Do you like nature? And birds in particular? Then a trip to Africa must be on your bucket list. And if you want to do it right, you’ll definitely come to Malawi. With over 650 bird species and a wide variety of breath-taking landscapes, the Warm Heart of Africa will not disappoint you! We are quite avid bird watchers ourselves and would like to tell you why Malawi is a birding paradise.

Malawi has an ideal climate for birds

To start with, Malawi is located in south-east Africa, close to the equator, which provides an ideal climate for many birds. The variety of biotopes within relatively short distances from each other makes it easy to find new bird species without long hours of travelling. Some of the birds in Malawi can’t found in other countries in the region, so there is always the chance of unique sightings! In addition, more than 80% of the bird species here are “permanent residents”, which means they can be spotted all year round.

The Southern Ground Hornbill is one of the most interesting birds in Malawi

The migratory species are present in Malawi during the rainy season, approximately from November to early April. Perhaps November and December are the best months if you want to see as many different birds as possible in their colourful breeding plumage. The big rains have yet to come and the vegetation is still sparse, so birds (and other wildlife!) are easier to find.

Birds at Lake Malawi

The extraordinary Lake Malawi is definitely a favourite location for birds and therefore also for bird lovers. With 29,600 km² in size, it covers about a third of Malawi. You can regularly hear the iconic call of the African fish eagle. Trust us, there’s nothing better than waking up to this sound! Did you know that Malawi has the highest density of African fish eagles on the continent? It’s impossible to not be impressed when one of them, with both strength and finesse, grabs a fish out of the water right in front of you. The white head makes them easy to spot in the trees at the water’s edge.

These trees also provide an opportunity for the Hamerkop to build its gigantic nest. In the past we had such a unique structure in our garden. The Hamerkop pair used absolutely anything they could find to make the impressive nest even bigger every year. Among the different types of branches, you also saw litter (unfortunately), ropes and even underpants. They were undoubtedly stolen from someone’s laundry line…

A hovering Pied Kingfisher at Lake Malawi

In addition, you will find various species of swallows, cormorants, weavers and of course kingfishers around the freshwater Lake Malawi and on the islands. The Pied kingfisher is especially common and it’s always wonderful to see how they hover above the water in search of fish.

Many birders travel here in search for the African Pitta. This is often called the Holy Grail of birdwatching in Malawi, and Nankoma Island is one of the best places to give it a try. Despite its bright colours, it’s a shy bird. However, we were lucky enough during our stay at Blue Zebra Island Lodge in February! It didn’t sit still for long, and we couldn’t get better shots than the below, but it certainly was a memorable moment!

Rivers and swamps

The rivers that flow into Lake Malawi often have dense river banks full of life. The open sand walls at Chikwawa in the south are unique and annually attract the Southern Carmine Bee-eater, a cave nester that feels most comfortable in large flocks.

Large and small heron species are of course plentiful around the water. Pelicans, flamingos and Grey crowned cranes are also regularly seen.

The Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve in northern Malawi is known for its enormous numbers of ducks and geese. The cheerful sound of the White-faced whistling duck, the name says it all, is guaranteed to make everyone look up when they fly over.

Birds in Malawi’s parks

White-backed Vultures and a Marabou Stork

If you move inland, you can visit Malawi’s extensive national parks, where many other bird species await you.

Liwonde National Park is a great place to explore. Here you will see the colourful Malachite kingfisher and the different species of bee-eaters with their characteristic crazy flying pattern. Don’t forget to look up and enjoy the spectacle of large groups of Marabou storks soaring high in the sky. You can also spot different species of eagles there, and with a bit of luck even vultures. These scavengers were locally extinct for years, but are now doing better again in Liwonde. Since the organization African Parks brought cheetahs (in 2017) and lions (in 2018) back to this area, carcasses are once again available as food for the vultures. The White-backed vulture is now a permanent resident again. The Egyptian vulture (only seen in Malawi for the first time in early 2023!) and the rare White-headed vulture and Lappet-faced vulture are now also occasionally spotted.

Here you can read an interesting article about the returning vultures in Liwonde.

With its mix of forest, open plains and the Shire River (be sure to enjoy a boat safari!), Liwonde is perfect for bird watchers. The almost 400 bird species include a number of notable ones, such as the Lilian’s lovebird, Southern ground hornbill and Böhm’s bee-eater.

Each year a flock of African Skimmers comes to their breeding site on the banks of the Shire River in Liwonde National Park

The birds in Majete Wildlife Reserve are similar to those in Liwonde National Park. Keep in mind that the vegetation in Majete is much denser, making them more difficult to spot. But if you have enough patience, you will definitely be rewarded.

Another must-visit location for birding in Malawi is the Nyika National Park. This unique plateau, located at high altitude, is one of the most spectacular destinations in Malawi. It’s not the easiest place to visit, but definitely worth it if you have enough time during your trip. Here you will find a wide range of bird species, ranging from birds of prey such as the African hawk eagle to very small songbirds and the various Bustard species, a fairly large bird that prefers to walk in the tall grass.

Mount Mulanje is cold, but certainly worth it in terms of birding and amazing views!

Birding in the forests of Malawi

The forests on the Zomba Plateau, Mulanje Mountain and the Viphya Plateau are home to special bird species that you do not easily encounter in other places. This also applies to Ntchisi Forest, Malawi’s only rainforest. After several attempts, the two types of Trogon are still on our own wish list. Who knows, maybe you’ll have more luck? It would be fun to go look for them together!

The Red-chested cuckoo is mostly only heard, just like the Turacos, which have beautiful colours despite their shy character.

Of course, Dzalanyama Forest Reserve (about an hour and a half outside Lilongwe) also belongs in this blog. Many call this a birding hotspot in Malawi, where you can see species such as the Olive-headed weaver, Miombo pied barbet and various woodpeckers and flycatchers.

Not all birds are clearly visible, especially in a forest like Dzalanyama. Can you find the African Spotted Creeper?

Malawi has everything for an unforgettable trip

Of course, it’s not just the beautiful birds that make Malawi so special. The scenery is breath-taking and you can find amazing species of wildlife on safari. Moreover, everyone loves the relaxed vibes and the warm hospitality of the locals. The friendly people of Malawi welcome you with open arms and are happy to share their knowledge and passion for birds. They will point out the best spots and tell you fascinating stories about the birds in their environment.

The stunning Lilac-breasted Roller is one of our favourite birds in Malawi

So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure for bird watchers, Malawi is a destination not to be missed. Pack your suitcase, bring your binoculars and camera, and come explore this African birding paradise.

Start the anticipation now by scheduling a free introduction with us here. Both fun and conveniently on Zoom. See you soon!

Our new second home, Kuti Wildlife Reserve, boasts a spectacular 250 different bird species. We wonder how long it will take us to spot them all…