Malawi one of National Geographic’s ‘Best of the World Destinations’ for 2027

Malawi has been named as one of the world’s best destinations to visit in 2027 by National Geographic, earning a place on the prestigious Best of the World list alongside other destinations also selected for their outstanding travel experiences and attractions. Unveiled on 20 October, National Geographic’s Best of the World 2027 celebrates places across six continents that offer compelling reasons to travel in the year ahead. Now in its 15th year, the annual selection is compiled by the publication’s global network of travel editors, writers, photographers and explorers, drawing attention to destinations offering new experiences, cultural discoveries and extraordinary natural attractions.This is a great accolade for Malawi, gaining such an endorsement from one of the world’s most recognised and influential media brands. National Geographic has a history of exploration, photography and storytelling stretching back more than 130 years. Its content reaches audiences across the globe through its magazines, television channels and digital platforms, with more than 800 million social media followers and a television reach of up to 402 million households in over 170 countries. Its annual Best of the World list therefore carries considerable international influence, bringing destinations such as Malawi to the attention of millions of potential travellers worldwide. As the only country from sub-Saharan Africa on the list, Malawi joins an impressive international selection that includes Normandy in France, Penang in Malaysia and Norway’s Vestland region. While many destinations have been chosen for forthcoming events, major anniversaries or new attractions, Malawi has been recognised for the restoration of its wildlife reserves and the opportunities to explore its remarkable natural and cultural attractions away from the crowds.Nathan Lump, editor-in-chief of National Geographic, said the selection featured “places that our editors believe will be most rewarding to them in the year to come.”For Malawi, the recognition is particularly significant. Introducing the country in its Best of the World feature, National Geographic describes it as “Africa’s best-kept secret” and highlights its uncrowded wilderness, recovering wildlife populations and the appeal of combining a safari with time on Lake Malawi.In a dedicated article Why Malawi Is the Hidden Jewel of East Africa, travel writer Emma Gregg explores how successful conservation programmes have helped transform the country’s tourism offering. Particular attention is given to Liwonde National Park and Majete Wildlife Reserve, where the reintroduction and protection of wildlife have helped establish two thriving Big Five destinations.

The transformation has been years in the making. Through partnerships between the Malawi Government and conservation organisations including African Parks, previously depleted wildlife populations have been restored, endangered species reintroduced and important habitats given greater protection. Majete, once severely affected by poaching, is now one of Africa’s notable conservation success stories, while Liwonde has become renowned for its elephants, predators, birdlife and boat safaris along the Shire River.

National Geographic also celebrates the contrasts that make Malawi such an appealing destination. Lake Malawi’s beaches, islands and clear waters provide opportunities for kayaking, sailing and snorkelling, while the dramatic granite peaks of Mount Mulanje and the rolling plateau of Nyika National Park – plus plenty more highlands around the country – offer exceptional hiking and walking experiences.

The international recognition follows another important milestone for Malawi. In July 2025, the Mount Mulanje Cultural Landscape was officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming the country’s third World Heritage Site alongside Lake Malawi National Park and the Chongoni Rock-Art Area. The designation acknowledged the mountain’s outstanding cultural and spiritual significance, as well as its relationship with the surrounding landscape and local communities.

Malawi has enjoyed growing recognition from the international travel industry in recent years. In 2018, Rough Guides named Malawi no. 3 on their top destinations list. In 2014 and again in 2022, the country was named among Lonely Planet’s Top Ten Countries in its annual Best in Travel selection (a rare double listing in such a small period), while its wildlife conservation achievements have continued to attract international attention. The latest recognition from National Geographic adds to that momentum, bringing Malawi’s tourism successes to a global audience. For visitors, one of Malawi’s particular attractions is the ease with which its varied experiences can be combined. Within a single holiday, travellers can enjoy wildlife encounters in the Big 5 reserves of Liwonde or Majete, explore the highland scenery of Mulanje, Nyika or Zomba Plateau, and spend time relaxing on the shores of Lake Malawi. Alongside these natural attractions, the friendliness and hospitality of its people remain central to the country’s identity as the Warm Heart of Africa.National Geographic’s selection provides a welcome endorsement of the progress made across Malawi’s tourism and conservation sectors, and a significant opportunity to introduce the country to new international audiences planning their travels for 2027.For more of Nat Geo’s BEST OF THE WORLD 2027 list, visit natgeo.com/bestoftheworld.