When people think of Africa’s classic “bush and beach” holidays, destinations like Tanzania’s Serengeti and Zanzibar often spring to mind. But there’s another place where safari meets sand in the most authentic and inspiring way: Malawi.

Here, you don’t need to fly across countries to mix game drives with golden beaches. Instead, thrilling safaris in Liwonde National Park flow seamlessly into tranquil escapes on Lake Malawi. Add in world-class lodges and warm, personal hospitality, and you’ve got Africa’s most underrated bush and beach destination.

Why Choose Malawi for Bush and Beach?

• Two worlds, one trip: Safaris and lakeside escapes are close together, with no long-haul transfers needed.

• Wildlife and waterlife: From elephants, lions, and cheetahs to tropical fish and fish eagles, Malawi offers extraordinary diversity.

• Lodges with personality: Each property, from Kuthengo to Kaya Mawa, delivers not just luxury but warmth, sustainability, and unforgettable moments.

• Undiscovered magic: With fewer crowds than its neighbours, Malawi feels personal, authentic, and full of surprises.

The Bush: Liwonde National Park

Liwonde has undergone a remarkable conservation journey, now home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, hippos, buffalo, and more. Unlike busier safari circuits, Liwonde feels intimate — a place where guides know the land inside out and every sighting feels special.

Stay at Kuthengo Camp

Set on the banks of the Shire River, Kuthengo Camp offers a front-row seat to the wild. Arrive by boat, and you may spot elephants drinking at the water’s edge before you even check in. Spacious safari tents open onto private decks, perfect for hippo watching between game drives and boat safaris. With expert guides like JB leading the way, you’ll experience Liwonde’s wildlife with humour, warmth, and unforgettable stories.

Stay at Mvuu Lodge

Deeper inside the park lies Mvuu Lodge, overlooking a hippo-filled lagoon. Raised chalets give you a bird’s-eye view of the river, while sunrise walking safaris and sunset game drives immerse you in the rhythms of the bush. One morning here, our guide paused as a kudu barked — moments later, two cheetahs slipped silently through the grass, glowing in the dawn light. It’s the kind of raw, breathtaking encounter that defines Liwonde.

Mvuu also shines with its sustainability: solar power, water filtration, and a thriving on-site garden that feeds guests. Dining is a highlight too — fresh, creative meals paired with stories from passionate lodge managers who care deeply about conservation.

The Beach: Lake Malawi

After days of safari, the natural next step is to slow down — and Malawi makes it easy. Instead of flying to the coast, travellers can trade the bush for Lake Malawi, an inland sea fringed by golden beaches, islands, and crystal-clear water teeming with colourful cichlid fish.

Stay at Pumulani Lodge

Perched on a hillside above the lake, Pumulani blends barefoot luxury with soul-soothing views. Villas feel like treehouses in the forest, complete with wide glass walls and deep bathtubs that beg for bubbles. Days are spent cruising across the lake at sunset, cocktail in hand, as the horizon glows gold. One evening, we watched a lone fisherman paddling into the fiery sky — the scene from the Malawi Gin bottle brought to life.

Stay at Mumbo Island

For an off-grid eco-retreat, Mumbo Island is hard to beat. With no electricity and just five chalets perched on boulders above turquoise waters, it’s a place to disconnect and truly reset. Hammocks, kayaking, snorkelling, and fish eagles overhead create a rhythm of simplicity and wonder. Sustainability is central here, too: everything from compost toilets to solar lighting helps ensure the island remains pristine.

Stay at Kaya Mawa

Located on the shores of Likoma Island, Kaya Mawa is the ultimate blend of barefoot luxury and island charm. Reached by light aircraft or boat, it feels wonderfully remote yet deeply welcoming. Each stone-and-thatch chalet is uniquely designed, some with private plunge pools and direct access to the lake. Days here are unhurried — swim or snorkel in the turquoise shallows, kayak between hidden coves, or enjoy a massage overlooking the water. As the sun sets, sip a cocktail on your deck and watch the lake shimmer with golden light — the perfect finale to any Malawi adventure.

Malawi: Africa’s Best-Kept Secret

Whether it’s watching cheetahs at dawn, sipping a gin and tonic on a sunset cruise, or falling asleep to the sound of hippos outside your room, Malawi blends safari adventure with lakeside serenity in a way few destinations can. It’s Africa’s most inspiring bush and beach destination — and it’s waiting to be discovered.