The local pirate Andrew takes you on a boat trip to a secluded beach A cooking class and chef’s table with the enthusiastic Lara in Chintheche Hiking and wild camping with views over Nyika Plateau Horse riding and having coffee with Maggie in Viphya Forest Getting lost with Dennis in the markets of Lilongwe A tour with Josh across the lush coffee plantation in Livingstonia Overnight hiking on Mulanje Mountain gives you the feeling of stepping into a magical and slightly eerie fairytale

The best time to visit Malawi is from May to October. This is the dry season, with warm days, cool nights and clear visibility. In May and June everything is still very green after the earlier rains. The roads are easy to navigate and the wildlife concentrates around lakes and rivers, giving you a better chance of spotting animals during safaris. From November to April it is the rainy season. Expect heavy but short rain showers, usually in the afternoon or evening. Nature turns into a lush green paradise, ideal for photographers and nature lovers. Some roads and parks can be harder to access due to rainfall. Temperatures remain warm (25 to 30°C).

Curious what that looks like? These are our favorite routes: The full Malawi experience Mountains, beaches and wildlife in the north of Malawi Discover southern Malawi with nature culture and untouched beaches

Malawi Travel

You often hear that people across the African continent are incredibly friendly, and in Malawi that is true to the core. You travel through lush green hills, past lively villages where everyone smiles and waves, until you arrive at the vast Lake Malawi with its white beaches and crystal clear blue water. Malawi is a truly unique destination in its most authentic and warm form.

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Malawi | Example routes | Reviews | Travel advice | Blogs

Two people walk down a dirt path surrounded by dry grass, with a large leafless tree and a small house in the background under a clear sky.

A group of people relax and smile on a small wooden boat named The Malulue, cruising on blue water near a tree-lined shore with hills in the background under a sunny sky.

A small, red-painted grocery shop in Malawi with snacks hanging outside. People stand and interact near the counter; some are seated nearby. The lively scene, brightened by sunlight, captures the spirit of travelling through Africa.

Why is Malawi the perfect country for you as a traveller?

Malawi lies in the heart of southern Africa and its nickname The Warm Heart of Africa says it all. Everywhere you go you are welcomed with a smile and genuine curiosity. The atmosphere is relaxed, the energy soft and open. This is a country that has not yet been discovered by the masses, a place that has managed to hold on to its purity. Here you are one of only a few travellers and that is exactly what makes it so special.

We have experienced Malawi with our own eyes. The hikes, the activities, the lodges, our local partners, the long drives through the mountains and the boat trips on the lake. Because of that we know exactly where the real charm lies, far away from the crowds and close to the people and partners who live here.

For you this means travelling with us right to the heart of Malawi and visiting places where hardly any travellers go. With us you follow routes we have built ourselves and you stay in places where hospitality still comes naturally. Whether you want to head into the mountains for a hike in the north, go out on the water in a small fishing boat or experience the pure local culture, we know exactly where you need to be.

Discover Malawi with our pioneers

Travelling through the country is not about spectacle in the traditional sense, there are no huge safari parks or world famous highlights, and that is exactly what makes it so special. Here it is about everyday life, about people who look at you and smile, about conversations that linger. Curious what that looks like? Watch the video next to this text where Charlie’s Angels Milou and Emiel take you through Malawi with eight travellers.

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10.000+ happy travellers went before you

     
 
 
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   Auralie Blauwbloeme 
 34 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a fantastic trip through Namibia with two families with teenagers. The trip was fully planned according to our wishes and tailored to the composition of the group. The personal approach, the communication, the preparation… everything was top-notch. Our next trip to Africa will be with Charlie's Travels again!

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   RJ 
 67 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wow!! What an amazing trip we took through Kenya with Charlie's Travels. Self-drive, highly recommended, and wonderfully taken care of from start to finish! Thank you so much ❤️🍀

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   GoeVerhaal. 
 74 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We booked our honeymoon to Namibia with this organization, and how fantastic was it? We received clear information beforehand, they used a detailed app, and we received thoughtful messages before and during the trip to check in. Truly an organization with a heart for the mission of showcasing the beauty of Africa. When we looked into the organization further after the trip, we understand why. Thank you for everything! We didn't feel like just a number, received incredibly quick answers to questions before and during the trip, and received a beautiful, customized itinerary where everything was perfectly arranged everywhere on-site. You gave us the trip of a lifetime ❤️ Best regards and see you again! Laura and Arne

