Resting on the banks of the Lilongwe River, the sprawling, bustling city of Lilongwe serves as the capital of Malawi. It is the largest city in Malawi and is the economic and transport hub of the country. It features thriving markets, lush green spaces, and rich cultural heritage. While the city has all of the twentieth-century urban developments, it retains the appearance of a traditional African settlement. The Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, in the heart of Lilongwe, provides a sanctuary for local wildlife seeking refuge. Other sights worth seeing include the Kumbali Cultural Centre, offering the opportunity to view traditional Malawian dancing and drumming; as well as the nearby Chongoni Rock Art Area featuring over 127 sites displaying ancient rock art.
Bordering the Luangwa River, the northern and southern Luangwa National Parks contain some of the most breathtaking and untouched wilderness in Africa. As a result of this and the parks’ successful anti-poaching campaigns, the area has developed into a world-renowned wildlife haven. The South Luangwa National Park is renowned for its walking safari, which allows visitors to view elephant, hippo and even lion close-up under the supervision of professional and knowledgeable armed guides.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Located on the southern shore of Lake Malawi at the tip of the Nankumba Peninsula, Cape Maclear is a little resort town surrounded by mountains and set within Lake Malawi National Park. This town features an array of beachside bars and local restaurants in a spectacularly scenic setting of golden sand beaches lapped by dazzling turquoise water. Cape Maclear is a Robinson-Crusoe paradise, making it a sought after tourist destination. Kayak over to the nearby Thumbi island and spot the majestic fish eagle, sail across the lake and catch a picturesque African sunset, or scuba dive into the crystal-clear depths of the lake, which boasts some of the best freshwater diving in the world. Other popular activities include: bird watching, windsurfing, hiking, swimming or shopping in the local craft markets as well as island tours and guided village walks.
