MALAWI The warm heart of Africa

Malawi is a warm and welcoming country that offers visitors wonderful scenery, fascinating parks and some of the friendliest people in Africa. It is no wonder that it is known as the “warm heart of Africa.” Malawi is a country in the heart of central southern Africa that offers a true African experience at a relatively low cost. It is a long and narrow, landlocked country covering more than 1,000km from north to south. Lake Malawi, nearly 600km long and up to 80km wide, dominates the countryside and is one of the main attractions.

Lake Malawi is like a freshwater inland sea that is lined with white sandy beaches and dotted with rocky islands. This vast lake is fringed by beaches and is not only a scenic wonderland, but it also provides water sport opportunities for those looking for something beyond sun, sand and swimming. This is a wonderful place to unwind after a dusty safari and combines wonderfully with Zambia as well as a safari in Malawi itself. Watersports, yachting, snorkelling and kayaking also keep the more active entertained in an idyllic setting.

The south of the country is home to perhaps the two finest wildlife sanctuaries in Malawi as well as the highland regions of Mulanje and Zomba Plateau which are surrounded by forests and tea plantations. Liwonde is perhaps the most popular of the game parks due to its easy access and excellent facilities. Whilst lion are only occasionally encountered, Liwonde has good game and excellent birding as well as boat safaris on the Shire River. Majete Reserve has been extensively restocked with game including the Big 5 and now boasts a superb lodge.

Next to the central lake is the ruggedly beautiful Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, which now boasts 2 excellent lodges offering a host of activities with the emphasis on a true wilderness experience. To the north, Nyika is Malawi’s largest park and extends across a great plateau which is essentially a granitic dome and its environment is like none other in the whole of Africa. Game viewing is excellent and over 400 species of bird have been recorded. In the rainy season over 200 types of Orchid flower. Game drives, trekking, and horse and mountain bike safaris are a highlight.

When To Go

♦ Malawi is a year round destination and whilst the summer months from Nov – Apr are the rainy season, camps remain open and all but the remotest corners are accessible. Malawi has such diverse habitats that bird watching is superb, with over 650 recorded species.

♦ Nyika Plateau is best in the rainy season when over 200 types of Orchid are in flower. The grasslands of Nyika are rich in wild flowers in other seasons.