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.
Set in a range of hills roughly 50 kilometres south-west of Lilongwe by road, encompassing a watershed forming the border between Malawi and Mozambique, the Dzalanyama Forest Reserve is an area of outstanding beauty known for its lush forests, rich flora and birdlife. The area is home to numerous exotic tree species, epiphytic orchids, incredible ferns and wild mushrooms. The abundant ‘Miombo’ birdlife and rare species such as the olive-headed weaver, miombo pied barbet, Boulder Chat, White-Tailed Flycatcher, Black Eared Seedeater, Stierling’s Woodpecker also inhabit the landscape here. Dzalanyama forest is perfect for day trips and offers wonderful opportunities for hiking, game viewing, mountain biking, and swimming in its delightful array of mountain pools, streams, and waterfalls. The area is also a sacred space: it is believed by many in Malawi to be the site of creation.
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.
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.
As previously described
Senga is located at the tip of a broad peninsula jutting into the eastern part of Lake Malawi, 16 kilometres from Salima and just 90 minutes drive from the captial, Lilongwe. The picturesque area boasts a long stretch of sandy beach, and numerous hotels, lodges and campsites. Not as touristy as nearby Cape Maclear, Senga offers incredible scenes for photography. Fishing boats line the sands, and the shore bustles with playing children. By night the culture of the area comes alive with music. The neighbouring town of Salima is an important commercial and trading centre and is home to a wonderful market and all the modern luxuries and services.
Nkhotakota is a tranquil town on the shores of Lake Malawi in central Malawi. It is surrounded by the hilly terrains of Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, the largest and oldest wildlife reserve near Malawi, home to mammals such as lion and elephant, as well as a fantastic array of birdlife. The village is most famous for the Livingstone Tree, where it is said that the renowned explorer Dr David Livingstone met a notorious slave trader to implore him to stop the heinous trade. Guided walking tours in the reserve are an exciting way to get up close and personal with some of its animals. There are also hot springs, rivers and waterfalls within easy reach of Nkhotakota.
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.
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.
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.
