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.
At 1,050 metres above sea level in Malawi's central region, Lilongwe bridges traditional and modern Africa within its dual cityscape. The Old Town, characterised by bustling markets, small shops, and historic golf clubs, contrasts sharply with the organised structure of the New Town, a hub of embassies, government ministries, and modern infrastructure. Lilongwe's lush green spaces, particularly the Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary, provide an urban oasis that rehabilitates injured animals while promoting environmental education. The Kamuzu Mausoleum, built of marble and granite, is the final resting place of Malawi's first president, with pillars bearing his principles of unity, loyalty, obedience, and discipline. The Parliament Building, located near Capital Hill, houses the government's operations and is an example of modern Malawian architecture. Other sights worth seeing include a day trip to the Kumbali Cultural Centre, offering the opportunity to view traditional Malawian dancing and drumming, as well as an excursion to Chongoni Rock Art Area featuring one of the densest clusters of rock art in Central Africa.
Liwonde National Park is situated at the southern tip of Lake Malombe in southern Malawi. Although Liwonde is a smaller park, it is arguably the most popular of all the game parks in the country. Malawi’s main river, the Shire, forms its western boundary and is the reserve’s lifeblood. Boasting plenty of animals including hippos, kudu, elephants, crocodiles and elephants, and even black rhino, the park has become one of Malawi's premier wildlife-viewing destinations. The birding opportunities here are excellent and a favourite sighting among birdwatchers is the Pel’s fishing owl. Visitors can look forward to a wide selection of activities including canoeing, sublime boating safaris, and excellently positioned camping spots. The area is also incredibly photogenic, with its lush Borassus palms, Impala lilies, and abundant wildflowers blooming after the rains.
Although in Mozambican waters, Likoma Island is Malawian territory and is the larger of the two inhabited islands of Lake Malawi, measuring seventeen square kilometres across. The island boasts some lovely beaches, friendly locals, and predominantly flat terrain with a baobab dotted southern side. It is home to the headquarters of the University Mission to Central Africa, Livingstone’s mission, and hence it remained British territory when the Lake was divided politically after World War Two. The island is famous for the large, beautiful St. Peter's Cathedral, featuring numerous stained glass windows and intricate soapstone details. Visitors can relax on pristine beaches, snorkel and dive in the crystal-clear waters, and enjoy a variety of watersports.
