Hotels in Malawi

Hotels in Malawi: your guide to where to stay

How much does a hotel in Malawi cost?

The price depends on the standard, the city and the dates. The table shows indicative nightly rates for a double room. It is cheapest in January and priciest in April. Lakeside lodges can cost more than city hotels.

Indicative rates, updated periodically. For exact prices and availability, select your dates in the search above.

Where to stay in Malawi: most popular cities

The country splits into cities and resorts along Lake Malawi. These are the destinations travellers choose most often:

• Lilongwe. The capital, with craft markets and a wildlife centre, the natural base to start a trip.
• Blantyre. The oldest, commercial city in the south, with business hotels and a base for Mount Mulanje.
• Mangochi. A base on the southern shore of Lake Malawi, with beaches and lodges.
• Salima. A lake shore close to the capital, popular for a weekend by the water.
• Zomba. The former capital at the foot of the Zomba plateau, with greenery and views.

Nightly rates vary between cities. Here are indicative prices per night for a double room:

What to see in Malawi

Malawi combines the lake, mountains and wildlife, so time splits between the water and the parks.

• Lake Malawi. It covers nearly a third of the country, with beaches and unique fish species such as chambo, seen while snorkelling and diving.
• Mount Mulanje. A massif with many trails of varying difficulty, for families and serious climbers.
• Liwonde National Park. Hippos in the water and elephants at the waterhole, the classic Malawi safari.
• Lilongwe. Craft markets, produce bazaars and a wildlife centre.
• Likoma Island. Reached by ferry, with St Peter's Cathedral and traditional dance.

How much does a trip to Malawi cost

Beyond the room, daily costs are low. A cheap meal is around 5,000 MWK and a mid-range one around 15,000 MWK per person. Cards are not widely used, though Visa and Mastercard are accepted at some larger hotels, usually with a surcharge. It is best to carry cash (kwacha).

When is the best time to visit Malawi

The dry season from May to October is best for safaris and the lake, with pleasant weather. The rainy season runs roughly from November to April. January tends to be cheapest and April the most expensive.

Getting to and around Malawi

The main international airport is in Lilongwe, and the national carrier Malawian Airlines flies to several African destinations; the country is also served by airlines from South Africa, among others. Around the country you travel by bus and minibus between cities, and ferries run on the lake, including a boat linking the shore towns. A rental car gives the most freedom for trips to the parks.

Example hotels in Malawi

A few recognisable properties from different cities for reference:

• President Hotel at Umodzi Park and Latitude 13 Degrees in Lilongwe (from approx. 160,000 MWK).
• Lakeside lodges at the Mangochi beaches (from approx. 115,000 MWK).
• Business hotels in Blantyre (from approx. 95,000 MWK).