Having visited Malawi several times, I’ve seen first-hand how this small country punches well above its weight for charm, scenery and character. This quiet “bush and beach destination” offers good value for money in the world of premium safari costs. What a Malawi safari costs varies considerably depending on whether it’s just a beach stay on Lake Malawi ($375 upwards per person per night), or a bush-and-beach safari ($525-$800 per person per night). Or whether we are pairing Malawi with Zambia’s top-tier safari camps, which tends to add to the price.

Why Malawi (& why it’s not necessarily “cheap”)

Malawi is for travellers who’d rather whisper about a place than shout about it. Think intimate parks such as Liwonde National Park and Majete Game Reserve, and the gin-clear waters of Lake Malawi , paired with genuinely warm hospitality for which it’s famed. Pricing reflects a low-density, quality-over-quantity approach; accommodation is USD-denominated.So it sits closer in price to Zambia and Zimbabwe, than – say – beach resorts in Mauritius.  

Many people assume that because Malawi is a low-income country, safaris and beach stays must be inexpensive. In reality, you’ll pay more than a similar standard of holiday in South Africa or Namibia, where hotels are priced in local currency.

South Africa and Namibia offer a wider range of accommodation for all budgets. From the good value to the ultra-expensive. Whereas Malawi has backpacker & budget options aplenty (which we don’t sell). And only a few good-quality lodges – which can be fantastic.

Note: However Malawi compares favourably to its more expensive neighbours like Zambia and Botswana – especially when you value character and exclusivity over flash.

What a Malawi safari costs (per person per night)

That’s the end of the mini-rant. So let’s get down to brass tacks! Below we show indicative nightly ranges for the three common holiday types:

1. Safari & “Beach” ie. ending on Lake Malawi
2. Safari & Beach but mixing a Zambia safari with Lake Malawi
3. Beach-only trips to Lake Malawi. These assume private road transfers (or flights)

Rule of thumb: Beach-only tends to be B&B at mid-range and fully-inclusive at the higher end. Bush-and-Beach combinations push the nightly rate upward.

Typical person per night Malawi safari costs

Per Person Per Night		Moderate	Premier	Premier/Superior Mixing with Zambia
Shoulder Season	Safari & Beach	$525 -$575	$600 -$650	$625 -$1,100
	Beach only	$350 -$450	$525 -$625	n/a
High Season	Safari & Beach	$570 -$675	$700 -$800	$800 -$1,350
	Beach only	$400 -$525	$650 -$900	n/a

For Example: 7 nights for a bush & beach safari in shoulder season will land around US$4,200–4,600 pp (ex-Lilongwe).

Notes: Many Lake Malawi hotels and lodges close from January to late March as it is simply too rainy and humid to be pleasant.

When to travel for the best value

Though peak season is higher the difference is not great. We would recommend any time from April to September/October and even into November.

• Shoulder Season (Apr or May to June): softer pricing, fresh scenery, and fewer people.
• High Season (July to Sept/Oct): peak wildlife and clearest lake conditions;
• October – prior to the start of the summer rains – can be very hot
• Early Green Season (November): you can expect some rain but keen prices

Note that many lake lodges close fromJan to late March due to rain and humidity.

Smart ways to optimise spend (without losing the premium feel)

There is not very much we can do to reduce this nightly range, but the following can ensure you are on the lower end of the scale:

Consider an itinerary pivot: if you only want “sub-tropical beach vibes” and you’re on a tight budget, northern KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa is a clever substitute.

Stay longer in fewer places to unlock any long-stay offers and reduce the impact of transfer costs.

Edge your dates: Look at June or October for shoulder season prices but with nearly all the benefits of great game-viewing

For South African travellers: SADC rates, flight prices & reality checks

Flights from Johannesburg to both Lilongwe and Blantyre fluctuate with demand and timing, typically R9,000–R12,000 pp (~US$560–$750). Book early if your dates are fixed.

SADC resident rates exist (at limited lodges) but are not game-changers – often only 10–20% off, sometimes excluding peak season. They are rarely stackable with long-stay deals. So the net effect can be a ~5% saving once the dust settles.

Frequently Asked Questions on Malawi Safari Prices

Is Malawi cheaper than Mauritius or Thailand for a week at the beach?
No! 7 nights at a Malawi beach lodge will cost more than a week in Mauritius or Thailand. The appeal is different: intimacy, character, and the option to relatively easily add a safari. (I know, I know – don’t shoot the messenger!)

Why are Malawi safari prices USD-based?
This is the norm for Southern and East Africa (excluding South Africa and Namibia) as it provides greater safari price stability. Malawi’s tourism industry is designed as low-density, relatively higher price, and is aimed at the international market.

Can I mix Malawi with Zambia?
Absolutely, and it’s a great idea. Zambian game reserves are game rich and so deliver greater wildlife sightings overall. Though the Malawi game reserves are improving quickly. Just note that pairing with Zambian premier camps moves you into a higher price bracket –  see table above.

Ready to discover Malawi’s quiet magic?

1. Share your travel style – tell us what draws you: lake tranquillity, intimate wildlife, or off-the-beaten-track adventures.
2. We’ll match you with the right lodges – ones we’ve personally visited and know deliver the warmth, charm, and authenticity that define Malawi.
3. Travel with confidence – with Cedarberg Africa’s support before and during your safari, you can focus on Malawi’s rhythm, rather than the logistics.

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What does a Malawi safari cost? – written by Kate of Cedarberg Africa

Kate co-founded Cedarberg Africa in 1995 with her sister Ginny and has lived in South Africa for over 30 years. Having travelled to Malawi multiple times – and personally visited nearly all the lodges Cedarberg sells there – she brings a uniquely hands-on perspective to designing Malawi holidays. Her insights are grounded in experience: from paddling on Lake Malawi at dawn to tracking elephants in Liwonde. When she’s not exploring new corners of Africa, she’s usually hiking in the Cape mountains or trying to keep up with her husband on a mountain bike (and failing.)

Cedarberg Africa is a specialist tour operator for Southern and East Africa. We focus on upmarket tailormade safaris for discerning and busy people.

Contact us if you’d like a tailor-made safari quote for Malawi.