Three months ago, I stumbled upon an opportunity to live, work and adventure in Malawi – a small country located in southeastern Africa. I am always up for an adventure, so without much information I hopped on a plane and moved my life from San Francisco, California to Lilongwe, Malawi. Malawi is known colloquially as “Africa for beginners”. In 2014, Lonely Planet named Malawi as one of the top-10 travel destinations. So I’ve come to wonder….why don’t more travelers go?
After many mad adventures, deep reflection and talks with other globetrotters; I am now a firm believer that the small country of Malawi is the best-kept secret on the continent. Here is why you should drop all of your travel plans and make your way towards the “warm heart of Africa.”
- Lake Malawi
The very first thing any traveler will tell you about Malawi is that you mustn’t miss a visit to its massive lake. A UNESCO world heritage site, the clear waters of Lake Malawi are full of tropical cichlid fish and provide ample affordable fresh water scuba diving. Nearly the size of Belgium, the lake has a different vibe in various parts of the country. You can attend full moon parties and listen to the ‘sea-like’ waves roll in, island hop around Cape Maclear or go cliff jumping on the northern rocky coastline. Most backpackers become easily trapped in the friendly laid-back atmosphere of the lake. With accommodation available for every budget, this landlocked country can easily be viewed as an unspoiled tropical destination.
- Wildlife Viewing
You may have heard friends and family talking about going on Safari in South Africa or Kenya…but did you know that you can also see the Big 5 in Malawi? With Liwonde Wildlife Reserve and Majete Wildlife Reserve located close to other popular lakeside destinations, Malawi offers affordable options to see all the iconic species you can imagine. Malawi has some of the highest concentrations of hippos and crocodiles in all of Africa, you may not even need to enter a nature reserve!
- Incredible hiking and backpacking
If you need more activity during your holiday, Mount Mulanje is a breathtaking mountain trek surrounded by tea-fields that is not for the faint of spirit. Not as famous as Mount Kilimanjaro to the North, this trek still requires a guide and a bit of grit. There are plenty of operators who will organize your trip and facilitate logistics.
- Accessibility
Africa’s answer to Ryanair is the new Dar Es Salaam based FastJet. They organize cheap flights from Lilongwe to several surrounding countries. If you are dying to tie in Malawi to a larger African trip you can now affordably fly to Tanzania or South Africa. This negates a lot of hassle that previous travelers experienced as public transport tends to be slow and arduous.
- Safety
As an entire country, the general perception is that Malawi is peaceful, stable and safe for travelers. Without any recent conflict Malawians are known for being gentle and welcoming. Although the infrastructure and roadways aren’t great, they are generally safe and passable.
- Nightlife – restaurants, bars and events
A trip to Malawi wouldn’t be complete without a night or two in either Lilongwe (the capital) or Blantyre (the commercial capital). With a wide-range of ex-pats mostly working in the development or the tobacco industry you can find western bars and restaurants to satisfy most cravings. Malawi is famous for its cheap local gin and all-night dance parties. Moreover, neither of these cities have the overwhelming feel of other large African capitals. Without any tall buildings you can navigate both Lilongwe and Blantyre easily and take affordable taxis to most anywhere you need to go. Ex-pats also organize regular events. One of the most popular of these is the Lake of Stars Music Festival that feels just like a large western beach festival with some African flare.
- Friendly people
Malawi’s reputation as the “warm heart of Africa” is absolutely true. Most people wave and smile to everyone they pass. It took me some time to get used to the friendly banter and chat on the street. Having traveled throughout the developing world I assumed most people wanted something from me, when in fact, they simply wanted to chat. Also, if your car breaks down all the locals will do what they can to come to your aid – the entire village may even stand by the side of the road to observe.
One of Malawi’s famous authors William Kamkwamba said…“I went to sleep dreaming of Malawi, and all the things made possible when your dreams are powered by your heart.”
This is what Malawi does to those who come – more than a vacation… this country, it’s people and it’s colors will stick with you. It will allow you to get off the beaten path to explore, reflect and dream about possibilities powered by your heart.
