Elevate Destinations

Experts in socially responsible luxury travel. We design travel experiences that support conservation and local communities without skimping on comfort.

Malawi

Eco-Luxury Adventures

Discover the warm heart of Africa

Malawi has been affectionately dubbed "the warm heart of Africa." This small country's most coveted feature is Lake Malawi, with clear waters and abundant tropical freshwater fish, perfect for snorkeling and kayaking. To experience a custom family safari, Liwonde National Park is an excellent location for game drives and walking safaris.

Malawi is a wonderful eco-tourism destination to volunteer your services as an ethical traveler and to be involved in grassroots change in an area where it still really counts. In the village of Cape Maclear, visit a vital water project to learn about efforts to bring clean water to local villagers and farms. Or, in the foothills of Mount Mulanje, gain a firsthand perspective on vulnerable children's challenges by visiting a children's home. You'll also have the opportunity to contribute to this organization by helping with the daily program and playing, singing, and dancing with the children.

We are especially mindful when selecting the non-profit organizations we collaborate with to ensure they are ethical, professional, and follow best practices.

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Sample Itineraries

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What our travelers are saying

  • “Our trip to South Africa, Malawi and Zambia was simply amazing. We really experienced what Africa is all about. For our girls, who are still relatively young, an experience like this can and likely is life changing. Overall the trip was everything we could have dreamed and doing this together as a family made it that much more special.”

    –Sophie Beraznik and family, Malawi

  • “It was just an amazing adventure offering an experience unequalled and something that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. I’d recommend Elevate for the personal service, the wonderful itinerary, and their intimate knowledge of each lodge and conservancy.”

    –Lisa Warren, Kenya

  • A family stands in front of a safari vehicle, smiling and holding drinks, with dry grass and trees in the background.

    “Your selection of our 3 camps was excellent. Saw a multitude of wildlife and the guides and staff at the camps were enjoyable to be around and well qualified and accommodating. Always love the Sundowners. We can never get enough of seeing the wildlife of Africa. ”

    –Gene Hardy, Botswana

  • A group of eight people stand in a row outdoors, silhouetted against a sunset sky, with grass visible in the foreground.

    “It was truly our trip of a lifetime! Couldn't have been better!! The only downside of the trip was the 19 hour air travel from Cape Town to Detroit and then the recovery time! Wonderful trip!!! ”

    –Ken Green, South Africa

  • Two people riding camels in a desert landscape with clear blue sky and sandy hills in the background.

    “Our Morocco trip was the best one I have ever taken. Dominique and her team did an exceptional job with the hotels, drivers, and our guides. The Riads, Kasbah and glamping we experienced were amazing!”

    –Jay Pollit, Morocco

  • Six people in outdoor clothing and hats stand in a row on a dirt path beside a rhinoceros in Kenya, with trees and bushes in the background under a blue sky with clouds.

    “Lana, Emily, and the Elevate team provided extraordinary service from the planning through the execution. Every question or concern was answered promptly with great attention to detail. The trip firmly placed Kenya in our hearts and souls.”

    –The Patterson Family, Kenya

  • A giraffe leans its head through a large window into a dining room in Kenya, eating from the table as a smiling family of four enjoys their meal and watches the animal.

    “It felt like Kenya and the perfectly curated trip encouraged true connection with our kids—no screens, no distractions, just a deeper understanding of the world and of nature. At every turn of our trip, my husband and I witnessed our young children absorb their new surroundings and were in awe as we saw them become young travelers themselves. ”

    –The Baird/Ryan Family, Kenya

  • Rwanda: Two people wearing masks and outdoor gear take a selfie in a lush, green forest with a group of gorillas sitting on the ground in the background.

    “Thanks for planning such an amazing journey for us! Visiting chimps, gorillas, and monkeys was thrilling. The chimpanzee experience was fantastic—we were able to watch a baby and family playing on the ground for quite some time. Overall one of our best trips yet!”

    –Ben Kahrl and Connie Mao, Rwanda

  • A group of zebras graze near an acacia tree in the grassy savanna of Kenya, with a dirt road curving through the landscape and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

    “An adventure of a lifetime. The highlights were the people and the animals. Elevate Destinations made all connections seamless. Itinerary design was catered to all of our interests and abilities. All accommodations were diverse but wonderful.”

    –Bonnie Cauffman, Kenya

  • South Africa: A vibrant garden with clusters of red and yellow flowers in the foreground, green and orange bushes in the middle, and a mountain under a blue sky with few clouds in the background.

    “The safaris were the best! Each camp was wonderful, the guides were excellent and all exceeded my expectations! Every guide we had was excellent! Being in such close contact with nature is really a spiritual experience — very grounding and helps one put things in perspective.”

    –Judy Szor, South Africa

  • Kenya: A giraffe with a distinct pattern stands among tall grass and green bushes in Kenya, with flat-topped trees and mountains in the background under a clear sky.

