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Cultural experiences in Malawi
Cultural experiences in Malawi
Cultural experiences in Malawi
Cultural experiences in Malawi
Cultural experiences in Malawi

Cultural experiences in Malawi

Experience the culture in Malawi

Almost any travelling in Malawi can offer insights into the country's culture and traditions - as most of Malawi's people are notably friendly, courteous and hospitable. African cultural experiences are everywhere in Malawi; it's so densely populated that travellers can't help but interact with lots of Malawians during a holiday here.

All of Malawi's people share a common Bantu origin. The population is made up of eleven different ethnic groups, each with their own set of cultural norms and practices. The largest ethnic group is the Chewa tribe, and their mother tongue, Chichewa, is the official spoken language of Malawi.

Pass through villages, browse at local markets, or visit an old Christian Mission to experience some of the vibrant culture of Malawi. Our recommendations below don't focus on specific aspects of Malawian culture, they are just pointers for where we feel you'll get the best cultural experiences in Malawi.

Kaya Mawa

Likoma Island is home to local villages as well as the lodge. Village tours with a guide can be arranged, or you just set off on foot or bike by yourselves. The community involvement is excellent – Katundu Textiles, started by Kaya Mawa, employs many local people.


Kaya Mawa

Likoma Island is home to local villages as well as the lodge. Village tours with a guide can be arranged, or you just set off on foot or bike by yourselves. The community involvement is excellent – Katundu Textiles, started by Kaya Mawa, employs many local people.

Best camps & lodges for Cultural experiences in Malawi


Kaya Mawa

Kaya Mawa

Likoma Island is home to local villages as well as the lodge. Village tours with a guide can be arranged, or you just set off on foot or bike by yourselves. The community involvement is excellent – Katundu Textiles, started by Kaya Mawa, employs many local people.


96% (27 reviews)

Best camps & lodges for Cultural experiences in Africa

Cultural experiences elsewhere in Africa

Our top ideas and inspiration for Cultural experiences in other countries.


Cultural experiences in Botswana

Botswana

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Cultural experiences in Kenya

Kenya

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Cultural experiences in Mozambique

Mozambique

Mozambique can offer really unique African cultural experiences - which have their roots in its ...

Cultural experiences in Namibia

Namibia

Namibia is one of our favourite places for cultural experiences in Africa. Despite having one of ...

Cultural experiences in Rwanda

Rwanda

Rwanda has a rich and well documented cultural history. Far from being clearly distinct tribes, ...

Cultural experiences in Tanzania

Tanzania

Tanzania offers many contrasting African cultural experiences. With a population of around 50 million, ...

Cultural experiences in Zambia

Zambia

Zambia's safari camps are notable for their small scale and often excellent community ties, leading ...

Cultural experiences in Zanzibar

Zanzibar

Simply staying on Zanzibar is a cultural experience in itself. The exotic, vibrant atmosphere of ...

Cultural experiences in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe

Despite its troubled recent history, Zimbabwe is a vibrant and beautiful country, with some excellent ...

Where to see wildlife species in Malawi

Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.


Elephant

Elephant

Loxodonta africana

By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.

91% SUCCESS

4,201 sightings from 4,616 observations

Where to see elephant in Malawi

Leopard

Leopard

Panthera pardus

The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.

47% SUCCESS

2,247 sightings from 4,779 observations

Where to see leopard in Malawi

Lion

Lion

Panthera leo

Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.

81% SUCCESS

3,477 sightings from 4,298 observations

Where to see lion in Malawi

Cheetah

Cheetah

Acinonyx jubatus

The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.

33% SUCCESS

1,195 sightings from 3,625 observations

Where to see cheetah in Malawi

Wild dog

Wild dog

Lycaon pictus

African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.

32% SUCCESS

1,014 sightings from 3,148 observations

Where to see wild dog in Malawi

Spotted Hyena

Spotted Hyena

Crocuta crocuta

The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.

55% SUCCESS

2,488 sightings from 4,551 observations

Where to see spotted hyena in Malawi

Black Rhino

Black Rhino

Diceros bicornis

The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.

30% SUCCESS

708 sightings from 2,338 observations

Where to see black rhino in Malawi

Giraffe

Giraffe

Giraffa camelopardalis

The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.

86% SUCCESS

4,051 sightings from 4,717 observations

Where to see giraffe in Malawi

Buffalo

Buffalo

Syncerus caffer

One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.

83% SUCCESS

2,941 sightings from 3,532 observations

Where to see buffalo in Malawi

Hippo

Hippo

Hippopotamus amphibius

The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.

90% SUCCESS

3,062 sightings from 3,421 observations

Where to see hippo in Malawi

Sable antelope

Sable antelope

Hippotragus niger

Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.

24% SUCCESS

559 sightings from 2,366 observations

Where to see sable antelope in Malawi

Eland

Eland

Taurotragus oryx

Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.

49% SUCCESS

1,658 sightings from 3,382 observations

Where to see eland in Malawi

Roan antelope

Roan antelope

Hippotragus equinus

Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.

25% SUCCESS

584 sightings from 2,349 observations

Where to see roan antelope in Malawi

Wildebeest

Wildebeest

Connochaetes sp.

Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.

67% SUCCESS

2,832 sightings from 4,215 observations

Where to see wildebeest in Malawi

Zebra

Zebra

Equus sp.

The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.

84% SUCCESS

4,413 sightings from 5,249 observations

Where to see zebra in Malawi

Pangolin

Pangolin

Smutsia sp.

Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.

2% SUCCESS

65 sightings from 3,816 observations

Where to see pangolin in Malawi

Aardvark

Aardvark

Orycteropus afer

The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.

2% SUCCESS

81 sightings from 3,777 observations

Where to see aardvark in Malawi

Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Inspire me

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Discover all that Malawi has to offer


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Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.

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Cultural experiences

Get an insight into Africa's cultures and history.

Diving & snorkelling

Diving & snorkelling

Find captivating marine life beneath the waves

Luxury

Luxury

First-class service, scenic vistas and unparalleled comfort await you during these carefully selected luxury holidays. 

Private villas & houses

Private villas & houses

Enjoy Africa with just your friends & family

Riding holidays

Riding holidays

Explore Africa's wilderness on horseback.

Walking

Walking

Explore Africa's most scenic trails on foot.

Wildlife safaris

Wildlife safaris

These trips include hard-hitting game and fascinatingly elusive species alike, as well as superb guiding and a variety of diverse ecosystems.

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