Ubuntu Adventure 
I always feels good wen I read good things about Malawi ..I love my country.great place and nice people that’s why its called the warm heart of Africa.
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Malawi is now moved to the top of my bucket list!
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Couldn’t agree more. What a lovely place!!! I was a bit apprehensive before coming to Africa, but it feels good to be in Malawi. No troubles and no hassle, just friendly people and beautiful scenery. I enjoyed Kuti Wildlife Reserve close to Lilongwe where you can do walking safaris and I fell in love with Nkhata Bay where I got ‘lake fever’ – a bit like Hotel California: you never want to leave!!!
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always great to see positive reviews. bless you. And this is so true 🙂
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I remember my work there and my family still there! Once in Malawi one always wants to go back!
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Am not just saying cos Am Malawian… I grew up in Swaziland, high school in south africa, University in UK, have visited over 20 Countries around the world but STILL Malawi remains the most beautiful county I have EVER seen and experienced. ♡ Great article
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Spot on!
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Reblogged this on P's Pet Peeves and Passions and commented:
When you think you’ve seen it all…go to a place that says “Welcome home”. This is definitely a true account of all the gems you can appreciate in Malawi…there’s more both for the traveled African and tourist.
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The warm heart of Africa
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Malawi is indeed a small country but with alot to offer to tourists around the world. The welcoming smile of Malawians and lots of places to visit for adventures makes the country more unique in its own way. Please visit again and again, and recommend it to the world,,,,
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I would also recommend visiting Nyika National Park, situated to the north of Lilongwe. It’s out of this world!
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Thank you for the beautiful story! I’m going to visit mij sis in Malawi in a few months.
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I would love to visit Malawi again with my family your hotels are too pricey
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Which Hostels and where? Lets see if we can look into this accommodation issue
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Reblogged this on nissilymushani and commented:
Inspiring and so true
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Reblogged this on Faces of Development and commented:
Come to Malawi….everyone is!!
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So keen to go next year! Do you have recommendations of where to stay by the lake?
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Hi Emma Jane! The lake is massive – there are many many wonderful places to stay! Are you looking for a backpackers lodge or somewhere more upmarket? I’ve worked quite a bit with malawianstyle.com and they’ve been a great resource…
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Feeling yoliyoli
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The home heart of Africa indeed. Full of happy people
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Malawi ari bwino bwino
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I live here in Malawi. I have been here for almost 5 years working as a missionary at an orphanage. The scenery here is breath-taking! We are in a small forest area in the middle of 120,000 acres of tea fields in Thyolo District! I tell people all the time, “Don’t come to Malawi and expect to leave here with your heart!” The people here are amazing! Thank you for your article.
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malawi is home to all who wish to relax and have fun with little walet or pulse.its people are naturally friendly. you will easily fall in love withit and desire to pay it a visit any time you have a vacation holiday.food, fruits, and other goodies are available in various ranges at affordable prices all year round… welcome to ‘the warm heart of Africa’
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lived there for two and a half years and often been asked to go back and visit but i found i did not keep well there…and this has put me off.
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Hellen, may I know which places you visited that put you off and never want to Malawi again?
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Reblogged this on My Journey and commented:
A great piece about travelling Malawi! It really is a country that will leave you with experiences that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Yewo chomene to all of those Malawians who made my volunteer experience feel like finding a new home (: Not a day goes by that I am not dreaming of the lake, the warm rains, the red dirt or all the of beautiful smiles I met along the way.
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I’m so glad that you also had such a positive experience in Malawi 🙂 I hope the warm heart will stay with you forever!
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Are you looking for a backpackers lodge or somewhere more upmarket? I’ve worked quite a bit
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Hi Jenifer –
I don’t seem to have your full comment here. I am actually no longer in Malawi. However, I was based out of a backpackers hostel, yes. However I tried to keep the article quite general for all travelers to Malawi. Let me know if you have any other questions! I hope you enjoyed your stay and were able to experience all that the warm heart has to offer!
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Lived there. Such a beautiful, enigmatic country. Love the people, the food, the scenery. Something in you always stays in Malawi. Can’t wait to visit again.
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