbanks are perfect viewing spots for the many species that inhabit the area, including elephants, antelopes, warthogs, and more. Meandering along on a boat is the greatest way to see the incredible birds that inhabits this section of the river.

You may find a range of affordable lodging alternatives within the park that offer boat safaris as part of their packages. Popular choices include Mvuu Camp, Mvuu Lodge, and Kuthengo Camp; all three are located on the river, making it easy to observe animals from the comfort of your tent. The safari offers a variety of activities, like walking and game drives, to keep things interesting.

3. Visit a village and meet the people

You can really get a feel for the local culture and way of life in Malawi by taking a walk around a hamlet. The warm hospitality of the Malawian people has earned their nation the nickname “the Warm Heart of Africa,” and visitors can feel safe venturing out on their own or joining a guided tour of a rural community.

The majority of rural residents will speak Chichewa or a regional dialect in addition to English, the official language. So, it’s worth it to go with a guide if you want to feel comfortable communicating, interacting, trying out activities, and maybe even tasting the local cuisine. Lodges typically have strong ties to the towns where they are located; many even provide cultural village visits as an extra service. Another option is to enquire with your private tour guide about possible stops at local markets or villages.

4. Tea tasting in Thyolo

Thyolo, a tea-growing region in southern Malawi, is one of the country’s most picturesque attractions. As the towering Mulanje Massif rises magnificently from the meadows beyond, vast estates of carefully pruned tea bushes reach out towards it. Guests visiting one of the many tea estates can enjoy a delightful introduction to the art of tea cultivation in what is widely believed to be Africa’s oldest tea-growing region.

Established in 1923, Satemwa is a Fair Trade estate that ranks high among visitors. Stay in the colonial-style guesthouse and explore the peaceful estate’s many acres of fields on foot or two wheels. During a tea tasting experience that also includes a tour of the factory and an insight into Satemwa’s rich history, you can sample a variety of teas, including black, green, oolong, white, and dark teas.

5. Trekking on Mount Mulanje, Central Africa’s highest peak

As it looms above the tea fields below, the Mulanje Massif makes quite an impression. With its impressive 650 square miles, Mount Mulanje is known as “the island in the sky” due to its 3,000-meter-tall peak, Sapitwa.

You can drive around Mulanje’s base and marvel at all the gorges, plateaus, peaks, and clefts. But the variety of breathtaking hiking trails is the main attraction. You can go on a leisurely two- or three-hour guided stroll to see the river pools and waterfalls. Another option is for the more daring to take advantage of the opportunity to spend a few days hiking to the peak with the help of a local guide and porter, sleeping in simple but quaint mountain huts along the way.

Thanks to its unique environment, hikers can enjoy a wide range of flora, including stands of towering Mulanje Cedar trees—some of which reach heights of more than 30 meters. In turn, these provide homes for numerous species of animals, such as white-necked ravens, black eagles, and klipspringer.

At Mulanje’s base, you’ll find a couple of lodging alternatives, such as the cosy Likhubula Forest Lodge or the rustic Kara O’mula Country Lodge, perfect for a night or two before or after a hike. There are other options nearby, such Huntingdon House or Game Haven Lodge, for those seeking a bit more opulence.

6. Mountain bike in the rolling grassland hills of Nyika

At 3,200 square kilometres, the northernmost and most remote park in Malawi is Nyika National Park. Although getting there could be difficult, the rewards are worth it. Instead of resembling the African savannah, the undulating grasslands look more like the Yorkshire Dales. Nevertheless, zebra and antelope herds, including roan and eland, call these hillsides house. It is not uncommon to see leopards in this area as well.

One of the best ways to see the park’s unique wildlife, flowers, and breathtaking scenery is on a guided mountain bike safari. Rare and endangered birds like the Denham’s bustard, augur buzzard, wattled crane, and endemic red-winged francolins are among the 400 bird species found on this high-altitude plateau. A unique and unforgettable experience may be had at Chelinda Lodge with their 4×4 and walking safaris.

7. Sleep out under the stars in Majete Wildlife Reserve

The spacious and bright rooms of Mkulumadzi Lodge, which is located in the picturesque Majete Wildlife Reserve, have breathtaking views of the Shire River. Game drives, walking safaris, and boat safaris are just a few of the activities offered by the property. The opportunity to spend the night under a blanket of stars on a private raised deck is sure to be a hit with romantic adventurers. With a double bed under a mosquito net canopy, cotton linens, nightstands, lamps, and seats, this tiny star-deck can house a maximum of two people. Surrounded by a natural wonderland, this is an experience that will stay with you forever, perfect for sharing with that special someone. From May through October, when the weather is dry, you can use the star-bed.

8. Enjoy the views from Zomba Plateau

Indulge in one of the various activities available or just kick back and relax on the tranquil Zomba Plateau, where the weather is always pleasant. With an elevation of 1,800 meters, this distinctive rocky massif is one of a kind, and the highest point of view is more than 2,000 meters. Zomba is fortunate to have a diverse flora due to its colder climate, which is a result of its location in the Shire Highlands and its elevation. In addition to providing welcome shade from the scorching African heat, the vast cedar, pine, and cypress forests also provide some fantastic hiking paths.

You can ride a mountain bike, hike or ride a horse across the stunning Zomba Plateau. Just for the breathtaking vistas—hailed as “the best views in the British Empire” during colonial times—the plateau’s summit, which is intersected with streams, waterfalls, and lakes, is well worth a visit. Those who prefer a more relaxed pace can reach the vistas by driving on mountain paths.

Zomba Town, the former capital of Malawi, is located at the base of the plateau and is connected by a tar road. It has lovely colonial architecture and verdant streets.

9. Canoe through Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve

An enormous wilderness spanning 1,800 square kilometres is the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve. Due to the low volume of tourists, there is little possibility that you will encounter other people while exploring the reserve, making it an ideal getaway for individuals seeking alone in nature. As you float serenely along the Bua River in a canoe, you will experience the unparalleled tranquilly of Nkhotakota like never before. Canoe safaris at Tongole Wilderness Retreat are second to none. Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will point out a wide variety of birds, insects, timid animals, and even crocodiles and elephants. Finally, you’ll make a pit break on a beach for some sundowner drinks or morning tea and cake.

10. Stay on an island in the Lake of Stars

Lake Malawi National Park, the first of its kind and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located at the lake’s southernmost tip, also called the Lake of Stars. Its boundaries include a handful of little islands, perfect for a romantic getaway. Off Senga Bay’s coast are the picturesque Marelli Islands, and close by Cape Maclear are the islands of Mumbo and Domwe. A sunset cruise on picture-perfect waterways, followed by a return to your Robinson Crusoe-style cabin where you may relax in a hammock and admire the night sky, is an experience you will never forget.

Likoma Island is another jewel in the beautiful lake, located in Mozambican seas but yet part of Malawi. You can reach the picture-perfect island, which is home to the opulent Kaya Mawa, by taking a direct flight from Lilongwe.

11. Dance the night away

The Lake of Stars Music Festival, held annually in September on the banks of Lake Malawi, is widely considered to be among the top music festivals in Africa. Music, poetry, fashion, and wellness are all part of the festival’s cultural offerings, making it suitable for all tastes.

Even though the festival took a few of years off, in 2023 it will be back, stronger than ever.

Malawi offers a wide range of experiences that cater to all types of travellers, including those seeking romance, adventure, relaxation, family, or alone travel. There are probably too much to see and do on a single vacation, but be assured, you will be back!