Editor's Choice: Safari Camps/Lodges

Recent years have seen a transformation in four of the parks and reserves: Liwonde, Kasungu, Nyika and Vwasa. Single privately run safari camps/lodges have replaced government camps in all of these parks. New luxury en-suite accommodation is provided in permanent tents, rondavels, log cabins or bamboo huts. There is also good-quality, mid-price accommodation and camping. Full catering is available. Booking ahead is important especially at weekends and in holiday periods.

There are good hotels in all the main centres, along the shore of Lake Malawi and at some attractions, including a luxury hotel at the Zomba Plateau. Along the lakeshore, there is a concentration in the south between Monkey Bay, Mangochi and Senga Bay.

There are several luxury lodges that offer excellent accommodation with en-suite facilities. Many are expanding. Most offer the same facilities as the larger hotels with watersports and excellent private beaches. Some accommodation is on islands and lake safaris are catered for.

There are campsites along the lakeshore, often near the hotels, and elsewhere in the resort and forest areas. In the main game parks and reserves, there are excellent camps with permanent accomodation. Sites are well equipped and camping is especially good during the dry season which runs from April to November.