Malawi

Whether Malawi is calling you for its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes or beautiful beaches, you’re guaranteed to fall in love with the country for a multitude of reasons.

Holidays in Malawi can take many forms, thanks to the nation’s three distinct regions which offer such contrasting opportunities and sights.

The north is the place to go for beach holidays in Malawi. While the country doesn’t have a coastline, being landlocked between Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia, the small matter of Lake Malawi provides all the opportunities you could wish for from any coastal retreat. Although, referring to the Lake as a ‘small matter’ is completely misleading, as it’s roughly the size of Belgium!

Chintheche and Kande are two of the beaches to be enjoyed on Lake Malawi’s shores and their stretches of white sand and crystal-clear waters could transport you to the Caribbean in a heartbeat.

And there’s also fantastic wildlife to be experienced in Northern Malawi, at both Nyika National Park – the country’s largest – and Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve. At the former, visitors can spot leopards, lions, zebras, elephants and spotted hyenas, while at the latter, hippos, elephants and buffalos roam the shores of Lake Kazuni.

Due to its vast size, tourists can also take advantage of Lake Malawi’s diverse offerings when in Central Malawi. At Lake Malawi National Park, water sports including kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling and swimming can be enjoyed.

Lilongwe, the capital, can also be found in Central Malawi. Here, visitors can get a sense of culture and trade at the crafts market or pay a visit to Lilongwe Wildlife Trust, which provides support for injured and orphaned animals.

But for a really bustling city, head to Blantyre in Southern Malawi, where tourists can experience a live tobacco auction and visit historical sites such as Mandala House and St Michael and All Angels Church.

Malawi’s most popular game park is also located in the south – Liwonde National Park – where, thanks to the diversity on offer through grassland, marshland and woodland, is home to a huge variety of animals and birds.

Keen hikers will also want to head to Mount Mulanje and Zomba Plateau for the ultimate outdoorsy Malawi holidays.