Have you visited Malawi? Despite being voted one of the top 50 places to visit in the world by Travel + Leisure, and gaining press from celebrity charity efforts in the country, Malawi remains largely overlooked as a mainstream tourist destination – and that’s one of many things that makes it so special.
Malawi is a magical country in southeastern Africa, bordered by Zambia to the west, Tanzania to the north and northeast, and Mozambique to the east, south, and southwest. Malawi offers incredible topography. From its undulating mountains to the shores of stunning Lake Malawi, this special country supports a diversity of landscapes, wildlife, ecosystems and cultures and is affectionately known as ‘The Warm Heart of Africa’ because the people are so warm and welcoming.
Next April, Travel Girls Getaways is taking a group of 12 women to Malawi for an unforgettable trip of a lifetime! During our Malawi Safari & Impact Trip (as seen in Forbes and CNN Travel) guests will enjoy a three-day safari adventure, including a unique riverboat safari, immerse in the local culture, take part in inspiring community impact work for a local school, disconnect and relax with a two-day digital detox on idyllic Mumbo Island – a private island that was named Sunday Times’ Top 100 Places to Stay.
This expedition is aimed at ladies wanting to travel with a purpose, take part in inspiring community initiatives, and discover a little-known slice of Africa. Here are 15 reasons to visit Malawi with Travel Girls Getaways!
1) Malawi Is ‘The Warm Heart Of Africa’
Malawi is described as ‘The Warm Heart of Africa.’ After visiting this magical country several times while hosting our Malawi Safari & Impact Trip, it is easy to see why. Malawians offer a warmth that I have not experienced in many other countries around the world.
While a majority of Malawi does not enjoy the wealth of Western society, they certainly enjoy a wealth of happiness and gratitude. Expatriates who have moved to Malawi to live there permanently have said they feel many families in Malawi are more satisfied than we are in Western society, where we have grown accustomed to having material possessions to measure our happiness over relationships and family.
When you visit Malawi you will be welcomed by smiles, waves, hugs, stories, excited questions, and so much love. During our Malawi getaway, we spend two days in the local community giving back through our impact efforts, which I share more about below. These days, spent in the local villages, are my favorite part of the trip. Malawians are some of the kindest, most welcoming people you will ever meet on all your travels.
There is much we can learn from them about joy, gratitude, and appreciating life – especially in the face of hardship and poverty.
2) Travel With Purpose – Giving Back To Malawi
If you want to travel with purpose, give back, and take part in inspiring community initiatives then our Malawi Safari & Impact Trip is for you!
Each year before our Malawi getaway, we establish how our community fundraising can best be utilized. We work closely with our in-country trip partner, Responsible Safari Company (RSC), and CISE (Community Initiative for Social Empowerment), a local NGO working in Malawi to empower youth, address social issues, and promote civic engagement.
During the trip, we spend time in the local village schools to see how the money we raised is being used. We meet the students at Rainbow Hope School, take part in mentoring workshops, spend time playing and reading with nursery school children, and meet local village members to discuss the challenges they face. We also give out donations that guests bring with them on the trip, such as laptops and books for the schools.
One example of the challenges that female students face in Malawi is ‘period poverty.’ Many young Malawian women can’t afford sanitary pads, so they have to miss school every month. This makes it extremely hard for them to keep up with their studies and puts them at a huge disadvantage compared to their male peers.
Before our 2019 Malawi trip, RSC put us in touch with a Malawian businesswoman named Trinitas who runs a small local company that makes and provides female students with reusable sanitary pads. Before our trip, we raised over USD $14,000 to fund the production of reusable sanitary pads for schools across Malawi sewn and distributed by Trinitas and her team. We have also raised money to help repair Rainbow Hope School after a flood, put in new bathrooms, and helped build new dorms.
As a Malawi trip guest, you will have the opportunity to help with our impact efforts and give back to the local communities before, during, and after our getaway.
If you are looking for a more meaningful travel experience, an opportunity to gain insight into key global challenges facing rural communities in Africa, and to give back on your travels, then our Malawi Safari & Impact Trip is the perfect getaway for you!
