Where to stay in Malawi
Hotels
Malawi offers a range of accommodation, from international-standard hotels and business hotels in Lilongwe and Blantyre to guesthouses, lodges and budget accommodation throughout the country. Tourist areas around Lake Malawi have beach resorts, small hotels, backpacker hostels and lakeside lodges catering to different budgets.
Safari lodges and tented camps operate in national parks and wildlife reserves such as Liwonde, Majete and Nyika, while eco-lodges and smaller locally run properties are available in rural areas. Accommodation around Mount Mulanje and other hiking destinations includes guesthouses, lodges and basic mountain huts.
Standards and facilities vary considerably, particularly outside the main cities and established tourist areas. Power cuts and interruptions to water supplies can occur, and some properties rely on generators, solar power or other backup systems.
Advance booking is advisable at popular lakeside resorts and wildlife lodges during the dry season, particularly from May to October and during public holidays.
Camping
Camping is available in several national parks, wildlife reserves and other tourist areas in Malawi. Designated campsites can be found in destinations such as Nyika National Park, Liwonde National Park and around Lake Malawi, with facilities ranging from basic sites to established camps with showers, toilets and cooking areas.
Some lodges and backpacker accommodation allow travellers to pitch tents within their grounds and use shared facilities. Camping facilities are more limited in remote areas, so travellers should carry sufficient supplies when visiting less-developed destinations.
Wild camping is not recommended. Permission should be obtained before camping on private or community land.