With Malawi recently included as the only African destination in leading travel trade body ABTA’s ‘Destinations to Watch in 2025’, this looks to be another year of growth for the fast emerging ‘Warm Heart of Africa’. Over the next few weeks we’ll take a look at some of the developments from 2024 and plans for 2025 that underpin this upward trajectory. First off is a look at some of Malawi’s key local tour operators and transport companies.
Malawi’s tour operators and transport companies have made remarkable progress in 2024, with a clear focus on sustainability, innovation, and improving visitor experiences. As we move into 2025, the vision for growth continues to shine brightly, showcasing Malawi as a premier destination for both international travellers and local adventurers.
Crafted Africa
Crafted Africa made strides in 2024 by enhancing sustainability and efficiency within its operations. The company invested in reusable insulated water bottles in partnership with Ocean Bottle, contributing to ocean-bound plastic removal. A 30KVA solar installation at their headquarters further demonstrated their commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Crafted Africa restructured and expanded its Sales and Reservations team, emphasizing specialized roles and internal growth. Staff members are offered opportunities to travel and gain first-hand experience at properties and destinations across the region, enhancing their expertise. The company introduced exciting new combination itineraries and continued to develop its innovative Agent Portal, which now includes live availability, pricing, sustainability information, and comprehensive educational resources.
The team’s “Crafted Africa University” educational seminars aim to test and expand knowledge, benefitting both internal staff and trade partners. These initiatives position Crafted Africa as a leader in providing unforgettable experiences for travellers while upholding sustainability and excellence.
1 2 Travel Africa
2024 was a milestone year for Lilongwe-based 1 2 Travel Africa, witnessing the largest number of international travellers since they started out in Malawi. The team successfully revived the Safari Bookings Office at Mitengo House, now offering engaging Lilongwe City Tours. Their efforts also extended to Kuti Wildlife Reserve in Salima, which came under the stewardship of a new NGO in March 2024. Great progress has already been made in restoring this gem to its former glory, boosted by the arrival of ten horses from South African – enabling visitors of all skill levels to experience the joy of horseback safaris. The Reserve gained further recognition through a short documentary aired on Zodiak TV during Tourism Month.
Additionally, 1 2 Travel Africa has been featured in Dutch media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, and podcasts, further amplifying Malawi’s global appeal. Pushing their sustainability goals even further has seen the company limit trips for long-haul travellers to a minimum of 14 days, resulting in an average trip now lasting over 20 days.
Looking to 2025, the company plans to collaborate with local and international media to boost Malawi’s tourism profile. They will also implement new software to streamline operations and manage increasing bookings. Exciting partnerships between Kuti Wildlife Reserve and the NGO Lessons in Conservation will educate local children about nature through interactive programs. Regular day trips from Lilongwe to Kuti for horse riding, corporate team-building packages, and a focus on promoting Malawi’s lesser-known northern region are also on the agenda. Additionally, internship and traineeship opportunities will be expanded for young local talent at Africa House, Mitengo House, and Kuti Wildlife Reserve.
Ulendo Travel Group
Ulendo have welcomed new team member Amir Kara and introduced a Toyota Fortuner to its fleet, enhancing its transport offerings. The company also opened an office at the Green Elephant guest house in Lilongwe, and have a renewed focus on inbound travel to Malawi, which will be showcase on their new website launching soon. Plans for 2025 are centred on strengthening its offerings and improving services, ensuring seamless travel experiences for visitors exploring Malawi.
SS Rent A Car
Despite economic challenges for Malawi in 2024, SS Rent A Car managed to secure new vehicles, strengthening its fleet across various categories. The addition of Toyota Corolla Cross SUVs, Toyota Coaster 30-seat buses, and Toyota Axios to the compact saloon segment reflects their commitment to offering reliable and comfortable transport solutions. The company also upgraded its website to provide a more user-friendly booking experience.
Looking ahead to 2025, SS Rent A Car plans to expand its mini 4×4 segment with additional Suzuki Jimnys, which have become popular among tourist couples. The large 4×4 segment will also see growth with the introduction of 7- and 10-seat vehicles. The company is exploring app development to streamline rental processes, aiming to overcome challenges in Malawi’s current technological landscape.
The developments carried out in 2024 and those planned for 2025 by Malawi’s tour operators and transport companies highlight a shared vision of sustainability, innovation, and exceptional service. From educational initiatives to infrastructure upgrades, these efforts reflect a commitment to showcasing Malawi’s natural beauty and cultural heritage to the world. As the sector continues to evolve, visitors can look forward to enriching and unforgettable experiences that celebrate the Warm heart of Africa.