3) Lake Malawi National Park
Lake Malawi, which is also known as Lake Nyasa in Tanzania and Lago Niassa in Mozambique, is the southernmost lake in the East African Rift system. The lake is located between Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania and can be accessed from all three countries.
It is the fourth largest freshwater lake in the world by volume and the ninth largest lake in the world by area and is home to more species of fish than any other lake. This lake provides much needed resources including fish and water to the people of Malawi.
The southern part of Lake Malawi is part of Lake Malawi National Park, the world’s first freshwater national park. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its unique freshwater ecosystem and the protection of its diverse fish species and aquatic habitats. Its crystal clear waters are popular for snorkeling, diving and boating and provide a home for a diverse array of wildlife from colorful fish to baboons.
During our Malawi Safari & Impact Trip we spend two days staying on Mumbo Island in Lake Malawi National Park and get to experience first hand just how special this lake is.
4) Mumbo Island
It’s hard to find destinations that are untouched these days, but Mumbo Island seems to be close to that. Named one of the Sunday Times Top 100 Places to Stay in 2017, staying on this private island paradise is nothing short of magical.
Set in the middle of Lake Malawi, in Lake Malawi National Park, Mumbo Island is just .62 miles (1 km) in diameter, and has never been populated so it remains in a pristine, natural state offering its visitors a true sustainable tourism experience.
There is no cell service or electricity on the island, which is one of the many appeals. Staying on Mumbo Island forces you to turn off your devices and truly enjoy your surroundings, connecting with nature and the people you are with.
But no electricity doesn’t mean you are not rewarded with a luxurious experience. The bungalows overlooking the lake can be described as pure rustic luxury, and you will awake to an incredible sunrise and the sounds of birds around your cabin.
The resort offers hot bucket showers, eco bathrooms, incredible food, kayaking, yoga, hiking, sunset boat rides and evening campfires. During our Malawi Safari & Impact Trip we spend two nights on Mumbo Island – one of the many highlights of this incredible adventure.
We rent the entire island out for two days, so trip guests can have the ultimate private island experience!
5) Experience A True Digital Detox
Between mobile devices and computers, the average American spends over 7 hours a day looking at screens. Excessive screen time has been linked to many negative health effects including eye strain and vision problems, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and reduced physical activity.
By contrast, exposure to nature is a readily available resource for combating many of the conditions which contribute to chronic illness and health issues. Spending time in nature boosts your immune system, lowers blood pressure, reduces stress, improves mood, increases ability to focus and fosters feelings of connectedness and gratitude.
During our Malawi Safari & Impact Trip we disconnect, relax and reconnect with nature a two-day digital detox on idyllic Mumbo Island. This private island eco resort is powered by solar energy and has no cell service or Wi-Fi, making it easy to put your devices away, be present and enjoy the natural beauty of stunning Lake Malawi.
Past trips guests have said they left the island feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and grateful for the time they spent getting to disconnect and truly connect with nature and other guests. There are not many opportunities these day to take part in true digital detox and our getaway makes this much-needed experience possible!
5) Safari in Liwonde National Park
Going on safari is an incredible bucketlist travel experience. When people think of a safari trip, they tend to think of destinations like Tanzania and South Africa, but Malawi has a lot to offer!
Liwonde National Park is located in southern Malawi, southeast of the capital, Lilongwe. It runs alongside the Shire River and part of Lake Malombe. With wildlife populations on the rise, Liwonde National Park is a thriving haven for an array of wildlife.
During our 9 day Malawi Safari & Impact Trip we spend three days on safari while staying at Mkulumadzi Lodge on the Shire River in Liwonde National Park. At this unique safari lodge, you’ll experience three games drives and three river safari adventures. You’ll get up close with elephants, hippos, lions, crocodiles, wart hogs, kudu, monkeys, birds, endangered black rhinos and leopards.
Since Liwonde National Park is a less popular tourist destination, compared to the Serengeti (for example), when you’re out on safari, you’ll see less safari jeeps and people, and more wild animals in their natural, undisturbed habitat.
6) Rivers Safaris On The Shire River
On our Malawi Safari & Impact Trip you’ll experience three unique river safaris on the Shire River including a magical sunrise safari. Watching sunrise on the Shire River was one of my favorite experiences in Malawi. There is something quite serene about being on the water, with only the sounds of the animals waking up all around you.
