Blantyre
Blantyre
The capital of Malawi's Southern Region and the country’s centre of finance and commerce.
This role stems back to its beginnings as a trading hub in the 19th century. Lying in a basin of the Shire Highlands, which is ringed by low hills and three mountain peaks, the landscape around Blantyre is more appealing than the area around Lilongwe. Whilst this doesn't mean that it’s a busy tourist attraction, it is a central focus for travel in southern Malawi – understandably, as it is indeed a pleasant little city.
Our top trips in Malawi
Here are 4 great Malawi trips to inspire you.
Utaka Cichlid Safari
10 days • 3 locations
BLANTYRE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT
Explore two of Malawi's safari parks - Majete Wildlife Reserve and Liwonde National Park - before finishing your trip with some beach time: relaxing, snorkelling and sailing in Lake Malawi National Park.
US$4,340 - US$5,700 per person
Red Zebra Cichlid Safari
7 days • 2 locations
BLANTYRE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT
Explore two of Malawi's highlights, with a safari in rugged, remote Majete Wildlife Reserve before some beach time: relaxing, snorkelling and sailing in Lake Malawi National Park.
US$3,400 - US$4,500 per person
Hyena Safari
11 days • 4 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT
Mix relaxation and adventure on a safari combining the South Luangwa with Victoria Falls and the beaches of Lake Malawi. These three locations are among the most iconic in southern Africa.
US$9,490 - US$11,910 per person
Peacock Cichlid Safari
4 days • 1 locations
LILONGWE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT
Snorkel in Lake Malawi’s famously clear fresh water, relax on the beach and explore Likoma Island from the award-winning Kaya Mawa. A chilled luxury add-on to end your safari.
US$3,430 - US$4,480 per person
Most recent reviews of our trips to Blantyre
Click below to browse all 8 reviews from Blantyre. All from our travellers; all are in full & unedited.
Where to stay in Blantyre
Our suggestions for places to stay in Blantyre
Ryalls Hotel
In Blantyre, the capital of Malawi's Southern Region, the Protea Hotel Ryalls is a decent place to stay and can be useful for overnight stops.
When to go to Blantyre
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Blantyre in Malawi
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Malawi in January
January is the middle of the rainy season in Malawi. You can expect heavy rain for a few hours most days with some occasional flooding. It is generally hot and wet, with temperatures reaching over 30ºC.
The landscape is green and lush and the air crystal clear. In the game reserves the thick bush can restrict animal sightings, making game viewing more challenging. With the abundance of water available the wildlife disperses and is no longer concentrated around water sources. However, many species give birth at this time of the year and it is a great time for birding.
Although the majority of the safari camps are open at this time, most of the beach lodges along the lakeshore close in mid January.
- Peak of the rainy season with thundershowers most days
- Many animals are with young & birdlife is at its most spectacular
- Bush lush & green; animals dispersed so game viewing more difficult
- Air is clear & dust-free, which is great for photography
- Majority of lakeside beach lodges are closed second half of January
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in January
Malawi in February
February is generally the wettest month and still the heart of the rainy season, with dramatic thunderstorms interspersed with sunny spells.
Expect some flooding and the ground to be waterlogged. The thick bush still affects game viewing on land, and walking safaris are limited, but game viewing by boat on the swollen Shire River, in both Liwonde National Park and Majete Game Reserve, is a highlight. Birdlife is also at its most spectacular at this time of year.
Visitor numbers and costs at the few open camps are low. Most of the beach lodges remain closed, with only one or two open all year.
- Peak of the rainy season with thundershowers most days
- The bush feels alive; birdlife is at its most spectacular
- Good for photography but poor game viewing
- Few tourists, so rates usually at their lowest
- Majority of lakeside beach lodges are still closed
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Malawi in March
The rainy season is nearing the end in Malawi. The thunderstorms become fewer with sunnier days, but you can still expect some rain most days. March is one of the last of the summer months with temperatures still around 25–30ºC most days.
On safari the thick bush still restricts game viewing and walking safaris are limited too, with the larger animal species being quite elusive. On the plus side, migrant birds make the most of the abundant insect life. This time of the year is also great for keen photographers with the vivid green landscape and clear, dust-free air.
The beach lodges are also starting to open again around mid-March, following the rainy season.
- Expect to experience some rain most days
- The bush feels alive, with birdlife still a highlight
- Good for photography but game viewing remains poor
- With few tourists, rates generally at their lowest
- Beach lodges now open from mid-March
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Malawi in April
April is a month of change in Malawi. The days start to cool down, rainfall decreases, and summer turns into autumn as the dry season approaches. Temperatures drop to around 25 ºC during the day with the evenings becoming cooler.
This is the tail-end of the green season and, after five months of rain, the landscape remains green and lush, with game viewing still a challenge. However, the birdlife is still great, and the improving weather attracts more visitors to both the bush and the beaches along the Malawi lakeshore.
