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In 2024, Malawi is poised to emerge as a premier African destination, beckoning travelers with mesmerizing landscapes and culturally rich experiences.

The South-East African country is fast becoming a travel hotspot, with an excellent mix of wildlife and city events that have helped to make several top 10 African destinations lists over the past year.

But where should the first-time visitor start? Here’s a rundown of the best tourist attractions in 2024.

Crossover prayers

For travelers looking for a spiritual event, the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) is an organization that holds community prayers in capital Lilongwe – and it’s getting bigger every year.

The country’s minister of tourism, Vera Kamtukule, recently praised the 2023 event after she attended with 30,000 other people who traveled from all over the globe to get there. Visitors from the United States, Europe, and Asia were all in the congregation.

Attendees don’t have to be particularly religious, either. The event is open to all comers and its atmosphere is one of the best on offer in Malawi’s thriving social scene.

Stay at luxury accommodation

Malawi’s selection of luxury accommodation is on the rise thanks to the tourism boom.

The highly rated Sunbird Hotel is emerging as an excellent choice for travelers looking for a little luxury near the center of Lilongwe.

But, despite its reputation, this isn’t the glitzy type of hotel you might get in flashy resorts like Las Vegas. Here, without the glare of neon signs, or even the beep of an  online casino game, you’ll be treated to the gentle sounds of the farm with the hotel home to several acres of farmland just 10 minutes from downtown Lilongwe.

There are several other options dotted around the city in what is fast becoming known as a hotel hotspot for tourists in need of a rest following a safari or long-haul travel.

Lake Malawi National Park

Most visitors to Malawi prioritize a visit to Lake Malawi, renowned as the world’s first freshwater national park.

This huge lake, spanning 587km in length and 84km in width, boasts tropical blue waters which feature a diverse array of colorful cichlid fish. Its rocky islands, sandy beaches, and jungle terrain serve as homes for a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, hippos, monkeys, and leopards.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Lake Malawi offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Limited local infrastructure makes navigating it tough, but travelers with patience and a backpack of the vital essentials will find that they’re more than capable of doing it.

For those not quite up to the trek, the MV Ilala Ferry runs regularly and can transport passengers and their belongings up and down the lake.

Likoma Island

Likoma takes a lot of effort to get to, but it’s worth it. Accessible by only charter flight or ferry, the island is one of the most scenic on the African continent featuring dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches.

Once there, it’s easy for tourists to keep themselves busy. Activities range from snorkeling and quad biking to artisanal craft-making, including textiles and jewellery and glass making. The latter, of course, make perfect souvenirs to take home.

Yet if visitors wish to do just nothing, then Likoma is ideal for that. Those sandy beaches are frequently rated as Malawi’s finest, and it’s easy to while away a day or two just taking in the calming sound of the waves crashing against the shore.

Blantyre

Blantyre is a curious mix of Malawian culture and the colonialist monuments left behind from pre-independence days.

Malawi’s second-largest city and national commercial center, Blantyre is packed full of restaurants boasting the finest in the country’s cuisine, including zinziri (barbequed quail) while the Mandala House (built in 1882) and St Michael’s and All Angel’s Church survive from the days of the British Empire.

Many travelers to Blantyre speak of Doogles bar, a famous local spot where residents and travelers socialize. Doogles also offers accommodation, which is useful for tourists on their way to southern Malawian landmarks, including Majete, Mt. Mulanje, and Zomba Plateau.

Bustling, vibrant, and packed full of history, Blantyre is a must-see on the tourist checklist.