Family Adventures in Malawi: Our tips for travelling with kids

Looking for the perfect family holiday destination that’s safe, fun, and full of adventure? Malawi – the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ – is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets for family travel. With friendly people, safe towns and villages, and a huge variety of activities, it’s the kind of place where both kids and parents can relax and explore without stress.

Why Malawi is Great for Family Travel

Travelling with kids can sometimes feel like a challenge, but Malawi makes it easy. The country is compact, so journeys are short. The pace of life is relaxed, which suits little ones. And everywhere you go, you’ll be met with warm smiles – Malawians genuinely love children. That welcoming spirit makes family travel in Malawi not just safe, but truly enjoyable.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Malawi

• Lake Malawi Holidays with Kids

  The lake is a giant natural playground. With sandy beaches, calm shallow waters, and year-round sunshine, it’s perfect for swimming, kayaking and sandcastle-building. Unlike the ocean, there are no tides or dangerous currents, so kids can splash around safely. Top spots include Cape Maclear, Senga Bay, and Nkhata Bay.

• Safari Adventures

  Wildlife is always a hit with children, and Malawi’s national parks make it accessible for families. Liwonde National Park is famous for boat safaris where you’ll spot elephants, hippos, and crocodiles without long game drives. Majete Wildlife Reserve is another fantastic option – home to lions, elephants, rhinos, and more. Malawi safaris are quieter than in other countries, giving families the space to enjoy at their own pace.

• Mountains & Forests

  For families with older kids, Malawi’s highlands are perfect for outdoor adventures. Zomba Plateau and Nyika National Park offer easy hikes, waterfalls, horse riding, and picnic spots with incredible views.

• Cultural Experiences

  Family travel in Malawi isn’t just about wildlife and landscapes – it’s about people too. Visiting villages for traditional dances, crafts or cooking experiences gives kids a chance to learn and connect with Malawian culture in a fun, safe way.

Best Family-Friendly Lodges in Malawi

There are plenty of places to stay that cater to families, with spacious rooms, relaxed dining, and safe spaces for kids to explore. Here are a few favorites:

1. Sunbird Livingstonia (Lake Malawi) – A large resort with a private beach and several watersports options to keep the kids busy.

2. Mvuu Camp (Liwonde National Park) – Great for kids with boat safaris, walking trails, and family-friendly safari tents.

3. Chelinda Camp (Nyika National Park) – Perfect for older kids who enjoy nature walks, horse riding, and exploring the highlands.

4. Dzalanyama Forest Lodge (Dzalanyama Reserve) - Camping or lodge options with easy hikes, mountain bikes and cultural spots to explore.

Getting Around Malawi with Kids

Traveling around Malawi is surprisingly straightforward, and there are options to suit every family’s style. At Land & Lake Safaris, we offer a range of flexible vehicle hire options, from 4x4s for self-drive adventures to fully kitted safari vehicles equipped with roof-top tents (or ground tents if you prefer being on terra firma), and camp cots – perfect if you want a little more independence but still need family comfort. If you’d rather leave the driving to someone else, our fully guided tours make exploring hassle-free, with expert guides who know the safest routes and the best spots for family stops.

For longer journeys, Malawi also has a growing network of domestic flights linking Lilongwe, Blantyre, Mzuzu, and even airstrips near national parks. Flights are a great option if you’re traveling with young children and want to cut down on road time while still experiencing different parts of the country.

Our Tips for Family Travel

• Keep journeys short – and allow for plenty of downtime so children don’t overtire. Malawi’s size makes this easy.

• Stay Sun Safe: Wide-brim hats, sunglasses, and high-factor sunscreen are essential – African sun can be intense even on cloudy days.

• Hydration: Always carry water. Refillable bottles are handy for families.

• Try local foods – kids love the fresh fruit, chips, and chicken. Most lodges and restaurants happily adapt meals for kids.

Let Land & Lake Safaris Plan It for You

Planning a family holiday in Malawi doesn’t have to be complicated. At Land & Lake Safaris, we specialise in creating flexible, family-friendly itineraries that balance adventure with downtime. Whether you want a lake escape, a child-friendly safari or a mix of everything, we’ll make sure your trip is safe, fun, and stress-free.

Ready to start planning your Malawi family adventure? Get in touch with us today and let’s design a holiday your whole family will never forget.