Malawi Tours & Small Group Tours in 2026
Takulandirani ku Malawi!
Welcome to Malawi – ‘the warm heart of Africa’ – where you can camp under the stars, hike to towering waterfalls and lounge on the sandy shores of shimmering Lake Malawi.
Things to do and see
Experiences that define Malawi
Lake Malawi's sceneryEnjoy Lake Malawi scenery—clear water, laid-back beaches, and village life on Africa’s “Lake of Stars.”
Relax on Kande BeachRelax on Kande Beach—soft sand, lake swims, and easygoing Malawi vibes on Lake Malawi.
Explore Chitimba villageExplore Chitimba village—local culture, lakeshore life, and a welcoming stop on northern Lake Malawi.
Manchewe Falls hikeHike to Manchewe Falls—lush trails and a powerful waterfall in Malawi’s scenic northern highlands.
Safari in Majete or LiwondeSafari Majete or Liwonde—elephants, hippos, and big wildlife in Malawi’s leading protected parks.
Hiking Mount MulanjeHike Mount Mulanje—granite peaks, forest trails, and epic viewpoints on Malawi’s iconic massif.
Best time to travel
Lake Malawi & National Parks
Lake Malawi & National Parks
Most popular time
Dry season is June - September
Most budget-friendly
Rainy season is January - March
Favourite season
Most people like to visit during June–September
Culturally significant times
Visit in October for Lake of Stars Festival – music, art, and culture by Lake Malawi
Need to know
Malawi at a glance
Time Zone
Central Africa Time (UTC +2)
Climate
Subtropical with warm rainy season and cool dry season
Currency
Malawian Kwacha (MWK)
Transportation
Minibuses, bicycle taxis, shared taxis
Local cuisine
Nsima (maize), chambo fish, greens, cassava, fried banana balls
Languages Spoken
English, Chichewa
Because planning should feel exciting, not exhausting
Frequently asked questions
Malawi tends to experience a tropical savanna climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons throughout the year. The wet season runs from November to April, with the most rainfall falling between the months of January and February. Expect heavy downpours in the afternoon. The dry season runs from May to October, and there tends to be minimal rainfall during this time. Temperature-wise, expect it to float between around 21 and 29°C (69.8 and 84.2°F) on average.
While there’s no bad time to visit Malawi, the best time to visit tends to be the dry season (May to October), when the weather is at its best for outdoor activities like hiking, safari game drives, and watersports on the ‘Lake of Stars’. April is also a good time to visit if you want to avoid hoards or other travellers, but just be prepared for a few showers here and there.
Tipping isn’t expected in Malawi, though it is very much appreciated and is an important source of income for those within the tourism industry. The usual ballpark figure is around 10% for good service in restaurants and other hospitality venues. If the service is exceptional, then go for 15-20% instead.
You can use this guideline for staff on your tour if you'd like to show appreciation:
* CEO: USD $5-8 per person, per day
* Driver/Safari guide: USD $2-3 per person, per day
* Local guides: USD $2-3 per person, per day
Internet access in Rwanda has been improving in recent years, and you’ll find ok internet in larger towns and cities like Lilongwe and Mzuzu. However, it’s still not great, and in rural areas, expect it to be much slower and less reliable.
Yes — there are ATMs in Malawi, particularly within towns and cities like Lilongwe and tourist areas like Nkhata Bay. Most tend to accept Visa more than Mastercard, so plan accordingly, and check with your bank to find out whether you’ll be charged withdrawal fees. If you’re heading out into rural areas, it’s a good idea to carry cash with you in case you can’t locate an ATM.
In a word — no, Malawi isn’t particularly LGBTQ+-friendly, and same-sex relations are not legally recognised here and are generally frowned upon. However, be discreet and you should run into no problems.
As part of their commitment, all CEOs receive LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgement, free from any discriminatory language or harassment.
While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our [LGBTQ+ travel page](https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/lgbtq-travel/).
There are four different languages spoken in Malawi, the main one being Chichewa, which is the national language. English is also widely spoken, and Chiyao and Chitumbuka are also spoken in various different parts of the country too.
No — the tap water here isn’t safe to drink. We’d recommend only drinking bottled water wherever you are within the country, which is cheap and readily available for purchase.
Please note however that all drinks provided on our tours are safe to drink (including drinks with ice), as well as the water in most hotels and restaurants visited on tour. If in doubt, please ask your CEO for further info.
Malawi is famous for its warm and hospitable people, and crime remains very low here. That being said, you should be aware that malaria exists here — take antimalarials — as does bilharzia and wild animals like hippos are present in the namesake lake. Take heed of local advice.
G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip, and guides to lead your tour. However, there are always inherent risks when travelling — you can find out more via our [travel safety page](https://www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/).
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