Malawi has secured a notable presence on Wanderlust Magazine’s Travel Green List 2025, earning as many as four separate inclusions that underscore its growing reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism. The country is recognised both for its conservation initiatives and its commitment to responsible travel accommodations with Lilongwe Wildlife Trust, Mvuu Camp & Lodge, Luwawa Forest Lodge and Fisherman’s Rest all being highlighted for their commitment to ‘green travel’.
In the Africa section of the Green List, the Lilongwe Wildlife Trust (LWT) is included for its impactful work in wildlife conservation. Operating the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, LWT serves as a sanctuary for orphaned and injured animals, aiming for their rehabilitation and release. Beyond animal care, the trust engages in educational outreach, policy advocacy, and research on wildlife welfare and conservation medicine, playing a pivotal role in protecting Malawi’s biodiversity.
In the ‘Travel Sleeps’ category, three accommodations with a driving force for sustainable practices have been selected:
Mvuu Camp & Lodge: Located in the heart of Liwonde National Park, Mvuu, run by Central African Wilderness Safaris, is lauded for its eco-conscious design and low-impact safari operations. The Green List highlights its dedication, stating “the camp is 100% solar-powered, and its water is purified and recycled using reed-bed filtration. A zero-waste approach in the kitchen includes food grown in the organic garden, while the use of a composting system creates nutrient-rich soil.” This is all alongside its Root to Fruit initiative which has seen the planting of more than 500,000 trees, and the Children in the Wilderness education programme which has supported more than 2,500 young people in finding employment in tourism.
Luwawa Forest Lodge: Situated in the northern highlands, this lodge is noted for its environmental education programs and eco-tourism initiatives. It offers tailored experiences that promote sustainability and cultural engagement, reflecting a commitment to both environmental stewardship and community development. Luwawa is passionate about engaging young minds in conservation, with the Green List stating “it provides pupils with seedlings so they can learn about the indigenous trees and how to nourish them. Once the seedlings are ready to be planted, the trust buys them back, providing an income and an incentive to care for the forest.”
Fisherman’s Rest: Located near Blantyre, Fisherman’s Rest integrates community involvement with conservation efforts. The lodge supports local projects and provides guests with opportunities to engage in meaningful cultural exchanges, aligning tourism with positive social impact. You will be truly invested in change here. This is not a superficial or spectator-view of Malawian culture, rather an opportunity to leave a lasting mark on communities.
Achieving dominance amongst a global search for eco-tourism, Malawi’s multiple recognitions on the Wanderlust Travel Green List 2025 highlight its dedication to sustainable travel practices. From wildlife conservation to eco-friendly accommodations, the country demonstrates how tourism can be a force for environmental preservation and community empowerment, not only for a better tomorrow, but a better today. These accolades position Malawi as a compelling destination for travellers seeking responsible and enriching experiences.
With the eco-friendly, community-focussed Zomba Forest Lodge still going strong after its inclusion on last year’s Green List, it’s easy to ensure that any stay in Malawi is spent somewhere that makes a positive difference.
