Malawi, landlocked country in south-eastern Africa, is defined by its topography of highlands split by the Great Rift Valley and the enormous Lake Malawi.
The lake’s southern end falls within Lake Malawi National Park which shelters diverse wildlife from colourful fish to baboons and its clear waters are popular for diving and boating.
One of Malawi's great attractions is its diversity of natural landscapes.
The Rift Valley floor stretches the length of the country and Lake Malawi occupies most of it, being 585 km long and 80 km across at its widest point, making it the third largest freshwater lake in Africa.
The clear waters and tranquil islands provide the perfect, laid-back beach holiday; while Malawi's 11 national parks and wildlife reserves offer activities like hiking, mountain biking and bird watching. Malawi is described as "The Warm Heart of Africa”.
What to do in Malawi
Go snorkeling in Lake Malawi
The crystal clear waters of Lake Malawi with its colourful underwater world is a wonderful place for snorkeling and diving. On the shores of Lake Malawi, you will find numerous fishing villages.
Lake Malawi is considered one of the best diving destinations in Africa as its tropical waters are replete with brightly coloured fish species as well as unique rock formations.
Explore the wonders of Lake Malawi National Park
Lake Malawi National Park is the only national park in Malawi that was created with the purpose of protecting fish and aquatic habitats. The park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, being of global importance for biodiversity conservation due particularly to its fish diversity.
The park includes a land area around the cape and bay as well as the Lake and islands up to 100 metres offshore. There is a veritable aquarium of tropical fish in crystal clear waters providing a colourful kaleidoscopic display.
The countless thousands of freshwater fish, the mbuna, are more abundant and varied here than anywhere else in the world. Boats are available for hire and the fish will feed directly from the hand. Away from the Lake, the park has baboons, antelope and hyrax, and, of course, there is a great variety of birdlife including fish eagles, cormorants and hamerkops.
Hike in the tea plantations of Mulanje Mountain
Enjoy the magnificent summit panorama in the shade of the Mulanje Mountain during a hike in the tea plantations. En-route, take a break at one of the small waterfalls and enjoy the fresh air. Explore its high altitude grasslands, mysterious hidden valleys and scenic waterfalls. Be expertly guided through its network of hiking trails and huts, and night trails in the region.
Discover the cultural delights of Blantyre
The colonial Mandala House in Blantyre is the cultural heart of the city – a must-visit for a true Malawian experience. In addition to a library where you can learn about the history of Malawi, it houses the La Caverna Art Gallery, where you can buy authentic local handicrafts.
Blantyre is also known for its scenic beauty, elegant hotels and fashionable restaurants serving delicious food!
Explore Majete Wildlife Reserve
In the Majete Wildlife Reserve there are elephants, buffaloes and rhinos. From densely overgrown shores to rugged granite hills to lush greenery, the 70 000 hectare reserve also offers a diverse landscape.
More than 2 550 animals of 12 different species have been reintroduced to Majete.
Go on a safari in Liwonde National Park
On boat and canoe safaris in Liwonde National Park you can observe a variety of animals: gazelles, zebras, elephants and wildcats and see the results of African wildlife preservation.
Admire the diverse vegetation in this hilly bush of the Lower Shire Valley, ranging from dry savannas and thickets along the riverbanks on the eastern side to miombo forests in the hilly west.
Visit the markets of Lilongwe
On a tour of Lilongwe, pay a visit to Lizulu Market. The bustling activity takes place on both sides of the Lilongwe River, which are connected by bamboo bridges.
This is part of The Old Town, which still retains its traditional African settlement feeling. Visit the large walled market and see the diverse wares being sold and immerse yourself in its vibrant street life.
Spend time at the Lilongwe Wildlife Center
In the heart of the capital lies the Lilongwe Wildlife Center, a retreat for over 200 wild animals.
Spanning 70 hectares of rich forest, this green oasis is the perfect place to escape the city and explore the peace and beauty of nature.
Attractions include an elevated boardwalk and beautiful trails through the forest and along the Lingadzi River - ideal for walking and running. The forest itself is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including vervet monkeys, duikers, bushpigs, jackals, crocodiles and genets. Visiting the Wildlife Center is a compulsory program for Lilongwe schools and this is easily one of the top attractions of Malawi.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Shire Highlands
Discover the Shire Highlands, a plateau in southern Malawi, located east of the Shire River, by mountain biking or on horseback and get captivated by the unique view of the Mulanje Mountain.
It is a major agricultural area and the most densely populated part of the country.The highlands cover an area of roughly 7 250 square kilometers. Here you can visit one of the numerous tea and coffee plantations nestling gently in the hills, which benefit from ideal climate conditions and fertile soil.
Go trekking in the Zomba Plateau
Trekking fans should venture into the Zomba Plateau during their tour of Malawi.
Winding trails lead through peaceful pine forests. You can spot diverse wildlife ranging from monkeys to otters, as well as colourful birds and butterflies. The remote nature of the region beckons with its tranquility.
