Malawi

This long thin, land-locked country is dominated by the Great Rift Valley which forms the chasm filled by Lake Malawi. There is a huge variety in Malawi’s natural landscapes, from 3,000m highland peaks to the beautiful white sand beaches of Lake Malawi. Highlands and escarpments are found throughout the country, however Nyika in the north, with its vast rolling grasslands, is unique in Africa. Much of the Nyika Plateau lies in Malawi’s largest national park, and this protected area is rich in wildflowers, birdlife and game.

Lake Malawi is Africa’s third-largest lake, covering more than 20% of the country in water, and in the north a remarkable 700m deep. The crystal clear water is mineral rich and with an estimated 700 varieties of fish, provides a good harvest. Traditional fishing villages can be found the length of the lakeshore, but there are still miles of untouched golden sandy beaches.

Malawi is a superb destination to explore on foot, and has a three main distinctive walking landscapes – the highland plateaux in the north and south, the gentle undulating landscapes around Lake Malawi and safari walking in the national parks.

Whilst Malawi has not traditionally been known as a safari destination, there are nine well established national parks and in recent years these have been undergoing a transformation thanks to new investment. Liwonde in the south is Malawi’s longest established park and offers the best game viewing in the country. Wildlife includes large numbers of elephants, kudu, sable and bushbuck.

The Shire River attracts countless hippos and crocodiles, and black rhino, and most recently, cheetah, have been re-introduced into the park. Birdlife is exceptionally varied. The river attracts fish eagles, and weaver birds build their nests in the thin woodland. Pel’s fishing owl is often seen at dusk along the river’s edge.

Take a walk on the wild side with our new Nyika Plateau & Liwonde Walking Safari and you will soon discover what makes Malawi such a fantastic destination for those seeking a new safari experience in Africa.