Dubbed the 'Warm Heart of Africa' for its good-natured charm, the tiny, landlocked country of Malawi in southeastern Africa is a famously hospitable little nation brimming with touristic abundance. Its exuberant landscape is a breathtaking natural kaleidoscope of verdant countryside, sweeping plateaux, soaring highlands, and river valleys. Malawi's share of the vast Great Rift Valley encompasses the country's must-see eco-destination, the emblematic Lake Malawi, several national parks and game reserves, while the Central African Plateau's undulating terrain is defined by a series of dramatic escarpments, punctuated by lakes, dramatic hills and dense forests. A wealth of outdoor activities is open to outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling, water skiing, sailing, kayaking, parasailing and boating. Game viewing at the reserves offers a chance to see crocodiles, lions, elephants, hippos and leopards. For the more culturally curious, browse the many bustling markets, visit traditional villages and dig into the treasure trove of the country's history at The Society of Malawi in Blantyre.
Running parallel to the magnificent Lake Malawi, the Viphya Mountains rise from the Viphya Plateau in north-central Malawi. This stunning highland area encompasses forested rolling hills, vast valleys, and rocky peaks. Known for its exceptionally dramatic scenery, this remote area offers visitors a host of fantastic activities, including mountain biking, horse riding, trekking, rock climbing, abseiling, canoeing, fishing, and various hiking trails. The mountains provide spectacular views, diverse ecosystem habitats, and abundant wildlife, including bush pig, antelope, monkey, duiker and leopard. Visit the Viphya Forest, the largest manmade forest in Africa, explore the area’s towns, and spot a host of birdlife. Nature lovers and adventure seekers alike will delight in this scenic mountain landscape.
Located along the Zambian border in northern Malawi, the Nyika National Park features forested valleys, lush woodlands, and vast grasslands. It is Malawi’s largest park extending across the great plateau which rises up to 1800 metres. Aside from conventional safaris, Nyika is wonderful for walking, mountain biking and horse riding safaris, and 4x4 excursions. It is not just the game that attracts visitors, the rolling scenery is often covered in wildflowers and in the rainy season, there are over 200 types of orchid in flower. Commonly spotted wildlife include duiker, eland, roan, leopard, zebra, lion, elephant, buffalo as well as over 400 bird species.
Chintheche is a small but charming settlement with an idyllic location on the western shore of the magnificent Lake Malawi in the Nkhata Bay District. This lovely resort town is bound by tropical rainforest and indigenous vegetation and offers a wide sandy beach and sparkling crescent bays. The shoreline is fringed with numerous hotels and campsites overlooking the white sands lapped by warm, clear waters. Visitors can look forward to enriching activities, such as visiting the Old Bandawe Mission houses, exploring the lakeside fishing villages, enjoying spectacular stargazing opportunities and soaking up breathtaking views of the Viphya Mountains. Spend leisurely days strolling along or relaxing on beautiful beaches and enjoying water sports such as windsurfing, diving, snorkelling, and sailing. Nature lovers can head into the mountains to enjoy biking trails and birding walks.
