Surrounded by much larger African countries renowned for their safari credentials, Malawi hides a surprisingly diverse landscape, packed with unspoiled national parks. Malawi’s narrow area of land runs alongside the massive Lake Malawi, Africa’s third largest lake. This shimmering channel of water – formed by the Great Rift Valley – is home to schools of rainbow-coloured cichlid fish and a myriad of bird species. Spend a day at the lake as you’d like, from diving and snorkelling to kayaking or relaxing on the beaches of Cape Maclear. The lake feeds into the smaller Lake Malombe and the Shire River, which is flanked by Liwonde National Park. Take a half-hour boat safari up the river to spot elephants, rhinos, hippos and crocodiles sunbathing on the river banks. Follow the Shire down to Blantyre, the country’s second biggest city, which is also within reach of some fantastic scenery. Take a Jeep tour in Majete National Park for more wildlife sightings, or climb Mount Mulanje, the tallest of Malawi’s three peaks to the east. Most hotels and guesthouses can be found in the Malawi capital of Lilongwe – a city which takes pride in its eco-friendly outlook – while lodges, retreats and budget hostels are more common along Lake Malawi’s shores.
Top picks for hotels in Malawi
Try one of these popular and highly-rated Malawi hotels
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 303 reviews
Exceptional · 303 reviews
Green Elephant is set in Lilongwe and offers a garden, a bar and barbecue facilities. This property offers access to a terrace, a pool table, free private parking and free WiFi.
Located 11 km from World War I & II Memorial Tower, Sigma Court Apartments offers accommodation with a balcony, as well as a garden. A hot tub and a car rental service are available for guests.
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 8 reviews
Exceptional · 8 reviews
Located just 8.3 km from Mulanje Golf Club, Mulanje Vista House features accommodation in Mulanje with access to a garden, barbecue facilities, as well as bicycle parking.
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 12 reviews
Exceptional · 12 reviews
Zua Safari Lodge features an outdoor swimming pool, garden, a terrace and restaurant in Chikwawa. Among the various facilities of this property are a bar and a spa and wellness centre.
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 7 reviews
Exceptional · 7 reviews
Located in Blantyre, Forest View Apartment provides accommodation with access to a fitness room. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
Offering quiet street views, The Cottage is an accommodation set in Lilongwe, 5.4 km from National Herbarium & Botanic Gardens of Malawi and 6.5 km from Lingadzi Namilomba Forest Reserve.
Set in Mzuzu, Chaya accommodation B&B and self catering offers accommodation with free private parking, as well as access to a hot tub. The property features garden views.
Casa Mia Lodge & Restaurant has an outdoor swimming pool, garden, a restaurant and bar in Blantyre. This 3-star hotel offers a concierge service and luggage storage space.
Guest review
Breakfast was good with choice of cooked. The pool was looking good although no time to swim
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 212 reviews
Set in Blantyre, Amaryllis Hotel Blantyre offers 5-star accommodation with a bar. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property also welcomes guests with a restaurant, a casino and a terrace.
Guest review
Service excellent. Food in the Restaurant delicious
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 264 reviews
Lavish Suites in Blantyre provides accommodation with a bar and a spa and wellness centre.
Guest review
We were very satisfied with our one-night stay at the Lavish Suites. The staff was friendly and accomodated our wish for a late checkout, the facilities and rooms were spotlessly clean, the breakfast very good and the location felt very safe and quiet. They played loud music at the pool area, but it was perfectly quiet in our room, and the music was turned down at a reasonable hour at night. The laundry service was meticulous (although on the pricey end). The security personnel was especially friendly and helpful. We would come back when re-visiting Blantyre!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
8.1
Very good - What previous guests thought, 6 reviews
Boasting a garden, Sunbird Waterfront is situated in Salima. The hotel features lake views, a terrace and a 24-hour front desk.
Guest review
We had an amazing, beautiful stay.
From the moment we got there, all staff were very welcoming ( Bertha at the reception was such a joy), everyone was polite, always smiling, made sure everything was okay from the room, food etc.
You can tell and see that every department works very hard and together they just give the best service overall.
Beautiful room with a beautiful view of lake malawi. Giving one of the best views of the sunrise too.
The food was nice and freshly made.
Will be visiting again in the future without a doubt.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 65 reviews
Protea Hotel Ryalls offers accommodation in Blantyre. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Certain units have a seating area to relax in after a busy day.
Guest review
The service and little add-ons were great. They went out of their way to add a personal touch
Set in Blantyre, Crossroads Hotel Blantyre features a fitness centre, shared lounge, terrace, and free WiFi throughout the property.
Guest review
The Crossroads is a hotel where the staff really makes the place. Impeccable service and a big big thank you to the room cleaning staff that just did the room perfectly for 10 days straight (2 consecutive bookings).
Centrally located in the heart of the business district in Lilongwe, President Hotel at Umodzi Park is the first 5-star hotel in Malawi.
Guest review
Best place to stay in Lilongwe! The hotel offers 100% comfort and is located in a very safe area, making it ideal for a worry-free stay. Breakfast was excellent with a wide variety of food options to suit all tastes. The staff were very friendly and attentive, making the stay even more enjoyable. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Lilongwe
Annavilla7 Lilongwe hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, a garden and shared lounge in Lilongwe. This 4-star hotel offers a shared kitchen and room service.
Guest review
A great place with very friendly staff. The room was really nice with a comfortable bed and a good shower.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
8.0
Very good - What previous guests thought, 86 reviews
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