MALAWI
It is Malawi’s remarkable variety of experiences that is its greatest asset. Whilst Lake Malawi dominates the country, this is not a country of a singular experience. It is the mixture of beautiful Landscapes, fascinating Wildlife, the alluring Lake Malawi, and rich Culture with very warm-hearted people.
An area of some 118,000 square kilometres (46,000 square miles) (one fifth is Lake Malawi) makes Malawi one of the smallest countries in this region of Africa. Its neighbour, Zambia, is six times the size. At approximately 900 kilometres (560 miles) long and varying widths never more than one third of its length, the country is clearly elongated north-south along the line of the Rift Valley in which Lake Malawi sits.
This elongated shape of Malawi lends itself to a 3-way regional division: North, Central and South. Most wildlife parks and the Zomba Plateau are located in the south, which is the area we know and hence where our focus lies. Lake Malawi is also easily accessible along the southern shores.
Wildlife
Malawi is blessed with a rich diversity of flora and fauna and has no less than nine national parks and wildlife reserves. Whilst it may not have quite the sheer numbers of large mammals as some of its better known neighbours, it makes up for this in other ways. Malawi provides intensive and exclusive wildlife viewing in unspoilt areas of genuine wilderness. Previously perceived as a weakness, public-private partnerships in recent years have transformed Malawi’s parks & reserves. Programmes of re-stocking and increased protection have resulted in a boom in wildlife numbers and the emergence of high quality safari experiences.
Landscape
Malawi has a massive diversity of beautiful landscapes. The highest peaks in Malawi touch 10 000ft (3 000m) while the lowest point is barely above sea level. This range of altitudes in a small area help to make the landscape of Malawi one of the moist varied in all Africa. It is generally a green, lush country, with plateaux, highlands, forests, mountains, plains, escarpments and dramatic river valleys. The variety of scenery is a major attraction to visitors and many of the highland areas and forest reserves have good accommodation options, and plenty of outdoor activities available.
Events
Malawi has a growing number of events that take place annually around the country. The internationally-renowned Lake of Stars Festival, the Likoma Island Festival and the Mulanje Porter Race are just a few of the popular events. Click here to see the full events calendar.
malawi's destinations
Please find out more about the individual destinations by clicking on the links below and if you would like to get some itinerary inspiration, please click on the Malawi Itineraries button (you will be led there from the destination pages as well).
