Road Trip by Rental Car Through Northern Malawi

By rental car, you'll travel past the highlights of northern Malawi, the Nyika Plateau, the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, and Lake Malawi.

Road Trip by Rental Car Through Northern Malawi

By rental car, you'll travel past the highlights of northern Malawi, the Nyika Plateau, the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, and Lake Malawi.

Road Trip by Rental Car Through Northern Malawi

By Rental Car to Northern Malawi

During this self-drive tour, you’ll explore the sparsely populated northern part of Malawi. You’ll visit Malawi’s largest national park, the Nyika Plateau. The vast, rolling hills, covered in grass and occasionally punctuated by patches of forest, will remind you of the Scottish Highlands; however, the zebras, elks, and roan antelopes ensure that you remain immersed in the African atmosphere. You’ll continue your journey to one of the many unique little bays in the far north along the Lake Malawi for a relaxing beach getaway, and finally conclude your tour in the up-and-coming Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve. Don’t expect to see the Big Five on this tour, but do expect a journey far off the beaten path, with unique vistas and experiences in an authentic setting.

Tips & Highlights: Road Trip by Rental Car in Northern Malawi:

  • This tour can be extended with a safari stay in South Luangwa in Zambia
  • Want to enjoy a local music festival? Check out the dates for the Lake of Stars festival and the Moon Rock festival
  • Want to get active? Go mountain biking on the Viphya Plateau or canoeing in the Nkhotakota Game Reserve
  • Are you an adventure seeker? You can also go on a 3-day guided camping hike in Nyika National Park. Or why not spend the night under the stars in Nkhotakota Game Reserve?
  • Go snorkeling in Lake Malawi and admire the many endemic species of freshwater fish, or cichlids
  • Get to know the local game of BAO: you’ll find it everywhere; it’s a great way to relax and the perfect way to connect with the locals
  • Be sure to check out our recommended accommodations: Makuzi Beach Lodge - Lake Malawi, Tongole Wilderness Lodge - Nkhotakota, Chelinda Lodge - Nyika Plateau
  • Also, the road trip by rental car through southern Malawi was a huge success

Your tailor-made trip

This tour is only an example trip for inspiration. Tell us your wishes and let us tailor your trip.

Daily overview

1-2 Arrival in Lilongwe and city tour
3 Visit to the Viphya Plateau
4-6 Exploration and Safaris on the Nyika Plateau
7-9 Stay at Lake Malawi
10-11 Safaris at Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve
Show more

Highlights for this trip

Malawi Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi is one of the most famous sights of this warm heart of Africa. Malawi means ‘light that reflects’.…

Inspiration trips for Malawi