- The temperatures are cooling down but still expect the odd rain shower
- Start of the dry season with mostly clear and sunny days
- Bush still green & lush: good for photography but not for game viewing
- Very few visitors, and still one of the cheapest times to visit
- The lakeshore beach lodges are now all open
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in April
Malawi in May
May is the end of summer and the first month of the dry season. There may still be the occasional shower, but clear sunny skies are becoming the norm. As winter approaches, daytime temperatures drop to a comfortable 20–25 ºC, but at night they’re down to around 10ºC, so warm clothing is advisable for early- morning game drives.
As the rain disappears the landscape starts to dry out. Although the vegetation is still thick, the game viewing starts to improve and walking safaris becoming more reliable. Birding is still excellent, too. Around the lakeshore, temperatures can be significantly warmer, making beach holidays popular at this time of the year. Yet visitor numbers remain low, making May one of the most cost-effective times to visit.
- Start of the dry season with mostly clear & sunny days
- Temperatures are mild along the lakeshore so good for a beach stay
- Bush still green & lush but game viewing improving
- Good for photography & great birdlife
- Very few visitors, & still one of the cheapest times to visit
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
Malawi in June
June is entirely in the dry season, and – along with May – can also be one of the coldest months. With no rain, clear skies and temperatures dropping to around 20–25ºC during the day, the nights can be cold, reaching around 10ºC. Warm clothing is advisable for early-morning and late-afternoon game drives.
The landscape remains lush, but the bush starts to die back significantly, bringing a marked improvement in wildlife viewing. This, along with cooler temperatures, makes June ideal for walking safaris. Temperatures around the lakeshore tend to be significantly warmer, so June is another popular month for beach holidays with higher visitor numbers.
- Well into the dry season with sunny days & cool temperatures
- Thick bush is dying back, & game viewing improves
- Increased visibility & cool weather perfect for walking safaris
- Mild temperatures along the lakeshore: good for a beach stay
- June is still low season : a popular time before high season starts
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in June
Malawi in July
July is the middle of the dry season in Malawi, with temperatures starting to pick up towards the end of the month. This makes July a good time for both safaris and beach holidays. Expect it to be pleasant during the day but still cold at night, especially at high altitude such as Nyika Plateau; blankets and hot water bottles are often provided on safari.
As the vegetation dies back, animals start to congregate around perennial water sources, making this one of the best times of year for game viewing.
July is also the start of high season and all the camps increase their rates to make the most of the improving game and the start of the international holiday period.
- Warm dry days with crisp cold nights
- Significantly improved game viewing
- No limit on walking safaris, with pleasant temperatures a plus
- Temperatures along the lakeshore ideal for beach and watersports
- Approaching peak season, so significant increase in costs
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Malawi in August
August is well into the dry season with game concentrated around water sources and the safari season approaching its best. The landscape is changing from green to brown and the air is becoming drier and dustier. There is also a lot of smoke in the air as burning of trees and vegetation is prevalent in Malawi, so this isn’t the best time for photography.
Later in August the temperatures start to pick up, but early mornings and late evenings are still cooler – particularly out on open game drives where warm jackets, gloves and scarves are recommended. August is one of the most popular months. Pleasant weather and good game viewing attracts lots of visitors, and costs are correspondingly high.
- Warm dry days with crisp cold nights still the norm
- Game viewing at its best
- No limits on walking safaris, with pleasant temperatures a bonus
- Lakeshore temperatures remain good for beach and water sports
- Still peak season, with attendant high costs
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Malawi in September
This is the most popular time of the year for a safari. There has been no rain for months and temperatures are starting to increase, making morning and evening game drives more comfortable. Daytime temperatures are now above 30ºC and evening temperatures relatively mild.
Game viewing is at its best with the animals concentrating around the reducing water sources, making wildlife interactions more common. With the increasing heat the air becomes more hazy, reducing photographic opportunities and distant views.
This is a good time to finish a safari with some relaxing time along the Malawi lakeshore. Costs, though, are high, and camps can be booked up months in advance.
- Dry & hot during the day with clear skies & warm nights
- One of the best months for wildlife viewing
- Dust & smoke creates a haze; not great for photography
- Temperatures along the lakeshore perfect for beach and watersports
- Peak season; camps are expensive & often full well in advance
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Malawi in October
This is the last month of the dry season: the start of summer with temperatures peaking over 40ºC during the day and hardly less than 20ºC at night. This makes early-morning and late-evening game drives more comfortable but can be terribly hot during the day and makes walking safaris very challenging.
The landscape is very dry and brown, so not ideal for photography, but game viewing remains at its best. With the lack of water the animals are all vying for the best spot to drink without being preyed upon.
October is the perfect time to finish a safari with some relaxing time along the Malawi lakeshore. It is still peak season, though, and costs remain high.
- Dry, hot days with clear skies; warm nights
- One of the best months for wildlife viewing
- The haze from dust & smoke is not great for photography
- Warm lakeshore temperatures still good for beach & watersports
- Peak season; camps are expensive & often full well in advance
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Malawi in November
November marks the end of the dry season and the start of the rainy season. Temperatures continue to increase with humidity building as the rains approach, which can be any time during the month. Be prepared for spectacular thunderstorms and short sharp showers.
