Top places for wildlife safaris in Malawi
In the north of the country the Nyika Plateau, rising to about 2,500m, provides panoramic views and a variety of plant life, including many endemics and an incredible 200 species of orchids. The undulating montane grasslands and occasional forests are home to herds of roan, reedbuck, zebra, eland and the occasional leopard.
In the centre of the country, the rugged woodlands of Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve are veined by rivers and the wildlife safaris here are best known for their elephants and birding, amongst other wildlife. Many streams and waterfalls cascade from the hills here, making a great backdrop for relaxed walking safaris and canoe trips.
Lake Malawi drains south into the languid, palm-lined Shire River. Beside this the lush, tropical Liwonde National Park has long been regarded as offering the best wildlife safaris in Malawi - harbouring elephant, waterbuck, bushbuck, impala and sable antelope. Exploring on a motorboat safari can be particularly lovely; the park is home to good populations of crocodile and hippos.
Even further south, in the Lower Shire Valley, the same species live in the faster-flowing waters around rocky rapids beside Majete Wildlife Reserve. On land, this newly-restored park is home to bushbuck, nyala, zebra, kudu, waterbuck, eland and warthog, countless impala and baboon - plus elephant, buffalo and lion.
As mentioned, it's often best to combine wildlife safaris in Malawi with a safari in Zambia, and specifically with the nearby South Luangwa National Park, or with a beach holiday beside Lake Malawi.
Best camps & lodges for Wildlife safaris in Malawi
Chelinda Lodge
Chelinda Lodge, on the remote Nyika Plateau, is a lovely spot to view plains game such as eland, roan, zebra, reedbuck and bushbuck. You may also see warthog, spotted hyena and side striped jackal and the occasional leopard. Nyika is also home to around 400 different bird species.
Chelinda Camp
Chelinda Camp, on the remote Nyika Plateau, is a lovely spot to view plains game such as eland, roan, zebra, reedbuck and bushbuck. You may also see warthog, spotted hyena and side striped jackal and the occasional leopard. Nyika is also home to around 400 different bird species.
Kuthengo Camp
Kuthengo Camp is located on the banks of the wide Shire River in the Liwonde National Park and is home numerous elephant, hippo and crcodiles. On land see waterbuck, reedbuck and sable. Recent translocations means that lion and cheetah are also present.
Mkulumadzi
The Majete Reserve now boasts the Big Five, with lion, leopard and buffalo as well as elephant, zebra, sable, waterbuck and eland. Currently they have around 11 black rhino and cheetah are also occasionally seen.
Wildlife safaris elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Wildlife safaris in other countries.
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
4,404 sightings from 4,840 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
2,360 sightings from 5,006 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
3,653 sightings from 4,510 observations
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