Malawi is known as the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’, offering glorious scenery and the almost uncanny rich blue of the sparkling lake. It is not as game-rich as neighbouring Zambia. But the African Parks NGO has revived its wildlife reserves. And so Malawi is now once again home to all the Big Five as well as plentiful plains game including elephant.
Add in its marvellously friendly and laid-back people, superb flora and the beaches of Lake Malawi, and you have a real hidden gem! So if you enjoy combining a safari with some relaxation on the beach. And if you like to meet the local people in an uncontrived way, then a safari holiday in Malawi could be perfect for you.
Malawi Holiday Destinations
This small sliver of a country is dominated by Lake Malawi, the most appealing of the great lakes of Africa. Indeed this ‘lake of stars’ is three quarters of the length of Malawi! Its crystal clear waters are teeming with colourful fish. (Lake Malawi is one of the most popular freshwater scuba diving locations in the world!) Plus its sandy beaches make a great spot for relaxing after a Malawi safari.
Further south are the wildlife reserves. The scenic Liwonde National Park has huge herds of elephant. And the revitalized Majete Game Reserve, rich in magnificent sable, offers a variety of game.
Also in the southern lowlands are the tea plantations of Satemwe. Rising above them are the peaks of Mount Mulanje and the Zomba Plateau with hiking, mountain biking and walking trails on offer.
Getting around on a Malawi Holiday
Travel within Malawi is relatively easy. Most of our clients use road transfers between Lake Malawi, Liwonde, Majete and the capital city of Lilongwe ( or Blantyre.) Seat-in-charter light aircraft flights give access to more remote destinations such as the Nyika plateau and Likoma Island for Kaya Mawa lodge.
If you enjoy being active when on safari with bush walks, mountain biking or horse-riding all on offer, then opt for a tailor-made Malawi holiday tour.
Alternatively you can combine Malawi with a safari in Zambia for the best of both worlds.
