3 trips
Malawi captures the heart and soul of Africa and is a fantastic gap year destination. Be seduced by the breathtaking sight of Lake Malawi as it glitters in the African sunshine; the lake offers water sports galore and diving delights in a magical underwater paradise. Get a rare glimpse of Africa's most astonishing wildlife in Malawi's game parks or set yourself a real challenge and hike to the summit of Mount Mulanje.
Malawi is Africa with a capital 'A', an authentic gap year destination off the usual tourist trail. Full of traditional culture, friendly people, stunning scenery and wonderful wildlife, Malawi makes for an exciting gap year experience and is Africa's best kept secret.
Read more in our Malawi Travel Guide.
Found 3 trips
20 days from £2,549
Victoria Falls, Zanzibar & Serengeti Safaris
From the shores of Lake Malawi, to Zanzibar's tropical beaches, and superb safari in the one-and-only Serengeti, this adventure tour takes you through the best of East Africa.
55 days from £7,549
Expedition across 9 African countries from Cape Town to Nairobi
Explore 9 of southern Africa's most incredible countries, from South Africa to Kenya. Adventure camping, adrenaline sports, indigenous culture, and the best safaris in the World. This is the ultimate Africa trip.
40 days
from £4,699 £3,759
Safari, paradise beaches, and world wonders in Southern Africa
Discover the best of Africa on this incredible journey through 8 of its most stunning countries. Go on safari in the Serengeti, soak up the sun on Zanzibar's paradise beaches, and head into the Okavango Delta for an off-grid bush camping experience.
Welcome to Malawi’s secret paradise. This giant freshwater lake is famed for its heavenly beaches dipped in gold (can you believe this isn’t the ocean?). Wake up to birdsong, dip into crystal-clear waters and experience the local villages’ cultures on our Malawi tours. When night falls, the skies reveal why it’s nicknamed the “Lake of Stars.”
An entire universe is waiting to be discovered below the surface of Lake Malawi. Home to more fish species than any other lake on the planet, this destination is a dream come true for snorkelling lovers. Most of them are what we call endemic species, meaning that they are exclusive to these waters.
Because if stunning beaches and authentic travel experiences have not already convinced you to come, Malawi is a haven for wildlife. The Big Five are dotted throughout the country, so you can enjoy safaris practically all to yourself inside Malawi’s national parks. And that’s not all. Hike to lush waterfalls and listen to jungle ambience.
Malawi has a subtropical climate, with two distinct seasons. The rainy season is from November to April, with short rain spells and hot temperatures. Meanwhile, the dry season is from May to October.
Whilst May to August has cooler temperatures, with some highland areas frosting over, September to October is when temperatures often exceed 30℃. The coldest month is typically June, with average temperatures of around early 20s (℃) depending on the region.
The best time to visit on our Malawi trips comes down to preference. May to October is Malawi’s dry season and the most popular season for travel. This time of year is perfect for relaxing on the beach and exploring nature.
November to April is Malawi’s rainy season. This can be a good time for enjoying lush scenery and birdwatching, as well as finding more affordable travel options for budget backpackers.
Malawi is the “Warm Heart of Africa,” famed for its friendly culture. Travellers are often treated like honoured guests whilst visiting. This small country is diverse, home to more than 10 major communities. Visiting a local village is the best way to experience Malawi’s hospitality on a personal level.
Your group leader can advise you of cultural customs on our Malawi trips. Dressing modestly is recommended outside of your camp accommodation.
Entry requirements and visa regulations are different for every destination and your purpose of travel. We recommend staying updated on the latest official information before you go travelling. Your passport should be undamaged and have enough blank pages for stamps and visas. Many countries require your passport to have at least 6 months of validity beyond the date of entry.
For more information and resources regarding entry requirements, check out our Visa Advice page.
At Gap 360, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. From the moment your trip is confirmed until you arrive back home, you'll have access to a 24/7 emergency contact number for any urgent issues. For anything non-urgent, our friendly team is also available during office hours to help.
We strongly recommend checking the FCDO advice for Malawi, as it's regularly updated with the latest safety and travel information, and you can even sign up for email alerts to stay informed of any changes. In addition, you can check the FCDO general travel advice for British nationals abroad.
Malawi is a tiny, landlocked country in Southeastern Africa. It shares borders with Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique.
Yes! Lake Malawi has you spoilt for choice with paradise shores, with Kande Beach and Chitimba Beach being two of the most beautiful. Plus, you can also enjoy crystal-clear waters that are perfect for kayaking and snorkelling.
Malawi is home to unspoilt wildlife reserves, where you can spot various Big 5 animals alongside colourful birds. Lake Malawi is also home to unique marine life species that you cannot find anywhere else.
Gap 360 has partnered with Masta and Nomad Clinics, one of the UK’s largest networks of private travel clinics. Through Masta, you can arrange a Travel Telephone Consultation, an in-person Consultation, and book your vaccinations at your nearest clinic.
Because flight options from the UK to Malawi are limited, the best way to travel here is through another destination, such as Zambia or Tanzania, as part of a multi-country safari. However, Malawi also has two main international airports.
