Malawi is known as “The Warm Heart of Africa” for a good reason. Not only are its citizens friendly and welcoming, but this African nation has so much to offer. For those looking for a safari, hoping to see the Big Five, or hiking up a mountain to enjoy the view, Malawi is perfect. Even better, Lake Malawi is almost like an inland sea, with beaches, boat cruises and delicious fresh chambo fish. Meanwhile, this small African country is more affordable than many other nations on the continent. Here we explore the top four places to go and things to do in sunny Malawi.
1. Sunset at the beach at Lake Malawi
Anyone visiting the country must plan to head to Lake Malawi. Almost like an inland sea, the lake has beaches to relax on, clear water for a refreshing swim, and many colorful fish to see while snorkeling. Water skiing and kayaking are also enjoyable ways to spend time at the lake.
Meanwhile, at a number of villages along the shore like Senga Bay, boat trips are available, best timed to catch the glorious lake sunset. Alternatively, the MV Ilala has been running on Lake Malawi for many years and does a weekly run up and down the lake, stopping off at villages along the way. The boat was built in 1949 and is still going strong.
For somewhere to stay, a number of resort villages line the shores with basic but comfortable accommodations. Meanwhile, in villages like Cape Maclear, Malawian owned and run lodges welcome visitors, who then give back to the local people directly. One of the best is Nkhata Bay where visitors can shop for handmade curios and eat the deliciously fresh, local chambo fish.
2. Majete Wildlife Reserve – an affordable way to view wildlife
In the past, Malawi suffered from decades of poaching, but the national parks have been restored. Thanks to the African Parks conservation organization, the Big Five animals have been reintroduced to the park. While a safari in some African nations is incredibly expensive, here you can see the best wildlife at a fraction of the cost.
Besides the Big Five, i.e. lion, leopard, black rhinoceros, African bush elephant, and African buffalo, you are likely to see other species. These include the pretty impala, waterbuck, warthogs, zebras and more. For accommodation, Malawi offers a range of options from tented camps to luxury lodges. One midrange choice is Thawale Camp, which sits at a watering hole where all the creatures gather from dawn onwards. Meanwhile, the best time to visit for viewing wildlife is during the dry season from April to August. After that, the weather starts heating up and the rains begin.
3. Visit the Lilongwe Wildlife Center
Malawi’s capital city isn’t a memorable place, but it is definitely worth visiting the Lilongwe Wildlife Center. Located in woodland on the outskirts of the city, the center dedicates itself to rehabilitating wild animals, including bushpigs, hyenas, baboons, servals and more. Once rehabilitated they are wherever possible returned to the wild.
The center offers a wonderful educational experience for visitors as well as beautiful walking trails and a café.
4. Visit the elephants of Liwonde National Park
Staying with wildlife, Liwonde National Park is set on the banks of the Shire River, offering wonderful wildlife viewing. Visitors can stay at a lodge within the park for a true feeling of nature, where the elephants regularly visit. Lying in your bed with the sounds of nature surrounding you is a thrilling experience indeed. While there, make sure to enjoy a boat trip on the river to see the hippos in their natural environment.