The lake’s southern end falls within Lake Malawi National Park which shelters diverse wildlife from colourful fish to baboons and its clear waters are popular for diving and boating.
One of Malawi's great attractions is its diversity of natural landscapes.
The Rift Valley floor stretches the length of the country and Lake Malawi occupies most of it, being 585 km long and 80 km across at its widest point, making it the third largest freshwater lake in Africa.
The clear waters and tranquil islands provide the perfect, laid-back beach holiday; while Malawi's 11 national parks and wildlife reserves offer activities like hiking, mountain biking and bird watching. Malawi is described as "The Warm Heart of Africa”.
What to do in Malawi
Go snorkeling in Lake Malawi
The crystal clear waters of Lake Malawi with its colourful underwater world is a wonderful place for snorkeling and diving. On the shores of Lake Malawi, you will find numerous fishing villages.
Lake Malawi is considered one of the best diving destinations in Africa as its tropical waters are replete with brightly coloured fish species as well as unique rock formations.
Explore the wonders of Lake Malawi National Park
Lake Malawi National Park is the only national park in Malawi that was created with the purpose of protecting fish and aquatic habitats. The park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, being of global importance for biodiversity conservation due particularly to its fish diversity.
The park includes a land area around the cape and bay as well as the Lake and islands up to 100 metres offshore. There is a veritable aquarium of tropical fish in crystal clear waters providing a colourful kaleidoscopic display.
The countless thousands of freshwater fish, the mbuna, are more abundant and varied here than anywhere else in the world. Boats are available for hire and the fish will feed directly from the hand. Away from the Lake, the park has baboons, antelope and hyrax, and, of course, there is a great variety of birdlife including fish eagles, cormorants and hamerkops.
Hike in the tea plantations of Mulanje Mountain
Enjoy the magnificent summit panorama in the shade of the Mulanje Mountain during a hike in the tea plantations. En-route, take a break at one of the small waterfalls and enjoy the fresh air. Explore its high altitude grasslands, mysterious hidden valleys and scenic waterfalls. Be expertly guided through its network of hiking trails and huts, and night trails in the region.
Discover the cultural delights of Blantyre
The colonial Mandala House in Blantyre is the cultural heart of the city – a must-visit for a true Malawian experience. In addition to a library where you can learn about the history of Malawi, it houses the La Caverna Art Gallery, where you can buy authentic local handicrafts.
Blantyre is also known for its scenic beauty, elegant hotels and fashionable restaurants serving delicious food!
Explore Majete Wildlife Reserve
In the Majete Wildlife Reserve there are elephants, buffaloes and rhinos. From densely overgrown shores to rugged granite hills to lush greenery, the 70 000 hectare reserve also offers a diverse landscape.
More than 2 550 animals of 12 different species have been reintroduced to Majete.
Go on a safari in Liwonde National Park
On boat and canoe safaris in Liwonde National Park you can observe a variety of animals: gazelles, zebras, elephants and wildcats and see the results of African wildlife preservation.
Admire the diverse vegetation in this hilly bush of the Lower Shire Valley, ranging from dry savannas and thickets along the riverbanks on the eastern side to miombo forests in the hilly west.
Visit the markets of Lilongwe
On a tour of Lilongwe, pay a visit to Lizulu Market. The bustling activity takes place on both sides of the Lilongwe River, which are connected by bamboo bridges.
This is part of The Old Town, which still retains its traditional African settlement feeling. Visit the large walled market and see the diverse wares being sold and immerse yourself in its vibrant street life.
Spend time at the Lilongwe Wildlife Center
In the heart of the capital lies the Lilongwe Wildlife Center, a retreat for over 200 wild animals.
Spanning 70 hectares of rich forest, this green oasis is the perfect place to escape the city and explore the peace and beauty of nature.
Attractions include an elevated boardwalk and beautiful trails through the forest and along the Lingadzi River - ideal for walking and running. The forest itself is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including vervet monkeys, duikers, bushpigs, jackals, crocodiles and genets. Visiting the Wildlife Center is a compulsory program for Lilongwe schools and this is easily one of the top attractions of Malawi.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Shire Highlands
Discover the Shire Highlands, a plateau in southern Malawi, located east of the Shire River, by mountain biking or on horseback and get captivated by the unique view of the Mulanje Mountain.
It is a major agricultural area and the most densely populated part of the country.The highlands cover an area of roughly 7 250 square kilometers. Here you can visit one of the numerous tea and coffee plantations nestling gently in the hills, which benefit from ideal climate conditions and fertile soil.
Go trekking in the Zomba Plateau
Trekking fans should venture into the Zomba Plateau during their tour of Malawi.
Winding trails lead through peaceful pine forests. You can spot diverse wildlife ranging from monkeys to otters, as well as colourful birds and butterflies. The remote nature of the region beckons with its tranquility.
