Located in southern Malawi, Blantyre is a pleasant, lively yet laid back city. It was a key trading post during the 1800s and today remains the country’s economic capital, with many banks and businesses. The city’s architectural highlight is the St Michael’s and All Angels Church. This late 19th century building was designed by the acting reverend of the time and constructed with the help of the villagers. A close second is the Mandala Building, the city’s oldest structure, built in 1882 and crafted entirely of natural materials - homemade bricks held together with a cob mixture of mud and grass. Don’t miss a visit to the inhouse gallery, which features artworks, as well as an intriguing photographic exhibit documenting the history of Malawi and Blantyre.
Sprawling across 700 square kilometres of the Great African Rift Valley, Majete Wildlife Reserve’s undulating terrain incorporates grassy plains, riverside groves and forests of marula, acacia and leadwood interspersed with palms and the occasional baobab tree. The park provides a sanctuary for a wide range of wildlife, including black rhino, elephant, antelope and warthog, while the Shire River is populated by large numbers of crocodiles and hippos. Make sure to see the spectacularly beautiful Matitu Falls. This conservation success story is a must-see, with over 2500 animals having been reintroduced into the reserve since 2003 - making it home to Africa’s Big 5.
Located between Blantyre and Mount Mulanje in what is arguably the most beautiful region of Malawi, the town of Thyolo serves as the administrative capital of the Thyolo District. The area is best known for its historical tea and coffee estates, some of which date back as far as the early 1900s. With its tidy landscape of undulating hills and immaculately kept tea and coffee estates, the Thyolo area is a pleasure to explore whether by bike, vehicle, or on foot. Magnificent views of Mount Mulanje and the Shire River Valley in the distance are a highlight of the region, as are the excellent opportunities for birding, hiking, and mountain biking. Some of the estates also offer guided tours where one can explore the farm, learn how the plantations work, and enjoy tea or coffee tastings.
Zomba was the colonial capital of the country, built on the southern slopes of the Zomba plateau. Features of interest are the University of Malawi and the King’s African Rifles history, a small botanical garden and beautifully sited golf course.
Although Liwonde is one of Malawi’s smaller parks is arguably the most popular of all the game parks. Malawi’s principle river, the Shire, forms its western boundary and is the reserve’s life blood. With plentiful water hippos, crocodiles and elephants are in good supply and black rhino has been re-introduced into the area. The birding is excellent and a favourite sighting among twitchers is the Pel’s fishing owl.
Mumbo Island is an ecotourist’s dream. Measuring just one square kilometre across, this remote islet is virtually uninhabited and covered with pristine miombo forests interspersed with ancient fig and baobab trees. It is surrounded by the calm, crystal clear waters of Lake Malawi, where you can swim and snorkel amidst schools of vividly coloured tropical fish. You may also encounter the island’s sole mammal inhabitant - playful and curious Spotted-necked Otters. The only resort on the island is built from sustainable natural materials that blend beautifully into the pristine surrounds.
Nankoma Island is part of the Marelli Archipelago in southern Lake Malawi, where the waters are particularly rich in brightly coloured tropical fish known as cichlids. Swimming and snorkeling with them is an amazing experience, as they flash by in iridescent shades. Incredible birdlife is also evident on the island, with species such as hornbills, kingfishers, paradise flycatchers and owls, as well as cormorants and fish eagles inhabiting the lake shore. Active travellers will enjoy the chance to kayaking around the island, take a boat trip to neighbouring islands or relax on a sundowner cruise.
