Photography in Malawi

Malawi is a haven for photographers, with its mix of natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and authentic human stories. From the shores of Lake Malawi to vibrant markets and traditional ceremonies, both landscapes and people offer endless creative opportunities for every skill level.

• Warm, welcoming people for authentic portraits
• Accessible locations with diverse subjects
• Unique light and scenery for landscapes, wildlife, and culture

• Lake Malawi: Iconic sunrises, sunsets, and reflections
• Mount Mulanje and Nyika Plateau: Dramatic peaks and highlands
• Waterfalls, forests, and woodlands: Intimate and expansive scenes

Golden and blue hours deliver magical light. Don’t miss storm photography for dramatic skies!

• Elephants in Liwonde and Kasungu: Close encounters and natural behaviour
• Hippos in rivers and lakes: Water-based action shots
• Over 650 bird species—year-round avian photography
• Lake Malawi’s cichlids: Underwater photo opportunities

Use long lenses for animals, patience for birds, and underwater gear for aquatic shots.

• Portraits: Warm, open, and welcoming people
• Traditional ceremonies and markets
• Village life, children, crafts, and spiritual practices

Build rapport before photographing people and always respect privacy and customs.

• Wide-angle for landscapes, telephoto for wildlife, macro for insects
• Weather protection for sudden rain, dust, and humidity
• Carry extra batteries, storage, and portable power for remote shoots
• Tripod and filters for landscapes and low light

• Golden/blue hours and overcast days for soft light
• Use rule of thirds, leading lines, and creative framing
• Incorporate scale, pattern, and color for visual impact

• Always ask permission, especially for portraits and sacred sites
• Respect local customs and traditions
• Consider giving back: share photos with communities

Practice ethical, respectful photography to build trust and create positive experiences.

• Shoot RAW for flexibility in editing
• Back up regularly with multiple memory cards/cloud
• Use editing for color correction, cropping, and sharpening

• Join local guides for best locations and light
• Group trips for social, hands-on learning
• Custom itineraries available for special interests

Malawi rewards creative, ethical photographers with stunning images and meaningful encounters. Prepare well, respect people and places, and you’ll capture the true spirit of Africa’s warm heart.

• Camera + spare batteries & cards
• Telephoto, wide, and macro lenses
• Lens cloths, rain cover, small tripod
• Power bank, card reader

• Lake Malawi
• Mount Mulanje
• Liwonde & Nyika parks
• Markets & villages

Questions or need a local guide? We help you plan your Malawi photography journey!