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Destinations
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Malawi Map
Please roll over the individual regions for a quick introduction,or click on them for a detailed exploration of what they offer
Lake Malawi
Lake Malawi occupies a fifth of Malawi's total area. It is the third largest lake in Africa. There really is something for everyone from romantic hideaway islands to family fun, kayaking, snorkelling and Scuba diving – or just plain good old R&R.
When to go
- Lake Malawi is a year round destination with the winter months offering warm sunny dry days, and the summer months from Nov – Apr hot days with the chance of afternoon showers
- In terms of activities there is not a good or bad time to visit, just the higher risk of rain in the hotter months
What to do
- Nothing – just put your feet up and let the world pass you by
- A whole host of activities include: water sports, yachting, snorkelling, island hopping on kayaks, fishing, cultural visits and bird watching
Liwonde National Park
Liwonde is perhaps the most popular of all the game parks in Malawi. Additionally, game viewing is enhanced because the River Shire flows along its western border, allowing boat safaris as well as on foot or in 4x4 vehicles. Wildlife includes quite large numbers of elephant and the river attracts countless hippos and crocodiles. Black rhino has been re-introduced and bird life is exceptionally varied.
When to go
- Rewarding all year round except that after the summer rains, the game becomes more dispersed, but the birding becomes exceptional
What to do
- Game viewing in open 4x4 vehicles, superb boat safaris and bush walks are all available
Majete Wildlife Reserve
Majete is an exciting "work in progress" with the reintroduction of more than 3,000 animals from other areas of Malawi and neighbouring countries, The 70,000ha reserve includes black rhino, leopard, elephant, buffalo, eland, kudu, zebra, warthog, sable, waterbuck, impala and Lichtenstein's hartebeest. Lion will soon complete the Big 5.
When to go
- Accommodation in Majete is currently limited to the excellent Mkulumadzi Lodge which remains open year round meaning the reserve can be visited anytime.
- Summer rains will disperse the game but such is the scenic beauty of this reserve that visitors should not be put off at any time
What to do
- Open vehicle 4x4 game drives
- Walking safaris are highly recommended and follow the course of the Shire River
- Boating safaris along the Shire River offer a relaxing way to view wildlife
- Hide positioned over a productive water hole
- Cultural visits and a fascinating insight into the rejuvenation of Majete
Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve
Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve is one of Malawi's larger reserves and is dominated by rugged terrain crossed by a number of rivers. This is a wonderful example of true wilderness with a range of mammals as good as anywhere in Malawi. Birdlife is prolific with palm nut vultures among the 130 recorded species.
When to go
- Apr – Dec is the best time to visit this rare piece of wilderness
- Although the Reserve is open in the summer months, due to its remote location access and getting around can be tricky
What to do
- This is a true wilderness experience and while game is plentiful, visitors should know that big game is a bonus. Tracks are limited and so whilst game drive are offered the focus is on walking and trekking
- Boat safaris down the Bua River are a highlight and canoe safaris let visitors get up close to some of the more elusive mammals and birdlife
- Fly camping is another memorable experience, with the focus on being one of the privileged few to visit this untamed wilderness
Nyika & Vwaza
Nyika National Park is Malawi's largest park with an area of 3,200 sq km. It extends across the great plateau and its environment is like none other in Africa. Vwaza Wildlife Reserve, an area of marsh and plain, with a few rocky outcrops, is 1000 sq km and lies along the Zambian border, north-west of Mzuzu.
When to go
- Nyika can be visited year round and is actually at its most beautiful in the rainy summer months (Dec – Apr) when over 200 types of orchid are in flower. This is also a great time for birding with over 400 species recorded
- The cooler winter months are probably better for the more active, but game viewing is good year round
- Vwaza Marsh is better visited in the drier months when the herds of elephant and buffalo are more concentrated
What to do
- Nyika offers day and night closed-vehicle game drives and has one of the highest concentrations of leopard in Africa
- Walking and hiking are rewarding and forest bird walks are very productive
- Mountain biking is very popular and it is hoped that horse riding will be reintroduced in the future
Zomba & Mulanje
South Malawi is a region of physical contrasts. This is also the region of central Africa's highest peak, Mount Mulanje, which rises to nearly 10,000ft (3,000m). Not far from Mulanje is the region's other great massif, the Zomba Plateau. This table-like mountain is over 6,000ft (1,800m) above sea level with sheer scarp-like edges.
When to go
- The drier winter months from May – Nov are the best for walking and hiking when the ground is drier and firmer under foot
- The summer months are scenically best when all the flowers are in bloom
What to do
- Mount Mulanje is perfect for growing tea and the estates that lie in the foothills are wonderfully scenic and make it a great place to stay
- Shorter hikes in the foothills are possible but we always recommend a local guide
- Zomba is another fabulous place to stretch the legs with guided walks and treks available and good birding in the forests
Malawi
Malawi is a warm and welcoming country that offers visitors wonderful scenery, fascinating parks and some of the friendliest people in Africa. It is no wonder that it is known as the "warm heart of Africa." Lake Malawi, nearly 600km long and up to 80km wide, dominates the countryside.
When to go
- Malawi is a year round destination and whilst the summer months from Nov – Apr is the rainy season, camps remain open and all but the remotest corners are accessible. Malawi had such diverse habitats that bird watching is superb, with over 650 recorded species
- Lake Malawi offers sun, sand and relaxation year round and is the perfect way to end a safari in Malawi or Zambia
What to do
- Lake Malawi dominates the country and is a superb freshwater beach destination, but also offers yachting, fishing, kayaking, snorkelling and Scuba diving
- Safari options are varied and exciting with the famous Liwonde and emerging Majete reserves soon to offer Big 5
- Malawi has some of the friendliest people in Africa and just meeting them is a rewarding experience in itself
Go Beyond…
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