Our sunrise safari departs just before dawn, and we quietly sail up the river passing hundreds of hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and birds. All the animals come down to the riverbanks in the morning to drink. It’s such a special experience to witness this gathering up close, in a nearby riverboat.
Unlike traditional jeep safaris, during a riverboat safari you can cut the motor and glide right up next to the animals, allowing you to get far closer than you can on land. One morning we saw an entire heard of elephants coming down to the riverbanks to drink with their babies in tow.
Watching baby elephants splash and play on the banks of the Shire River was an incredibly touching, joyful experience that I will never forget. These rare moments remind you how magical our planet is, and how lucky we are to be alive and have experience such as this.
7) Get Outside & Get Active
Much of our Malawi Safari & Impact Trip is spent outdoors in nature. During this active escape you’ll spend three days outside on both river and land safaris exploring Liwonde National Park and the Shire River.
During our days in the local community, much of our time will be spent outdoors, walking the villages, playing with children, and touring local schools we have helped with our impact efforts. You’ll also spend time outdoors at mealtime with unique dining experiences on Lake Malawi and while on safari.
Our two days on Mumbo Island will be entirely focused on spending time outdoors, relaxing, swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking and enjoying evening campfires. If you’re looking for an active escape that will allow you to get outside in nature, you’ve found it!
8) Unique Rustic Luxury Accommodations
What are rustic luxury accommodations? Rustic luxury accommodations blend the charm of natural, often handcrafted materials and designs with the amenities and comfort of high-end hospitality. Think cozy, minimalist, yet refined spaces with a focus on nature and a “lived-in” feel. Rustic luxury accommodations often incorporate an indoor/outdoor open air design that invites you to spend more time in nature.
During the trip we will be staying in three different rustic luxury accommodations, including Mkulumadzi Lodge on the banks of the ShireRiver, which has incredible views and is ideally located for game viewing straight from your room! Makokola Retreat is located on a beautiful stretch of sandy beach on the southern shores of Lake Malawi and is ideally situated, close to the village of Mangochi, where we will be participating in local community impact efforts.
Finally, Mumbo Island – named Sunday Times’ Top 100 Places to Stay – will be our own breathtaking private island escape, surrounded by the crystal blue waters of Lake Malawi National Park – an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9) Special Dining Experiences
Every unforgettable luxury trip includes unforgettable meals. During our Malawi Safari & Impact Trip you’ll experience fresh local cuisine and several unique surprise dining experiences!
We’ll enjoy special meals on the banks of the Shire River in Liwonde National Park. You’ll also experience fun group dinners and entertainment on the shores of beautiful Lake Malawi. On Mumbo Island we will have the entire island to ourselves and will dine under the starlight with the sounds of nature all around us.
I will refrain from sharing any further details about our trips special dining experiences ,because I don’t want to ruin the surprise for our trip guests. But everything I experienced in Malawi was special and filled with love – and our daily group meals together will be no different.
I’m sure, like me, you’ll leave Malawi already dreaming of your next visit – and your next meal!
10) Malawi Gin & Tonic
Safaris usually end with a sundowner and Malawi is no different. Malawi Gin is known for its unique taste, and is often enjoyed as a Malawi Gin and Tonic (MGT), a popular drink in Malawi and beyond, characterized by a blend of the gin’s gentle sweetness and tonic water.
13) Experienced Hosts
I’m Vanessa Rivers, a founder of We Are Travel Girls and Travel Girls Getaways, and you’ll be one of your hosts for this amazing adventure! As a travel writer, I’ve been lucky to visit over 70 countries, but the one place I keep wanting to go back to is Malawi.
I host all our getaways and I can’t wait to personally show you why Malawi is one of my favorite places in the world. This will be my third time hosting our Malawi Safari & Impact Trip and together with my co-host and our local Responsible Safari guide, we’ll show you the best of Malawi.
Who Is The Responsible Safari Company? The Responsible Safari Company (RSC) is a social enterprise tour operator based in Blantyre, Malawi specializing in sustainable, educational, philanthropic and experiential group travel.
With over 20 years experience in Malawi, and founded by fellow female traveler Kate Webb, Responsible Safari Company is the perfect trip partner to guide this unique getaway.
