Why visit
Malawi is built around its lake: a 580 km inland sea with clear water, cichlid fish found nowhere else, and beach lodges from backpacker to boutique. Liwonde and Majete parks have restocked into genuine safari destinations.
Country - Africa
Malawi
culturenatureadventure
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Malawi works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Lilongwe as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Malawi.
At a glance
Location
-13.5°, 34.0°
Coast
Landlocked
Country area
118,484 km²
45,747 mi²
Subregion
Eastern Africa
Currency
Malawian kwacha (MK)
MWK
Dial
+265
Languages
English, Chewa
Demonym
Malawian
Internet
.mw
UN
Member state
ISO code
MW / MWI
Where in the world
-13.5° - 34.0°
Malawi
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Malawi is known as "the Warm Heart of Africa" for the renowned friendliness of its people.
- Lake Malawi contains more species of fish than any other lake on earth (1,000+), most of them endemic cichlids.
- The country is one of Africa's most densely populated, yet one of its least urbanized.
Bordering Malawi
Traveler notes
- Lake Malawi's Cape Maclear is the classic freshwater beach base
- Majete went from empty to Big Five under African Parks
- Mount Mulanje offers multi-day hut-to-hut hiking
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Lilongwe, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Malawi
What is the capital of Malawi?
Lilongwe is the capital of Malawi.
What currency does Malawi use?
Malawi uses the Malawian kwacha (MK), ISO code MWK.
What languages are spoken in Malawi?
The primary languages are English and Chewa.
Is Malawi landlocked?
Yes, Malawi is landlocked: it has no sea coastline.
What countries border Malawi?
Malawi borders Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia.
What is the international calling code for Malawi?
The calling code is +265.
When is the best time to visit Malawi?
May–Oct. Check current weather and local events before booking.
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