At Explorations, we believe that if you follow the crowd, you’ll go no further than the crowd. In Malawi, you’ll find a magical, gently beguiling destination still undiscovered by the masses.
If you already know Africa well or are in search of an unrushed safari combined with utmost relaxation, then Malawi is the place for you. Long, thin and landlocked, the country sits at the southern end of the Great Rift Valley. Offering a stunning variety of landscapes, well-run national parks, and, of course, its extraordinary lake, it’s a destination for those in the know.
The country’s main draw, Lake Malawi, is Africa’s third largest. Over 300 miles long and up to 50 miles wide, it is home to a wonderfully biodiverse ecosystem. Here you can snorkel or dive among more than 500 brilliantly coloured species of cichlid, swim, sail and kayak through warm, gin-clear waters and relax on white sand beaches every bit as enticing as those that fringe the Indian Ocean further east.
"There’s no doubt that there are rewards for straying off the beaten path. Make sure that Malawi is on your radar if that’s the way you like to travel."
Away from the lake, you can walk scarcely trodden trails across open heather moors that, apart from the odd herd of zebra and roan antelope, will remind you of the Scottish Highlands. On the cool tea-cloaked slopes of Mulanje, surely one of Africa’s most beautiful mountains, you can live the life of a colonial planter while searching for rare orchids and shy forest birds, getting in a little climbing and enjoying afternoon teas, everything just as it should be.
Sweeping down to the lowlands, you’ll find heat and, with it, the classic sights, smells and sounds of raw, wild Africa. Liwonde is a Big Five national park offering fabulous sightings of hippo and elephant as they wallow in the Shire River, and excellent nocturnal safaris that reveal the rarely observed activities of species such as aardvark, pangolin and spotted hyena. Majete Wildlife Reserve, through the inspiring rewilding work of African Parks, has once again become a premier safari destination rich in wildlife after years of neglect and poaching.
From a cultural perspective, there’s plenty on offer too. On the plateau south of Lilongwe, you can explore Central Africa’s densest cluster of rock art sites and buy from some of the continent’s finest wood carvers and potters. In the old capital Blantyre, spend an afternoon at the Society of Malawi, poring over its treasure trove of books and historical resources and gaining a glimpse into a Malawi that few ever experience. Malawi’s moniker as the Warm Heart Of Africa is well deserved. Clients who visit will invariably mention how genuine and friendly its people are. Try and count the number of smiles you’ll receive as you visit its bustling markets selling freshly caught fish, fruits and vegetables along with beautifully woven baskets and hand-printed textiles.
This warmth carries over into Malawi’s accommodation which ranges from classic safari lodges to tented wilderness camps and tropical island hideaways. There’s no doubt that there are rewards for straying off the beaten path. Make sure that Malawi is on your radar if that’s the way you like to travel.