11) Supporting The Local Economy
The Responsible Safari Company (RSC), our trip partner for this amazing expedition, is committed to creating sustainable growth through social enterprise, reducing the dependence on the aid industry and driving tourism generated income to rural Malawi communities.
Just by visiting Malawi, like many countries that rely on tourism, you are helping to contribute to the economy and create more jobs in the tourism and hospitality industry. As mentioned, there are far less tourists who visit Malawi than some of its African neighbors. Our tourism dollars go far here, and greatly support the communities we visit.
Along with RSC, Travel Girls Getaways is committed to supporting the local communities we visit during our trips. On our Malawi Safari & Impact Trip we don’t just raise money for charity, we strategically raise funding to support local schools, businesses and local entrepreneurs through our impact efforts.
12) Make New Lifelong Friends
Brought to you by the founders of We Are Travel Girls, since 2017, Travel Girls Getaways has been bringing women together from all over the globe to explore incredible destinations. Seeing the connections made in a few hours at our events, we asked ourselves, “What lasting friendships, business connections and entrepreneurial support could be achieved if we made our meet-ups into week long getaways?”
So the idea of Travel Girls Getaways was born! We now offer affordable luxury impact trips, wellness retreats, active escapes and country tours. Our carefully curated getaways are for women who want to travel with purpose with other like-minded, female travelers.
Our trips take you on unforgettable adventures to explore unique destinations, immerse yourself in local culture, give back to the communities we visit, and most importantly make lifelong friends!
“This trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, run perfectly by Travel Girls Getaways! It’s always scary going to a new country and continent, let alone going with a group of girls you haven’t met. This group and this trip was incredible from start to finish!” – Serena Whitecotton, Malawi 2018
14) A Distinctive All-Inclusive Luxury Experience
On this all-inclusive affordable luxury getaway we handle everything for you. From the moment you arrive in Malawi every detail is taken care of so you can relax, unwind, immerse yourself in your surroundings and truly enjoy everything Malawi has to offer!
Malawi Safari & Impact Trip Inclusions: 9 Days / 8 Nights Accommodation, All Meals, All Transport & Transfers, RSC Local Guide, WATG Hosts, Fundraising Project Set Up & Support, 3 Days Safari – 3 Game Drives & 3 River Safaris, All Activities including Kayaking on Mumbo Island, Set Of High Res Edited Trip Photos, All Community Activities (as mentioned).
Despite being voted one of the top 50 places to visit in the world by Travel + Leisure in 2017, and gaining press from celebrity charity efforts in the country (such as Madonna), Malawi is still largely overlooked as a mainstream tourist destination and remains a hidden gem.
In 2024, a total of 267,805 tourists visited Malawi. By contrast, in 2024, a total of 8.9 million international tourists visited South Africa. During our past Malawi getaways, we have seen very few other tourists which makes the destination unique and special. Despite being named one of the top places to visit around the world, Malawi remains largely undiscovered by mainstream culture.
on our Malawi Safari & Impact Trip you won’t be visiting any crowded tourist attractions. You’ll be experiencing highlights of a unique, magical country that still remains largely untouched by Western society.
Visit Malawi With Travel Girls Getaways
I hope this article has inspired you to visit Malawi with us this November! If you’re interested in joining this incredible adventure, you can submit a booking form at the bottom of our Malawi Safari & Impact Trip page.
I can’t wait to welcome you to Malawi on an unforgettable trip of a lifetime! This getaway is more than just a trip – it is truly an eye-opening, life-changing experience. But don’t take my word for it – join us and see for yourself!
We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Malawi with Travel Girls Getaways! If you have any questions about the destination please leave these in the comments below.
Do you want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Please visit our Contribute page for guidelines and to submit your article.
Read Next
- Travel Girls Getaways Are Back!
- What To Pack For A Safari
- Where To Stay In Cape Town
- The Ultimate Guide To Cape Town
We Are Travel Girls Co-Founder Vanessa Rivers
Connect with Vanessa Website | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube
Pin For Later
This website is a free resource and to keep it free for our readers we may use affiliate links in our articles. If you make a purchase via the links on our site we may receive a small commission. Please see our Disclosures for more information.
Leave a Reply