Our favourites for beach holidays in Malawi
You'll find lodges which offer water skiing, parasailing, sailing, wakeboarding and various other watersports - whilst most visitors come simply for a relaxing beach holiday after a safari in Africa.
Have a look through these lodges, and don't hesitate to contact us for any further information.
Peacock Cichlid Safari
4 days • 1 location
LILONGWE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT
US$3,600 - US$4,480 per person
Kaya Mawa
The waters of Lake Malawi are implausibly clear, great for diving and especially snorkelling – which you can do straight from Kaya Mawa's golden beach. This is one of the best spots for a relaxing beach holiday on the lake.
Red Zebra Cichlid Safari
7 days • 2 locations
BLANTYRE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT
US$3,580 - US$4,500 per person
Pumulani
To make your stay one of your best beach holidays, Pumulani offers a range of activities. Enjoy the sheer feeling of remoteness by the infinity pool, race around the lake on water-skis, or join a stately dhow for sundowners out on the lake.
Utaka Cichlid Safari
10 days • 3 locations
BLANTYRE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT
US$4,560 - US$5,700 per person
Pumulani
To make your stay one of your best beach holidays, Pumulani offers a range of activities. Enjoy the sheer feeling of remoteness by the infinity pool, race around the lake on water-skis, or join a stately dhow for sundowners out on the lake.
Hyena Safari
11 days • 4 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT
US$9,490 - US$11,910 per person
Kaya Mawa
The waters of Lake Malawi are implausibly clear, great for diving and especially snorkelling – which you can do straight from Kaya Mawa's golden beach. This is one of the best spots for a relaxing beach holiday on the lake.
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Best camps & lodges for Beach holidays in Malawi

Makokola Retreat
Makokola Retreat is a great holiday-spot for water-lovers. It offers many water-based activities, includig diving, waterskiing and parasailing. Discover the underwater world of the fresh water lake on a snorkelling trip straight from the beach.

Pumulani
To make your stay one of your best beach holidays, Pumulani offers a range of activities. Enjoy the sheer feeling of remoteness by the infinity pool, race around the lake on water-skis, or join a stately dhow for sundowners out on the lake.

Chintheche Inn
The simple Chintheche Inn, owned and managed by Wilderness Safaris, is a relaxed beach lodge on the western shore of Lake Malawi. It offers a serene getaway, with pristine sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush gardens.

Kaya Mawa
The waters of Lake Malawi are implausibly clear, great for diving and especially snorkelling – which you can do straight from Kaya Mawa's golden beach. This is one of the best spots for a relaxing beach holiday on the lake.
Beach holidays elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Beach holidays in other countries.

Kenya
Sandy beaches, clear water, coconut palms casting shadows and tropical colours characterise beach ...

Mozambique
With numerous white sandy beaches and clear blue reef waters, the coastline and the islands of ...

Seychelles
Are you looking for truly magical beach holidays in the Seychelles? Set right in the heart of the ...

South Africa
Whilst most come to South Africa's Cape for more than a beach holiday, many want a few relaxing ...

Tanzania
Tanzania offers some of east Africa's very best beaches, both on the mainland and on the islands ...

Zanzibar
Zanzibar provides some of the top destinations for beach holidays, with endless stretches of palm-fr...
Where to see wildlife species in Malawi
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.

Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
91% SUCCESS
4,372 sightings from 4,800 observations

Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
47% SUCCESS
2,345 sightings from 4,968 observations

Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
81% SUCCESS
3,627 sightings from 4,474 observations

Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.
34% SUCCESS
1,272 sightings from 3,793 observations

Wild dog
Lycaon pictus
African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.
32% SUCCESS
1,037 sightings from 3,275 observations

Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.
55% SUCCESS
2,598 sightings from 4,728 observations

Black Rhino
Diceros bicornis
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
31% SUCCESS
750 sightings from 2,458 observations

Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.
86% SUCCESS
4,229 sightings from 4,920 observations

Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
83% SUCCESS
3,067 sightings from 3,691 observations

Hippo
Hippopotamus amphibius
The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.
89% SUCCESS
3,185 sightings from 3,572 observations

Sable antelope
Hippotragus niger
Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.
24% SUCCESS
570 sightings from 2,412 observations

Eland
Taurotragus oryx
Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.
50% SUCCESS
1,749 sightings from 3,525 observations

Roan antelope
Hippotragus equinus
Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.
25% SUCCESS
591 sightings from 2,398 observations

Wildebeest
Connochaetes sp.
Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.
68% SUCCESS
2,958 sightings from 4,380 observations

Zebra
Equus sp.
The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.
84% SUCCESS
4,590 sightings from 5,455 observations

Pangolin
Smutsia sp.
Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.
2% SUCCESS
67 sightings from 3,969 observations

Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.
2% SUCCESS
81 sightings from 3,926 observations

Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire meOther styles of holiday in Malawi
Discover all that Malawi has to offer

Beach holidays
Discover Africa's coast and tropical islands.

Birdwatching
Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.

Cultural experiences
Get an insight into Africa's cultures and history.

Diving & snorkelling
Find captivating marine life beneath the waves

Luxury
First-class service, scenic vistas and unparalleled comfort await you during these carefully selected luxury holidays.

Private villas & houses
Enjoy Africa with just your friends & family

Riding holidays
Explore Africa's wilderness on horseback.

Walking
Explore Africa's most scenic trails on foot.

Wildlife safaris
These trips include hard-hitting game and fascinatingly elusive species alike, as well as superb guiding and a variety of diverse ecosystems.