Reasons To Visit Malawi
The majestic Lake Malawi covers a fifth of the country, its sparkling waters stretching for 500 kilometres. Fringed by idyllic sandy beaches, it is often more reminiscent of the ocean off a tropical island than a rare body of water in a landlocked African country.
With excellent guides and a range of water habitats, Malawi is a great destination for birding enthusiasts. Possibly best of all is the Nyika Plateau, home to a range of species that you will not find in neighbouring countries due to its utterly unique environment.
Always peaceful and welcoming, Malawi boasts a rich cultural and colonial heritage. An integral part of the missionary route trodden by Livingstone and his followers, echoes can be seen in Blantyre and Zomba, but nowhere is it more apparent than at the awesome St Peter’s Cathedral on Likoma Island.
For the freshwater and cychlid enthusiast, Lake Malawi is a spectacular arena for snorkelling and diving. On the lake there are several places that offer top class snorkelling and diving spots, including Kaya Mawa on Likoma Island and Danforth Yachting in the Cape Maclear area.
In the shadow of Mount Mulanje, the tea plantations of Thyolo are a wonderfully relaxed place to visit and enjoy the brilliant green fields, mahogany forests and small water falls. Time can be spent learning about how the tea is made or exploring the lush landscapes under your own steam.
Lake Malawi is a mecca for enthusiasts of smaller aquatic life, with more freshwater fish species than Europe and North America combined. The sparkling tropical waters are filled with over 1,000 different rainbow-coloured cychlid fish, many of which are endemic to the lake.
Malawi isn't a Big 5 Safari destination however Liwonde National Park does offer beautiful riverine scenery, large herds of elephant, big hippo pods, crocs, several different antelope species and a myriad of bird species including the rare Pels Fishing Owl. The boat safaris are a real highlight here. With a couple of new camps opening up Malawi's Majete Reserve is also an intriguing destination for those seeking an off the beaten track wildlife experience with the chance to see black rhino, elephant, buffalo and a variety of plains game.
Request a Brochure
Africa and The Indian Ocean
Lake Malawi, sometimes known as the Lake of Stars, covers roughly one-fifth of Malawi. It's ideal for activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving or kayaking.
Lying just down the coast from Nkhata Bay, seven kilometres south of Chintheche town and a 10 minute drive from the airstrip, the Chintheche Inn is a single storey resort with spacious...
Danforth Yachting is a homely guest house in Chembe with an impressive catamaran yacht, the Mufasa, moored up on the lake beyond. The guest house has four double rooms, each...
Kayak Africa has two secluded bush camps located on Mumbo and Domwe Islands in the protected waters of a marine park. The camps are accessed by kayak or boat and a stay on either...
Kaya Mawa means ‘maybe tomorrow’ and this sums up the relaxed atmosphere of this quirky lodge. Built on a rocky promontory, it has a maze of twisting pathways and steps leading to...
Nkwichi Lodge is located on the Mozambique shores of Lake Malawi and is set on a beach that easily rivals the Indian Ocean beaches on the eastern side of the country.
Pumulani is a first class property that is in a stunning location overlooking one of the world's greatest freshwater lakes. It is owned by Robin Pope Safari's and was their first property in Malawi.
11 days from £3,645pp
13 days from £3,515pp
9 days from £4,035pp
37 miles away
73 miles away
77 miles away
79 miles away
163 miles away
Further reading:MalawiWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout Malawi
Other countries in Africa:BotswanaKenyaMadagascarMauritiusMozambiqueNamibiaRwandaSouth AfricaTanzaniaThe SeychellesUgandaZambiaZanzibar ArchipelagoZimbabwe