3 parks
    Malawi

    Safari in Northern Malawi Highlands

    Explore the dramatic montane landscapes and unique wildlife of Malawi's highest plateaus and remote northern reserves.

    TerrainDramatic montane landscapes...
    Altitude1,800-2,600m above sea level
    Parks
    3
    Species
    19

    Northern Malawi Highlands Parks Map

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    Northern Malawi Highlands Safari Parks

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    ParkAreaWildlifeLodgesCrowdsMalariaAirport
    Nyika National Park3,214 km²355-
    Very Quiet
    Moderate
    CEH (4km)
    Vwaza Marsh National Park-343-
    Very Quiet
    Moderate
    FLAM (43km)
    Chombe Proposed Forest Reserve-355-
    Quiet
    Moderate
    FWCB (24km)

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    19 species recorded in Northern Malawi Highlands6 threatened

    More details

    Stepping onto the Northern Malawi Highlands, we are immediately struck by the sheer scale and grandeur of the landscape; it feels like standing on the roof of Africa, with endless horizons stretching before us. The air is crisp and cool, a refreshing change from the heat of lower altitudes, and the silence is profound, broken only by the wind whispering through the tall grasses. We love the dramatic shifts in scenery, from rolling treeless plains to dense pockets of ancient forest, making every turn a new discovery. This is a place for those who seek solitude and a different kind of safari, where the focus is as much on the breathtaking vistas and unique flora as it is on the elusive wildlife.

    Terrain & Altitude

    Dramatic montane landscapes featuring vast rolling plateaus, steep escarpments, and deep river valleys.

    1,800-2,600m above sea level

    Vegetation

    Expansive montane grasslands dominate, interspersed with pockets of evergreen forest, miombo woodlands, and unique high-altitude flora.

    Water Sources

    Numerous perennial rivers and streams carve through the plateaus, feeding into larger rivers and creating seasonal dambos and marshy areas.

    Unique Features

    The combination of high-altitude montane grassland and forest ecosystems, offering breathtaking panoramic views and a distinct cool climate, sets this region apart from typical African savannas.

    Getting to the Northern Malawi Highlands requires a bit of effort, but the rewards are immense. We always advise flying into Lilongwe and then arranging a charter flight or a sturdy 4WD transfer to maximize your time on the plateau. Don't underestimate the drive times; the roads can be challenging, and the views are best savored slowly.

    Nearest Airports

    Lilongwe Kamuzu International Airport (LLW)

    450km / 6-7hr drive

    Daily connections from Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and Dar es Salaam

    Mzuzu Airport (ZZU)

    150km / 3hr drive

    Limited domestic flights from Lilongwe

    Bush Airstrips

    Nyika National Park Airstrip

    Driving Routes

    From Lilongwe

    6-7 hours

    A long but scenic drive north on tarmac roads. We recommend breaking the journey in Kasungu or Mzuzu, especially if arriving late in Lilongwe. The final stretch into the highlands can be rough in places, so a sturdy vehicle is advisable.

    From Mzuzu

    2-3 hours

    The most direct route from Mzuzu. The road quality varies, and 4WD is highly recommended, particularly during the rainy season from November to April. We love the dramatic change in scenery as you climb onto the plateau.

    Temperature

    18.2°C

    65°F

    Rainfall

    342.2 mm

    Heavy rains

    Humidity

    86.6%

    Sunshine

    7.4 hrs/day

    Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API

    Planning & reference

    Health & Travel Info

    Important health and safety information for Malawi