North vs. South Malawi: Which Region Suits Your Road Trip?

Malawi, the small, lovely country tucked away between giants Tanzania, Mozambique, and Zambia. With a land area about 3 times that of the Netherlands, this little gem looks like the perfect country for short travel distances and seeing everything in a single trip. Unfortunately, the reality is slightly different. Yes, Malawi is small, but above all, it is very long and stretched out. Getting from the southernmost tip to the northernmost tip of Malawi means driving over 1,000 kilometers. That is as far as driving from Amsterdam to Bordeaux, but without highways and at an average speed of around 50 km/h.

Are you torn between the north and the south of Malawi for your road trip? In this blog post, we compare the highlights, safaris, Lake Malawi beaches, and hiking opportunities in both Northern and Southern Malawi.

1. Lake Malawi & beach destinations

Lake Malawi  (also known as Lake Nyasa) extends from the north all the way down to the middle of the country. The vibe and type of beach destination vary greatly by region:

Southern Malawi (Cape Maclear & Monkey Bay):

• Known for the best sunsets over the lake.

• Lively and vibrant, offering a wide choice of lodges, bars, and dive schools.

• Forms the most visited beach area in the country.

Northern Malawi (Chintheche, Nkhata Bay & Likoma Island):

• Chintheche: Offers tranquility, extensive sandy beaches, and an off-the-beaten-track experience.

• Nkhata Bay: The perfect mix of a laid-back backpacker vibe, local village life, and crystal-clear water.

• Likoma Island: An idyllic island featuring exclusive, sustainable accommodations such as Pure Likoma.

2. Safari & wildlife experience

Malawi offers authentic safaris without the massive crowds found in famous parks like the Serengeti.

• Southern Malawi: The best choice for a classic wildlife experience. In Majete Wildlife Reserve, you can find the complete Big 5. In Liwonde National Park, you can take spectacular boat safaris along the Shire River among crocodiles and elephants.

• Northern Malawi: The densely forested Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve is a true paradise for elephants, buffalo, zebras, and antelopes. Here, you will experience exclusive game drives and walking safaris where you will encounter virtually no other tourists.

3. Authentic & off-the-beaten-track

Looking for an authentic experience and want to meet as few other travelers as possible? Northern Malawi has a slight edge here.

Sustainable Community Lodges in the North

Northern Malawi boasts unique, sustainable accommodations that work closely with the local community:

• The Mushroom Farm (Livingstonia): A unique eco-lodge set on the cliffs, featuring its own permaculture garden.

• Pure Likoma (Likoma Island): Intimate, romantic, and fully integrated into the island community.

• Makuzi Beach Lodge (Chintheche): A quiet, eco-friendly lodge located directly on a private beach on Lake Malawi.

(Note: Southern Malawi also remains very quiet and authentic compared to the rest of East Africa.)

4. Hiking: Nyika Plateau vs. Mulanje Massif

For active travelers and avid hikers, both the north and the south offer challenging multi-day treks.

Nyika National Park (North):

• Landscape: Rolling hills, vast grasslands, and endless views.

• Experience: Camping under the starry sky, deep in wild nature far from civilization.

• Wildlife: While hiking, you can spot antilopes, zebras, and leopard tracks.

Mulanje Massif (South):

• Landscape: Rugged, steep rocky peaks, dense forests, and a jungle-like atmosphere.

• Experience: Physically more demanding hikes with overnight stays in charming wooden mountain huts.

• Location: Closer to local villages and visited slightly more frequently by hikers.

Overview: Northern vs. Southern Malawi

Category	Northern Malawi	Southern Malawi
Safari	Nkhotakota (quiet, elephants)	Majete & Liwonde (Big 5, boat safari)
Beach & Lake	Remote, peaceful, Likoma Island	Cape Maclear (lively, sunsets)
Atmosphere	Off-the-beaten-track & backpacker vibes	Varied, accessible, game lodges
Hiking	Nyika Plateau (rolling hills, camping)	Mulanje Massif (rugged, mountain huts)
Culture	Authentic village life throughout	Rich in local markets and history

Which Region Suits You?

Choose Northern Malawi if: you are looking for the ultimate off-the-beaten-track experience, unique eco-lodges, peaceful beaches (Likoma Island), and extensive treks across the Nyika Plateau. Check out our sample 16-day Northern Malawi itinerary here.

Choose Southern Malawi if: your main priority is classic wildlife safaris (the Big 5 in Majete, boat safaris in Liwonde), lively beach vibes at Cape Maclear, and spectacular mountain climbs up Mount Mulanje. Check out our sample 16-day Southern Malawi itinerary here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Northern vs. Southern Malawi (FAQ)

What is the difference between Northern and Southern Malawi for travelers?

The main difference lies in the atmosphere, accessibility, and type of highlights. Southern Malawi is more densely populated and easier to reach, featuring famous game parks for classic safaris (such as Majete and Liwonde) and the lively beaches of Cape Maclear. Northern Malawi is significantly quieter, more off-the-beaten-track, and offers authentic eco-lodges, serene Likoma Island, and the vast mountain landscapes of the Nyika Plateau.

How much time do you need to travel through all of Malawi?

To thoroughly explore both the north and south of Malawi, you need at least 3 to 4 weeks. Because the distance from the extreme south to the far north is over 1,000 kilometers and the average travel speed is around 50 km/h, traveling between regions takes a lot of time. If you only have 2 weeks, it is recommended to choose either a southern or a northern travel circuit (loop).

Where can you do the best safari in Malawi: North or South?

The best classic wildlife safaris are found in Southern Malawi. Majete Wildlife Reserve is home to the Big 5 and wild dogs, while Liwonde National Park is world-renowned for its river safaris among elephants and crocodiles. The north, via Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, offers a smaller-scale, forested alternative that is ideal for walking safaris without other tourists around.

What are the most beautiful beaches on Lake Malawi?

For a lively beach experience with plenty of lodges, eateries, and water sports, Cape Maclear in the south is the most popular choice. If you are seeking peace, expansive sandy beaches, and an exclusive atmosphere, choose Chintheche or the idyllic Likoma Island in the north. For a combination of backpacker vibes and local village life, Nkhata Bay in Northern Malawi is the best spot.

Nyika Plateau or Mulanje Massif: which hike is best?

• Nyika Plateau (North): Ideal for those who want to hike through rolling grasslands, camp in wild nature, and have the chance to spot zebras, antelopes, and leopards.

• Mulanje Massif (South): Ideal for those looking for a challenging, physically tougher hike through a rugged jungle landscape with overnight stays in romantic mountain huts.

Best of both worlds?

Can't choose and want to include both Liwonde National Park and Likoma Island in your itinerary? With a tailor-made travel plan, you can skip the extreme northern and southern points and focus on the central part of Malawi.

Get inspired by this 22-day itinerary in Malawi.

Contact our Malawi specialist Emiel to design your ideal tailor-made road trip!