Malawi is a travel destination in Eastern Africa. Its capital is Lilongwe. August and June are its two best months to visit, ranked on 1991–2020 climate averages.
Top places to visit in Malawi
Lake Malawi (natural, Central Region) — The "Calendar Lake" — 365 miles long, 52 miles wide; freshwater diving reveals more fish species than any other lake on Earth, including vivid cichlids.
Cape Maclear (beach, Southern Region) — UNESCO World Heritage lakeshore village — snorkelling on Nkhata Bay's coral-coloured cichlids, kayaking to fish-eagle islands, and beach hammocks.
Liwonde National Park (natural, Southern Region) — Best game park in Malawi — boat safaris past hippos and crocs on the Shire River, lion and cheetah reintroduced, elephants and sable antelope roam.
Nyika National Park (natural, Northern Region) — Malawi's largest park on an undulating 2,000-m plateau — roan antelope in short grasslands, orchid-filled dambos, and serval cats at night.
Mount Mulanje (natural, Southern Region) — 3,002-m massif rising from tea estates — the Sapitwa peak (highest in south-central Africa), cedar forests, and tea farms on the foothills.
Zomba Plateau (natural, Southern Region) — Green forested plateau above colonial tea, coffee, and timber estates — trout farming, hiking, and remnants of British-era Governor's summer retreat.
Majete Wildlife Reserve (natural, Southern Region) — Fully fenced Big-Five reserve — the only park in Malawi where you can see lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalos since their reintroduction.
Livingstonia (landmark, Northern Region) — Scottish mission station on a thousand-metre escarpment — waterfalls, David Livingstone connections, Stone House museum, and vast lake views.
Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve (natural, Central Region) — Malawi's oldest and largest reserve — dense miombo woodland, populations of hippos, and hundreds of elephants relocated from Liwonde.
Blantyre (city, Southern Region) — Commercial capital and cultural hub — Mandala House (1882), the Church of the Holy Trinity, and the Chichiri Museum of Malawian heritage.