After the first rains the bush springs back to life and wildlife disperses, making game viewing harder. Birding, though, is on the up – and with the air washed clean, photographic opportunities improve.
The first week or two are a good time to travel as the camps have reduced their rates and rains may not have started in earnest. However, while all the camps and beach lodges remain open some of the airstrips may become waterlogged, making road transfers more practical.
- Typically the start of the wet season; very hot & humid
- Increased chance of heavy rain as the month progresses
- Greatly diminished game viewing once the rains arrive
- A good time for photographers & keen birders
- Lower rates at camps and beach lodges, with fewer visitors
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Malawi in December
December is the first full month of the rainy season, with daily thundershowers expected, interspersed with sunny spells. Temperatures are around 30ºC with high humidity.
After a few weeks of rain, the abundance of standing water causes animals to disperse and the bush becomes thicker and greener, reducing visibility for game viewing. Conversely, this is when many animals produce their young, and is a great time for birdwatching. The rain also clears the air of dust and smoke, making it much more favourable for keen photographers.
December is still a good month to be along the lakeshore provided you don’t mind the afternoon rain showers.
- Very hot & humid
- Increased chance of heavy rain as the month progresses
- Opportunities for game viewing decrease with the arrival of the rains
- A great time for photographers & keen birders
- Rates at camps & beach lodges fall, as do visitor numbers
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
Blantyre: In detail
Blantyre
The modern city of Blantyre forms a conurbation with Limbe, whose centre is 6km south-east of Blantyre’s. However, most travellers stay in Blantyre as they can usually find everything they need on a very compact area of about 1km2, in the triangle between Haile Selassie Road, Glyn Jones Road and Queen Victoria Avenue.
What to see and do
In Limbe, two parallel running streets, Livingstone Avenue and Churchill Road, hold a great number of Asian, mainly Indian-run, shops. They are usually open until late and very busy with locals. There’s also a market in this part of the city – but come for the atmosphere rather than the goods on sale.
Equally remarkable for its bustling atmosphere is the tobacco auction floor on Churchill Road in Limbe. The best time to visit here is early morning, when masses of tobacco leaves are sold and bought at a breakneck speed, with tens of millions of US dollars not unusually changing hands at the end of the day. Here, it is quite easy to believe that tobacco is Malawi’s most important export.
Historically interested travellers might like to visit the exhibitions on natural and cultural history in the Museum of Malawi or go to the Chichiri Museum, which allows interesting insights into Blantyre’s long history. The Transport Museum, which forms part of the Heritage Centre in Limbe, takes you into the early colonial period of Malawi.
Unfortunately, many of Blantyre’s historic buildings have been replaced by fairly soulless modern concrete blocks. Those left include the Old Boma, Blantyre’s former town hall, and the Mandala House, which dates back to 1882 and is often said to be the oldest still standing house in Malawi. It was certainly the country’s first two-storey building.
A sight not to miss when staying in Blantyre is the beautiful red brick St. Michael and all Angels church, which was built by Scottish missionaries and a group of local men in 1891. The fact that none of them had had any training in architecture or building practices makes the construction even more impressive. Outside the church there is a plaque that functions as reference for the geographical location of Blantyre.
You might also like to pay Kamuzu Stadium in Chichiri a visit, the largest stadium in Malawi, which accommodates about 60,000 people. It plays host to major events like international football matches, presidential inaugurations and Independence Day celebrations.
Active travellers can opt for a daily membership to do sports at Limbe Country Club or Blantyre Sports Club, where you’ll find facilities for swimming, tennis, squash, golf and bowling. Keen walkers might consider climbing one of the three summits around Blantyre – in this case, Ndirande Mountain would be the obvious choice. It’s easily accessible and spoils the visitor with wonderful views over Blantyre to one side and towards Zomba Mountain and over the Shire Valley from another viewpoint.
History of Blantyre
Blantyre was founded by missionaries of the Established Church of Scotland in 1876 and named after the birthplace of David Livingstone, in Scotland (now a small place just south-east of Glasgow.) As the new settlers provided protection from the raids of other tribes, the local people encouraged the missionaries’ business. As a result, trade, especially in ivory, soon flourished here. This, together with Blantyre’s easy accessibility and healthy climate, attracted further European and Asian settlers. For this reason Blantyre quickly became the most important settlement in Malawi and a trade crossroads for southern Africa.
In 1883 Blantyre gained the status of a British consular and by 1895, it had become a municipality. Only twenty years after its foundation, there were permanent houses, stores and roads. In 1956, Blantyre was merged with the rapidly growing Limbe. Although each of them has maintained its individuality, today both cities form a unity, with their centres lying about 6km apart – even if Blantyre remains the main destination of interest for most travellers.
Our best hotel to stay in Blantyre
Blantyre offers a greater choice of places to stay than any other Malawi city. We highly recommend Ryalls Hotel, a 4-star member of the South African Protea, which is the oldest hotel in town with much character, offering 120 rooms and ensuring an incredible stay.
Ryalls Hotel
In Blantyre, the capital of Malawi's Southern Region, the Protea Hotel Ryalls is a decent place to stay and can be useful for overnight stops.
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 me