    “It not only fulfilled a dream of mine to go on a safari in Africa, but it exceeded any expectations I ever had of the experience. Elevate designed the perfect trip for a first time safari. ”

    –Cindy Watson, Kenya

  • Tanzania: A group of impalas stands alert in tall grass, surrounded by green trees in a savanna landscape.

    “It was a great experience for our daughter. You clearly alerted the staff that we were traveling with a kid that was special needs and it showed. They were outstanding, really sensitive, caring, open, accepting, and engaging with her. She had a great time. Thank you for all you did to make that happen. I know I'll be asking again to do a trip with her. I loved it.”

    –Kahrl Family, Tanzania

Your Questions Answered

What to know about Malawi

When is the best time to visit Malawi?

The best time to visit Malawi is during the dry season, from April to October. During these months, rainfall is minimal and the temperatures are cooler, especially from May to August. For birdwatchers, the wet season, from January to March, is the ideal time to visit, as migratory birds arrive in Malawi’s parks and lakeshores when the landscapes are bursting into lush greenery. It's important to note that some remote areas may be more challenging to access during the wet season due to heavy rains.

What are the best things to do in Malawi?

Some of the best things to do in Malawi include water-based activities in the vibrant blue waters of Lake Malawi, Africa’s third-largest lake. This vibrant blue lake is renowned for its sandy beaches and incredible clarity, making it an ideal spot for freshwater snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. Safaris in Liwonde National Park are a highlight of any Malawi itinerary, where there have been some excellent conservation efforts to reintroduce species like cheetah and lion. Here, you can take traditional game drives, walking safaris, and river boat safaris to spot elephants, hippos, crocodiles, black rhino, cheetah, lion, and an abundance of birdlife. Cultural immersion is central to the Malawi experience. Visit rural villages, participate in traditional cooking classes, and engage in community projects for authentic insights into local life and traditions.

What makes a Malawi safari unique?

Malawi safaris stand out from traditional safari destinations due to their unique combination of intimate wildlife experiences and meaningful cultural interactions. Unlike the crowded safari locations in neighboring countries, Malawi can offer close encounters with nature, particularly through river-based wildlife viewing in Liwonde National Park. Here, canoeing provides a unique vantage point to observe hippos, elephants, and a diverse array of birdlife. Walking safaris led by expert guides allow you to track wildlife on foot and gain in-depth knowledge about the ecosystem. Further enrich your safari experience by engaging in cultural exchanges through visits to local villages and participating in community-led tourism initiatives. Malawi’s commitment to community-based tourism means that many safari lodges and camps actively support local villages and conservation projects. You have the chance to see iconic species like rhino, cheetah, and lion due to successful conservation projects to reintroduce the species to Liwonde National Park.

What does a typical Malawi itinerary look like?

A typical Malawi itinerary begins with arrival in the capital, Lilongwe, where you can experience urban attractions and visit nearby wildlife centers. The journey often continues south to Liwonde National Park for several days of safari activities, including game drives, walking safaris, and river excursions. Cultural experiences are woven throughout, with visits to villages and community projects. Journey to the shores of Lake Malawi or its islands to relax and enjoy water-based activities like sailing, kayaking, and snorkeling. For an extended trip, consider visiting the tea-growing regions, hiking on the Zomba Plateau, or spending time in Ntchisi Forest Reserve.

What wildlife can I expect to see in Malawi?

Malawi’s national parks, reserves, and lakes are home to a wide variety of wildlife. In Liwonde National Park, you can expect to see lions, cheetahs, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, black rhinos, and numerous antelope species, including sable and waterbuck. The park is also renowned for its birdlife, with over 400 species including fish eagles, kingfishers, and bee-eaters. Lake Malawi is famous for its colorful cichlid fish, which are a highlight for snorkelers and divers. To see big cats and wild dogs, our team recommends combining your Malawi itinerary with neighboring Zambia.

Why should I choose Elevate Destinations as my Malawi travel guide?

Elevate Destinations is known for its commitment to responsible and in Africa and beyond. Our team specializes in creating tailor-made journeys that seamlessly blend wildlife adventures with authentic cultural experiences, ensuring your visit has a positive impact on local communities and conservation efforts. Elevate Destinations partners with locally owned lodges, guides, and community projects, connecting you with the people and environments of Malawi on a deeper level. Our expert team handles all logistics, so you and your family can travel to Malawi with peace of mind.

Where are the best places to visit in Malawi?

Some of the top places to visit in Malawi include Lake Malawi, with its charming islands such as Likoma and Mumbo, as well as its vibrant underwater life. Liwonde National Park is Malawi’s premier wildlife reserve, renowned for its diverse endemic species and intimate wildlife viewing opportunities. Ntchisi Forest Reserve offers immersive cultural experiences in rural villages, while the Zomba Plateau is ideal for hiking through its temperate forest, with panoramic views. The tea estates of Thyolo in the south offer tranquil stays and agricultural tours with a glimpse into Malawi’s colonial history. Finally, the capital city, Lilongwe, is the place for lively markets, cultural centers, and historical sites.
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