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   Merel Doreleijers 
 89 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I look back with immense pleasure on my pioneering trip to Madagascar with Charlie's Travels. What made this trip so special for me was its off-the-beaten-track nature. We visited places you wouldn't easily get to as an ordinary tourist, saw beautiful nature, and had a lot of contact with the local people. That made the experience very authentic. One of the biggest highlights was driving off-road myself. In addition, there were so many unexpected moments that I won't soon forget: a football match against the locals in the Tsaranoro Valley, unexpectedly finding myself in a local sacrificial ritual, and a canoe trip that went very differently than planned. We thought we were going on a sailboat trip, but it turned out to be a few leaky canoes. In hindsight, it actually became one of the best memories of the trip for me. That is also the charm of a pioneering trip: not everything goes as planned, but it is precisely those unexpected moments that make the adventure complete. I also appreciated the variety of accommodations. From homestays, B&Bs, and hotels to sleeping in a tent under the starry sky. That fit perfectly with the adventurous nature of the trip. I do think, however, that a pioneering journey isn't for everyone. You need to be flexible and be able to accept that plans sometimes change. If you can surrender to that and simply enjoy the journey as it unfolds, that is precisely what yields the most beautiful stories and memories. The reason I am not giving 5 stars is that the communication before and during the trip was sometimes a bit disorganized. I would also have liked to see more transparency regarding certain costs. In my opinion, those are areas where Charlie's Travels can still improve. Despite that, I look back on a fantastic trip full of special experiences and memories that I won't soon forget. If you are looking for an adventurous, authentic journey off the beaten path and are open to the unexpected, then I can certainly recommend a trip with Charlie's Travels.

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   Martijn van Heest 
 91 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sjoerd from Charlies Travels organized my trip through Morocco, and it was fantastic! Due to limited time, I skipped the big cities and mainly visited the less crowded places in the interior. For a large part of the time, I stayed with families and experienced just how warm the culture of this country is. My 'guides' felt more like friends; they were hospitable, took me to visit family, and managed to strike a perfect balance between 'going on with life' while showing me the most beautiful spots in Morocco. For me, the added value of Charlies lay in selecting these amazing, not always obvious places, and the accompanying partners/guides/families who were willing to give me an inside look. Highly recommended for everyone!

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   Victor Bijlsma 
 161 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went on a pioneering trip to Senegal, Gambia & Guinea-Bissau with Charlie's Travels. It was special to visit such pristine countries without mass tourism. The difference between Senegal & Gambia was already significant – and the trip was very diverse. From beaches and big cities to eco-lodges & local markets. Highly recommended to utilize the expertise of Charlie's team; it saved a lot of hassle :)

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   Jasper M. 
 182 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a fantastic pioneering trip with Charlie's through Senegal, the Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau 💯 World-class tour guides and a fun group!

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   Casper Berkhout 
 268 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went to Uganda and Kenya for almost a month and we did not leave dissapointed! Our goal was to visit "off the beaten track" destinations and experience real local culture and Charlie's did not let us down. In Uganda we saw TONS of wildlife, with the bike safari in Lake Mburo being the undisputable highlight... unforgettable. We spent a day with the Batwa people, which was a unique culturally enriching experience. In Kenya we got to relax at the beach in a luxurious resort and get our tan on! All the tour guides that were organized by Charlie's were both knowledgable and wonderfully enthusiastic. This was the most memorable vaction in years, and we would reccomend booking a trip with Charlie's to anyone (if you are adventurous enough of course ;) ).
  
 
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   Maikel Hurts 
 285 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Angola surprised me in ways that are difficult to put into words. The country is raw and pure, with landscapes that seem to breathe: the red earth glowing in the sun, endless savannas disappearing into a haze of warmth, and the ocean incessantly beating its rhythm against the coast. With Xavier Rudd playing through the car speakers, everything took on an extra layer of meaning. His music—those earthy sounds, that peace and freedom—seemed to become one with the landscape. As the road wound through villages full of color and smiling faces, it felt as if every song had been written especially for this moment.

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   Wolfeew 
 285 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been to Africa with Charlie's multiple times – Kenya, Uganda, and most recently to Angola: Friendliness and rawness personified, a delightful mix of pure Africa and Portuguese influences. Beautiful, untouched nature, tranquility, and fantastic people. From desert to jungle, from canyons to waves crashing against the rugged coast – what a country. It's wonderful to be taken under Charlie's wing!

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   Hanneke 
 285 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Angola with Charlies was amazing! Remote and real pioneering. A great country to discover with friends. One big adventure, from camping in the beautiful desert to making memories for life with proud locals. Went home with a big smile and would love to be back soon!

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   Jan 
 286 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic organization, in short. We traveled to Namibia with a group of 7, and CT guided us through the entire process to set it up exactly how we wanted. During the trip, "our" travel coach Nick was also attentive, asked how we were doing, and arranged a few things for us, such as a New Year's breakfast. CT works with local organizations that we felt comfortable with.

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   Tessa Tuk 
 323 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Last October, I went on a pioneering trip to Malawi with Charlie's Travels, and it turned out to be a unique experience. The moments that stuck with me the most are the beautiful hike through Nyika National Park, where we camped in the middle of nature and zebras walked past our tent in the morning; and the evening we all dove into a local pub and danced the night away with the locals. The paradisiacal Likoma Island and the car rides through the stunning African landscape, with spontaneous stops at local bars along the way, are also memories that will stay with me for a long time. Malawi is called 'the warm heart of Africa,' and that is exactly how it felt. It was amazing to discover this country with Charlie's Travels and a wonderful group of people. Highly recommended!

