Malawi

Located on the River Lilongwe, the country’s capital is a laidback city with an unforgettable charm. Attractions include a hike up Nkhoma Mountain located 50 kilometres south-east of the city with spectacular panoramic views, a visit to the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre at the heart of the city with its woodland trails, the bustling stretch of bars and restaurants that line the Old Town district and the Kanelolo Curios Market full of local paintings, wood carvings and jewellery.

A world heritage site and the world’s first freshwater national park, the Lake Malawi National Park features stunning tropical blue waters teeming with endemic fish and rocky islands, sandy beaches and jungle terrain home to diverse species of birds, reptiles and mammals. Watersports are popular: scuba diving, wakeboarding, tubing, kayaking, snorkelling. There are also excellent hiking trails around the park. For lovers of diving and water activities, Lake Malawi National Park is simply paradise.

Located 65km east of Blantyre and central Africa’s highest peak at an impressive 3000m, Mount Mulanje is the go-to destination for serious hikers. Called ‘The Island in the Sky’ by locals, it’s easy to see why. Located 65km east of Blantyre, Mount Mulanje offers a network of winding trails through tea plantations and forests with idyllic waterfalls and rock pools – and not to mention awe-inspiring views. The peaks are steep and rocky and span in difficulty from moderate to technical.

At the tip of Nankumba Peninsula, Cape Maclear is both a working fishing village and a popular tourist stop. Known locally as Chembe, this small enclave is surrounded by forested mountains and is famed for its sandy shores and granite rocks. Rich with antelope, hippos, baboons, African fish eagles and colourful cichlid fish, attractions include diving at Otter Point, kayaking, snorkeling and boat trips. With its turquoise waters and unspoilt beaches, Cape Maclear is Malawi’s version of Côte d'Azure.

Nestled in the north-east corner of Lake Malawi in Mozambican waters is the idyllic island of Likoma. Accesible via ferry or charter flight, Likoma is a tropical paradise that’s also home to Central Africa’s third largest cathedral St. Peter’s, well worth a visit to view its stained glass and carved soapstone choir stalls. Attractions include diving, swimming, snorkelling, quad biking through the baobab trees, visits to local craft vendors. Take a boat trip to nearby Chizumulu Island or to neighbouring Mozambique.

Part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley in south Malawi close to the city of Blanyre lie the woodlands, river valleys, granite hills and lush riverine forests of Majete. One of two official game reserves in Malawi offering the Big 5, wildlife congregates around two rivers, the Shire and Mkulumadzi and can be viewed on night game drives, walking safaris or boat trips. Majete is an African conservation success story with anti-poaching initiatives and the reintroduction of endangered species.

Located at the centre of Malawi near the southern end of the lake, the crystal-clear waters of the Marelli islands offer an awe-inspiring destination for divers. There’s as much to explore above water as there is below - the region hosts an abundance of 850 species of fish, some of which are endemic to the archipelago. Bird lovers can spot kingfisher, eagles, weavers, herons or the elusive red duiker. Marelli offers a spectacular range of activities to explore and enjoy.

North of Blantyre and close to the Mangochi Lakeshore is Liwonde, one of Malawi’s most popular safari spots with its stunning riverine setting and excellent game viewing. Hippos and crocs hang out on the Shire riverbank while zebra and kudu try their best to evade falling prey to the leopards and lions lurking on the plains. Elephants frolic in the lagoons and the river attracts fish eagles, weavers and Pel’s fishing owl. Fascinating cultural experiences are hosted just outside the park.