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.
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.
