What to see in Malawi: 9 must-sees
Discover what to see in Malawi: 9 must-see destinations, from Lake Malawi National Park to Chongoni Rock Art Area. Predominantly national park and UNESCO heritage; each entry includes the best time to visit and the link to its official source.
National Park(4)
Gaze at the waters of Cape Maclear from the hills that skirt the world's oldest lake, home to 1,000 fish species—more than any other lake on the planet. Snorkel among colorful cichlids darting between the shoreline rocks, dive in crystal-clear water, and camp on the beach beneath the stars. Follow the park's trails among baobabs and acacias, watch fish eagles and kingfishers, and discover why this corner of Malawi, a World Heritage Site, needs constant conservation to preserve its extraordinary aquatic biodiversity.
Paddle a traditional canoe across the waters of the Shire River, which flows through Liwonde National Park near Mangochi, and watch hippos and elephants on the banks. Explore the park on a guided safari or on foot along its trails, and set aside time for birdwatching. This protected area of Malawi preserves fragile wildlife and habitats, and drifting down its river at dawn lets you get close to the animals with barely a sound—something hard to achieve in other African reserves.
Descend into the Shire Valley at Chikwawa and explore Majete Wildlife Reserve, where elephants, lions, and rhinos roam the savanna once again after years of recovery. Take a guided safari at sunrise, camp by the river with the sounds of hippos in the background, and pause at natural lookouts to follow antelope through the thickets. Walk its trails, identify birds alongside local guides, and see how this Malawian reserve has gone from nearly empty to once again home to the Big Five.
Camp along the Lifupa River inside Kasungu National Park and wake up to elephant tracks beside your tent. Take a guided safari across the savanna where elephants, lions, and leopards roam, and climb the natural lookouts to watch wildlife at dawn. Walk its trails, identify birds in the wetlands, and talk with the rangers about the conservation work that sustains this park in central Malawi.
UNESCO Heritage(1)
Explore Chongoni's 127 rock art sites in Dedza, where the Lao painted hunting scenes, rituals, and everyday life 2,000 years ago. Walk among the rocks, study the drawings, and learn the history of the peoples who inhabited Malawi. The area, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as exceptional testimony to the cultural tradition of a vanished civilization.
Intangible Heritage(1)
the highest peak in Central Africa—3,052 meters of rock and cedar forests where waterfalls are heard before they're seen. Hike the ten-kilometer trails between viewpoints, camp on the summit, and greet dawn with the valley of Malawi at your feet. In Mulanje, talk with those who keep traditions passed down through generations: join their rituals, learn their crafts, and understand why this mountain is intangible heritage.
City(1)
Take in Malawi's capital as you wander the central market, where fabric and produce stalls set the pace of the day, then cross over to the Mosque and Lower Lilongwe, the old quarter of shops and narrow streets. Visit the Art Center to meet local artists and stroll through the Botanical Garden, a green refuge beside the river. Watch daily life unfold in one of Africa's least-visited capitals, where rural tradition and modernity coexist in every neighborhood.
Natural(1)
Explore the Zomba Plateau, where pines, cedars, and waterfalls like Williams Falls create a cool environment at around 1,800 meters. Follow the trails to the Queen's View lookout, camp at the summit, and take in the valley and Lake Chilwa from up high. Wander its forests among monkeys, birds, and rock formations that offer hiking and nature watching all year round.
Beach(1)
Sail to Nkhata Bay and you'll see Lake Malawi fishermen casting their nets at dawn from their wooden boats. Stroll through town, take in the traditional fishing that still sets the daily rhythm, and wait for sunset over the water. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters full of colorful cichlids, walk the fine sandy shore, and enjoy a relaxed swim in a bay that invites you to take it slow.
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