There are two trips we highly recommend during your time in Malawi. The first is a three day/two night or four day/three night safari adventure to South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. Consider using Kiboko Safaris or Land and Lakes Safaris – they will arrange transport, meals, drives, and offer a cheaper price than working directly with the lodge! Prices will vary based on dates, length of stay, and size of the group. Safari is a must and experiencing the wildlife is often travelers’ favorite memories.
You may also spend a few days at Lake Malawi, Africa’s third largest lake. So big it has waves and tides, Lake Malawi is the perfect spot to relax, rejuvenate, and explore nearby fishing villages. You can again use MalawianStyle to plan your trip or use local busses to get you to the lake. Travel time can be anywhere from 2-3 hours by private car to get to Senga Bay. Senga Bay offers a more quiet get away and staying at Cool Runnings can be a wonderful and pretty cheap way to do it. Cape Maclear is often backpackers’ first choice and, although further away, offers some great views, swimming, and activities. Check out the Gecko Lounge or Fat Monkeys for room and board at cape Maclear.
There are a million and one things to do while in Malawi. In the city, you can visit the fabric market in Old Town for beautiful cloth and great gifts, visit the crafts market just down the street from Mufasa, enjoy live music every Thursday night at Kiboko Hotel, attend a football game at any number of nearby stadiums, hike the beautiful Mt. Nkhoma, visit the Crisis Nursery, check out the Lilongwe Wildlife Center, or just go for a walk! For additional information on fun things to do while in Malawi, check out Lonely Planet’s recommendations and wiki’s travel guide to Lilongwe.
