Tourism in Malawi

Explore notable sights and destinations in this country

Africa / Southern Africa

Tourist attractions

Lake Malawi National Park

Region: Salima District

Nature / World Heritage

UNESCO Natural Heritage known as freshwater fish paradise. Snorkeling popular.

Likoma Island

Region: Lake Malawi

Island resort

Small island called lake paradise. 19th-century cathedral and white sand beaches attractive.

Chongoni Rock Art Area

Region: Dedza Plateau

Cultural heritage

Ancient rock painting group left by indigenous hunter-gatherers and farmers. Registered World Cultural Heritage.

Majete Wildlife Reserve

Region: Chikwawa District

Nature

Reintroduction-type safari park where animals including Big Five revived.

Mount Mulanje

Region: Southern Region

Mountain

Africa''s largest granite massif. Climbing and tea plantation scenery enjoyable.

Zomba Plateau

Region: Zomba

Nature

Cool highland resort dotted with pine forests, waterfalls, and observation points.

Kaya Kare Beach

Region: Nkhata Bay

Lake resort

Backpacker''s sanctuary lakeshore village with excellent transparency.

Blantyre St. Michael and All Angels Church

Region: Blantyre

Historic architecture

Romanesque-style church built by Scottish missionaries hand-stacking bricks.

Kasungu National Park

Region: Central Region

Nature

Notable reserve where elephants and black rhinos returned to savanna.

Lilongwe Craft Market

Region: Lilongwe Old Town

Market

Lively outdoor market with wood carvings and textiles lined up.

Suggested itineraries

Lake and Safari Golden Route

Duration (days): 7

Highlights: Lilongwe, Lake Malawi National Park, Likoma Island, Majete Reserve, Blantyre City

Classic plan arriving capital, lakeside resort diving, heading south for Big Five safari, finally Blantyre commercial capital shopping.

Trekking and Cultural Heritage Tour

Duration (days): 5

Highlights: Zomba Plateau, Mount Mulanje, Chongoni Rock Art, Tea plantation visit

For active enthusiasts walking highlands over 2000m elevation, visiting ancient rock art.

Northern Backpacker Road

Duration (days): 6

Highlights: Mzuzu, Nkhata Bay, Livingstonia, Karonga Museum

Free travel mastering public transport around northern hidden beaches and historic mission town.

Travel tips

  • From Japan via South Africa or Ethiopia connections common
  • Japanese nationals can obtain 30-day tourist visa on arrival
  • Rainy season (November-April) muddy roads easily delay travel
  • Prepare long sleeves, mosquito nets, and prevention drugs for HIV/malaria
  • Cash essential beyond major cities; credit cards unusable
  • Avoid tap water; use bottled water
  • Security relatively calm but avoid nighttime walking
  • Don''t photograph military/police facilities
  • Strong sunlight requires sunscreen even highlands
  • Smoking in public increasingly non-smoking zones
  • Allow ample time for minibus travel
  • SIM cards easily purchased at airport and town
  • Restaurant tips 5-10% guideline
  • National parks some require guide accompaniment
  • Frequent dry season power outages make mobile batteries convenient

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