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   Lisa Snepvangers 
 337 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went to Kenya for a month with our family of 5, all arranged by Charie's Travels, and it was AMAZING. We wanted a mix of off-the-beaten-path and comfort, a mix of adventure and vacation, and they made it all happen. Everything from planning the trip and airport pick-up to hotel bookings and activity arrangements went smoothly. We really had the most amazing time! (so much so that I'm writing this review years after taking this trip, cause we're still talking about it!) Definitely recommend booking your trip with Charlie's Travels!
  
 
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   Saskia Looijen 
 344 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was a fantastic experience to go pioneering in Malawi with Charlie's Travels. Truly the warm heart of Africa, with very friendly and open people. Malawi is a country with so many different things to do. We explored the lesser-known north: hiking in Nyika National Park with stunning views over colorful hills, an exciting boat trip across Lake Malawi, and beach vibes and lots of beautiful birds on Likoma Island. There are also beautiful bays and hidden spots along Lake Malawi. The roads are getting better but offer challenges here and there, which is highly recommended for the more adventurous traveler. The setup and organization by Charlie's Travels were excellent, always flexible and tailored to everyone's wishes.

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The highlights of travel through Malawi

Use the map and the information to check your favourite places.

Unique experiences

The local pirate Andrew takes you on a boat trip to a secluded beach
A cooking class and chef’s table with the enthusiastic Lara in Chintheche
Hiking and wild camping with views over Nyika Plateau
Horse riding and having coffee with Maggie in Viphya Forest
Getting lost with Dennis in the markets of Lilongwe
A tour with Josh across the lush coffee plantation in Livingstonia
Overnight hiking on Mulanje Mountain gives you the feeling of stepping into a magical and slightly eerie fairytale

Safari without a crowd

Nkhotakota National Park: Walking safari along the river with large herds of elephants
Majete Wildlife Reserve: A Big Five success story
Liwonde National Park: Boat trips along the Shire River to spot hippos and crocodiles

Thanks to its accessibility it is a great choice for anyone with little experience on the African continent but who still wants to feel that warm and authentic Africa vibe.

For lovebirds Malawi is an unexpected gem: quiet beach lodges, remote viewpoints and places where you can fully disappear into the tranquillity together.

Families travel best here with children from around six years old, as younger kids face malaria risks, longer travel days and fewer facilities along the way, while older children fully dive into nature, the lake and the local villages.

For groups of friends, Malawi works perfectly as a mix of action and relaxation: hiking in the north, swimming and kayaking on Lake Malawi and ending with a few lazy beach days.

Best time to travel

The best time to visit Malawi is from May to October. This is the dry season, with warm days, cool nights and clear visibility. In May and June everything is still very green after the earlier rains. The roads are easy to navigate and the wildlife concentrates around lakes and rivers, giving you a better chance of spotting animals during safaris.
From November to April it is the rainy season. Expect heavy but short rain showers, usually in the afternoon or evening. Nature turns into a lush green paradise, ideal for photographers and nature lovers. Some roads and parks can be harder to access due to rainfall. Temperatures remain warm (25 to 30°C).

Our favourite routes

Curious what that looks like? These are our favorite routes:

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Our team lives and works in Africa

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Example trips through Malawi

Example trip

Discover southern Malawi with nature culture and untouched beaches

Here rolling green tea plantations, gentle hills and old colonial towns flow into one another, with the impressive Mount Mulanje…

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Example trip

Mountains, beaches and wildlife in the north of Malawi

Malawi is already special on its own, but the North takes it even further. Here everything revolves around real encounters,…

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Example trip

The full Malawi experience

Malawi is a country full of life and contrasts. During this journey you discover both the warm green south and…

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Travel Story

Travel story – Birdwatching in Malawi

In Northern Malawi we bounced over dusty tracks, hiked across the Nyika Plateau and stumbled upon a surprising birdwatching paradise. This journey turned adventurers into unexpected bird lovers.

Travel Story

Travel story – Eva on a pioneertrip in Malawi

Plan your Malawi travel

Malawi Travel

Why is Malawi the perfect country for you as a traveller?

Discover Malawi with our pioneers

Want to contact us?

10.000+ happy travellers went before you

The highlights of travel through Malawi

Request a travel proposal for your travel in Malawi

I have spent longer periods of time in Malawi and I am a big fan of this beautiful country!!

With Charlie's Travels, you choose for fair and local travelling

Our team lives and works in Africa

We create our own routes

Your trip is completely tailor-made

100% insured and safe on your trip

Example trips through Malawi

Discover southern Malawi with nature culture and untouched beaches

Mountains, beaches and wildlife in the north of Malawi

The full Malawi experience

Travel stories of our travellers in Malawi

Plan your Malawi travel together with someone who lives in the region. Emiel creates a proposal that matches your wishes.