🇲🇼 Flights to Malawi
Cheap Flights to Malawi from the UK
Find the best deals on flights to Lilongwe and Blantyre. Dream Fare specialises in Malawi routes \u2014 the Warm Heart of Africa \u2014 with the best prices for the UK Malawian community and safari and lake holiday bookings.
Choose Your City
Flights to Malawian Cities
Select your destination for full flight details, airlines and the latest prices.
🇲🇼
FROM £649Lilongwe
Kamuzu International Airport (LLW)
Malawi’s capital and main international gateway. Best selection of connecting flights from Europe and the Middle East. Gateway to Liwonde National Park, Lake Malawi’s northern shores and Nyika Plateau.
View flights →
🇲🇼
FROM £669Blantyre
Chileka International Airport (BLZ)
Malawi’s commercial capital in the south. Gateway to Zomba Plateau, Thyolo tea estates, Mulanje Mountain and the southern shore of Lake Malawi. Connecting flights via Johannesburg and Nairobi.
View flights →
Airlines
Airlines Flying to Malawi from UK
We compare all airlines on the London to Lilongwe and Blantyre routes to find you the best price.
Baggage Allowances to Malawi
When to Fly
Best Time to Fly to Malawi
Malawi has a dry season from May to October and a rainy season from November to April. The dry season is the best time for safaris and Lake Malawi. Malawi is 2 hours ahead of GMT.
Best Season
May — October
Dry and cool. The prime season for Liwonde and Majete safaris. Lake Malawi is calm and excellent for watersports. Game viewing is exceptional.
Peak Season
July — August
School holidays and peak safari demand. Book 3 to 4 months ahead. Temperatures are cool (15°C to 25°C) and conditions are perfect.
Shoulder Season
Nov — December
Start of the rains. Birding is excellent as migrants arrive. Lowest fares before the Christmas peak. Lush green landscapes.
Rainy Season
Jan — April
Main wet season. Heaviest rainfall. Lowest fares of the year. Some park roads can be difficult but the bush is green and beautiful.
Malawi Weather & Packing Guide
🌊
Lake Malawi
Lake Malawi is warm and swimmable year-round (24°C to 29°C). The dry season (May to October) brings calm clear water ideal for snorkelling, kayaking and sailing. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, swimwear and insect repellent. Malaria prophylaxis is essential near the lake.
🦏
Safari Packing
Neutral-coloured clothing is essential for game drives. Early mornings in the bush can be cool (10°C to 15°C) in the dry season. Pack a fleece, binoculars, high-factor sunscreen and a quality hat. Malaria prophylaxis essential for all national park areas.
⛰️
Mulanje Mountain
Mount Mulanje rises to 3,002 metres and can be cold and misty at the summit. Pack warm waterproof layers for trekking even in the dry season. Sturdy hiking boots are essential. The cedar forests on the slopes are extraordinary.
🧳
General Packing Tips
Malawi uses Type G plugs (same as UK). English is the official language making Malawi very easy for UK visitors. Carry Malawian Kwacha cash outside major towns. Malawi is one of Africa’s most welcoming countries — the nickname Warm Heart of Africa is entirely deserved.
Culture & Food
Malawian Culture, Food & Traditions
Malawi is one of Africa\u2019s most genuinely welcoming countries. The Warm Heart of Africa nickname is earned by its people. Malawi has strong British colonial ties \u2014 English is widely spoken and the country has a large and established UK diaspora community.
🍜
Malawian Cuisine
Nsima (thick maize porridge — the national staple) served with ndiwo (relish of vegetables, beans or meat), Chambo (a tilapia fish from Lake Malawi — a national treasure), Nkhuku (grilled chicken), Mandasi (fried doughnuts) and Lake Malawi chambo fish are all essential.
🎣
Lake Malawi
Lake Malawi is called the Lake of Stars — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s great lakes. The lake contains more species of fish than any other lake on earth. Snorkelling reveals a rainbow of endemic cichlid fish in crystal-clear water.
🎵
Music & Dance
Malawian music blends traditional Chewa, Tumbuka and Yao traditions with Afrobeats and gospel influences. The Gule Wamkulu — the great dance of the Chewa people — is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage performed by masked dancers.
🤝
The Warm Heart of Africa
Malawi is genuinely one of the friendliest countries on earth. The warmth and openness of Malawian people towards visitors is extraordinary and consistent. Despite being one of Africa’s poorest countries by GDP, Malawi regularly tops surveys of the most welcoming African nations.
🏟️
Lake of Stars Festival
The Lake of Stars Festival held on the shores of Lake Malawi is one of Africa’s finest music festivals — a celebration of Malawian and international music set against the backdrop of the lake and mountains. An extraordinary and unusual festival experience.
🇬🇧
British Heritage
Malawi was the British Protectorate of Nyasaland until 1964. English is still the official language and there are strong institutional, educational and cultural ties with the UK. There is a large and well-established Malawian diaspora community across the UK.
Top Attractions
Top Places to Visit in Malawi
Malawi is one of Africa\u2019s most underrated destinations \u2014 combining extraordinary wildlife, a world-class lake, dramatic mountains and genuine warmth.
