Hotels in Malawi
Which are the most renowned cities for travel in Malawi?
Discover our carefully curated list of must-visit destinations for every traveler. In Malawi, you'll find a range of hotels tailored to your unique preferences. Plan your upcoming trip with confidence, browsing through a wide selection of accommodation options in our recommended locations.
Malawi is a breathtaking destination, but accommodation expenses can pile up. Follow these tactics for budget-friendly hotel accommodations:
Malawi Hotel Tips - Hot to Save On Accommodation
Malawi accommodation costs have steadily been on the rise over recent years, yet there are several strategies you can employ to save money without compromising quality of experience.
Malawi is generally considered safe to travel in; however, petty crime such as bag snatching and pickpocketing are prevalent around bus and railway stations. Avoid walking alone at night in urban areas and don't accept food or drinks from strangers.
1. Look for Special Offers
Malawi is an excellent travel destination for budget travelers. From guesthouses in Lilongwe to low-cost beach resorts on Lake Malawi and camping available on a budget.
Sunbird Hotels and Resorts, one of the country's premier chains, boasts several city hotels as well as beach lodges across the nation that are known for exceptional service and cuisine.
At meals, Malawians tend to favor nsima (tasteless maize porridge), served alongside nali sauce or bean and vegetable stews. At higher-end lodges, Western-style food may also be offered in large portions. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Malawi and typically averages 10% of your bill as a general gratuity - tips are usually paid directly to safari guides, hiking guides, tour guides or hotel staff individually in addition to this general gratuity amount.
2. Book Early
Before traveling to Malawi, visit a doctor or travel clinic for guidance regarding vaccinations and anti-malaria medication. They may also offer tips for staying safe during mosquito hours such as covering exposed skin and avoiding uncooked foods.
Lilongwe and Lake Malawi's shores boast many hostels, lodges and retreats suitable for backpackers - especially Nkhata Bay's beautiful beaches, lively atmosphere and top scuba diving sites.
Malawi is best visited from mid-November to April when temperatures are warm and dry and wildlife is easier to spot, although May through October is also an ideal time for seeing Malawi's stunning waterfalls.
3. Book Online
Malawi is an amazing destination to visit, yet not as affordable as many might imagine. Booking accommodation online may offer the best savings possible and is definitely a smart way to cut costs when looking for places to stay.
Malawians tend to be curious and excited when meeting foreigners; you might find yourself surrounded by children calling out "mzungu!" It can be overwhelming at first, particularly when kids try grabbing your hand or asking you questions.
Travel to Malawi during low or shoulder season - between September through October and April - for optimal value. These months tend to be much cheaper and boast ideal weather for outdoor activities like hiking and safari, plus reduced airfare prices as well as lower international departure taxes at airports.
4. Check the Hotel’s Social Media Pages
Malawi is an attractive country with stunning beaches, yet also suffers from significant poverty. Many locals live below the poverty line, leading them to live below this threshold; you will often see malnourished children, homeless men and drunks when traveling through Malawi.
Lilongwe, Malawi's friendly capital city, serves as an ideal starting point to discover all that the rest of this beautiful country has to offer. Overland trucks often stop in Nkhata Bay - an attractive backpacker spot with fun vibes and stunning beaches - for overnight stops.
Take a village walk for an insight into Malawian life and meet its friendly residents, then head off to markets for secondhand clothes, headphones, or veggies at great prices - street stalls serve up delicious roasted corn and deep-fried dough balls for just pennies too!
5. Follow the Hotel’s Newsletter
Malawians are naturally curious of visitors and it's not unusual for local children to greet you with "mzungu!" shouts and inquire as to your home country and origin. Take it all as part of the experience - be ready to answer many inquiries yourself!
While Malawi is generally safe for travel, be wary of petty crime such as bag snatching and vehicle theft in major cities. When travelling through national parks or around wildlife sanctuaries during walking safaris it is also wise to follow your guide or driver's advice and heed their advice when required.
Gratuities are not included with hotel, lodge and restaurant bills, so tipping is entirely up to you - though always appreciated! As a general guideline, a 10% tip should suffice; for more detailed guidance regarding tipping in Africa Safari Experts' can help provide tips.