Northern Region, Malawi

Malawi's northern region, with the Nyika Plateau, the Livingstonia mission and peaceful lakeside towns.

The Northern Region is the largest but least populated part of Malawi, with Mzuzu as its main city. Nyika National Park sits on a plateau of vast grasslands, where you can see antelope and zebra and enjoy hiking and cycling; the Livingstonia Mission overlooks Lake Malawi; Nkhata Bay on the lakeshore is a favourite relaxing spot for backpackers, and Likoma Island in the lake has a cathedral and beaches. The dry season from May to October offers the best roads and views, and you can arrive by road from Lilongwe or via Mzuzu.

Destinations

• Nkhata Bay
• Nyika National Park
• Livingstonia

Itineraries

• Northern Malawi Lakeshore & Highlands – Head north to Nkhata Bay, ascend the Livingstonia escarpment, and return south along the lakeshore to Senga Bay
• Victoria Falls, South Luangwa & Likoma Island – See Victoria Falls in Zambia, go walking safaris in South Luangwa, and end on an island in Lake Malawi