Lake Malawi (UNESCO)
The Lake of Stars — one of Africa’s great rift lakes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Crystal-clear fresh water, palm-fringed beaches, snorkelling with endemic cichlid fish, sailing, kayaking and island-hopping. Cape Maclear and Nkhata Bay are the most popular lake destinations.
Liwonde National Park
Malawi’s premier wildlife destination recently restocked with lions, cheetahs, African wild dogs and black rhinos. Exceptional boat safaris on the Shire River among hippos and crocodiles, with elephants wading in the shallows. One of southern Africa’s great conservation success stories.
Majete Wildlife Reserve
A remarkable conservation success — Majete was virtually empty of large mammals 20 years ago and is now a Big Five destination with lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo and leopards. African Parks has transformed it into one of southern Africa’s most impressive reserves.
Mount Mulanje
A massive granite massif rising dramatically from the tea estate plateau to 3,002 metres. One of southern Africa’s finest trekking destinations with extraordinary cedar forests, streams, waterfalls and remarkable views. The hut-to-hut trails are excellent for multi-day treks.
Zomba Plateau
Malawi’s most accessible mountain escape — a forested plateau rising above the old colonial capital of Zomba. Excellent day hiking, trout fishing, mountain biking and bird watching. The Queen’s View panorama across the Shire Valley is spectacular.
Nyika National Park
Africa’s largest montane plateau at over 2,000 metres — a rolling highland wilderness of grasslands, forests and wildflowers. Outstanding wildlife including roan antelope, eland, zebra, leopards and over 400 bird species. One of Malawi’s most dramatic and least-visited destinations.
Visa & Travel Tips
Malawi Travel Guide
🛂
Visa Requirements
UK citizens do not require a visa to enter Malawi for stays of up to 30 days. Simply present your valid UK passport on arrival at Lilongwe or Blantyre airport. Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity beyond your departure date.
💱
Currency & Money
Malawi uses the Malawian Kwacha (MWK). USD is accepted in hotels and safari lodges. ATMs available in Lilongwe and Blantyre. Card acceptance is limited outside major towns. Carry Kwacha cash for markets, local restaurants and smaller establishments.
💉
Health & Vaccinations
Malaria prophylaxis is essential for all areas of Malawi including Lilongwe. Yellow fever required if arriving from an endemic country. Typhoid and hepatitis A also advised. Bilharzia is present in Lake Malawi — swim in known safe areas only and seek medical advice after swimming.
📱
SIM Cards & Connectivity
Airtel Malawi and TNM SIM cards available at Lilongwe Airport. 4G coverage in Lilongwe and Blantyre but limited in national parks and rural areas. Download offline maps before heading to Lake Malawi or the parks. Power cuts are common — pack a power bank.
🚕
Getting Around
Taxis and minibuses (matolas) operate in cities. For safari parks and Lake Malawi, hire a 4x4 vehicle or book through a registered tour operator. Domestic flights with Malawian Airlines connect Lilongwe and Blantyre. Roads to some parks can be challenging.
🔒
Safety Tips
Malawi is one of Africa’s safest countries for tourists. Standard urban precautions apply in Lilongwe and Blantyre. The lake and national parks are very safe. Avoid swimming in unfamiliar lake areas due to bilharzia risk. Check FCDO Malawi advice before departure.
Flights to Malawi FAQ
How long is the flight from London to Malawi?
There are no direct flights from London to Malawi. With one connection, the journey from London Heathrow to Lilongwe Kamuzu International Airport takes approximately 13 to 15 hours. Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa and Kenya Airways via Nairobi are the most popular and competitive options.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Malawi?
No. UK passport holders do not require a visa to enter Malawi for stays of up to 30 days. Simply present your valid UK passport on arrival. Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity beyond your departure date from Malawi.
Why is Malawi called the Warm Heart of Africa?
Malawi earned this nickname from the extraordinary warmth and friendliness of its people towards visitors. Despite being one of Africa’s poorest countries by income, Malawians are consistently rated among the most welcoming and hospitable people on the continent by international travellers.
Is Lake Malawi safe to swim in?
Lake Malawi is generally safe for swimming in popular resort areas such as Cape Maclear and Nkhata Bay, which are known to be lower risk for bilharzia. However, bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present in some parts of the lake. Seek medical advice before and after swimming and get tested on your return to the UK.
What wildlife can I see in Malawi?
Malawi has undergone remarkable wildlife recovery. Liwonde National Park now has lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, elephants, hippos and black rhinos. Majete is a Big Five destination. Nyika Plateau has roan antelope, eland and leopards. Malawi is one of southern Africa’s great conservation success stories.
How much do flights from London to Malawi cost?
Return flights from London to Lilongwe start from approximately £649 with Dream Fare. Blantyre flights start from around £669. Prices vary by airline, season and booking lead time. Contact us for the latest fares and exclusive deals.
* Prices are indicative from fares and subject to availability and change. Call 020 8264 0018 for current pricing.