Malawi in October

Very hot and hazy; superb game, but plan midday rest.

• Lakeshore · Cape Maclear, Senga Bay, Nkhata Bay, Likomahot

  Lake water is clearest and calmest May–Oct; the mwera wind from the south-east can whip up waves Jun–Aug. Oct–Nov is very hot at 500 m.

• Shire valley parks · Liwonde, Majete, Lengwehot

  Game concentrates on the Shire River as the bush dries Aug–Nov; October can pass 40 °C. Some tracks close in the rains.

• Highlands and plateaus · Zomba, Mulanje, Nyika, Viphyabest weather

  Cold nights Jun–Aug (frost on Nyika); Mulanje hut routes are wet and slippery Dec–Mar.

• Central plateau and cities · Lilongwe, Dedza, Blantyrehot

  Pleasant dry winters; storms Dec–Mar and power and fuel shortages at any time.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Mother's Day

  15 Oct (check)

  Public holiday.

Crowds · Malawi

Medium

Prices · Malawi

Medium

• Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen

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Rated best or good this month

• Highlands and plateaus

  Best weather of the year (Zomba, Mulanje, Nyika, Viphya)