Malawi trip | Private tour versatile Malawi

Lake Malawi is the crown jewel of this beautiful country. It is one of the largest, longest and deepest freshwater lakes in the world. Numerous fishing villages are scattered along the shore, but there are also still vast uninhabited golden beaches. Known as 'The Lake of Stars', Lake Malawi's natural beauty attracts travellers from all over the world. It has more fish species than any other freshwater lake in the world, offering more than 600 species of fish in Lake Malawi National Park alone. The 590-kilometre long and 85-kilometre wide lake is the third largest lake in Africa and covers a fifth of Malawi's total area. At 700 metres deep, it is incredibly deep with its lowest point more than 200 metres below sea level. The lake boasts impressive wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, ospreys and more than 1,000 species of brightly coloured endemic cichlids.

Lilongwe is the capital and also the largest city in Malawi. Lilongwe is the country’s economic and transport hub. The city boasts thriving markets and a rich cultural heritage. Whilst the city has undergone all the urban developments of the twentieth century, it retains the character of a traditional African settlement. The Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, situated in the heart of the city, provides a sanctuary for local wildlife.
Other attractions in Lilongwe include the Kumbali Cultural Centre, where visitors can watch traditional Malawian dance, and the nearby Chongoni Rock Art Area, which features more than 127 sites with ancient rock paintings.

The African country of Malawi, situated in East Africa, is also known as ‘The Warm Heart of Africa’ due to the friendly welcome visitors receive from its hospitable people. Malawi is a small country bordering Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique and remains largely undiscovered by other travellers.
Lake Malawi, a large freshwater lake, and the beautiful surrounding beaches make it a paradise for those seeking an annual destination for swimming, diving, snorkelling, water-skiing, sailing, kayaking or simply enjoying a boat trip. Malawi also boasts numerous national parks that provide a sanctuary for a wide variety of wildlife, including crocodiles, lions, elephants, hippos and even leopards. The best-known national park is Liwonde National Park, bordering the Shire River, which is home to many hippos.
For culture lovers, the country offers a wealth of fascinating historical and cultural attractions, as well as visits to traditional Malawian villages to meet some of the smiling Malawians going about their daily lives. With its exceptional culture, natural landscape and the friendliness of its people, this unique African country is captivating enough to enchant any traveller.

Dedza District is a large area in Malawi’s Central Region, best known for its four forest reserves. Of these, the most exceptional is Chongoni, which encompasses an archaeological area featuring over 100 ancient rock art sites. Scientists believe these were created during the Stone and Iron Ages, constituting the most significant collection of cave paintings in Central Africa. Dedza Mountain is a popular hiking spot – it stands at over 2,000 metres and takes about two hours to reach the summit. At the foot of the mountain lies the region’s capital, Dedza City, surrounded by wooded hills. It is a convenient place to stock up on essentials and buy local pottery, for which the area is famous.

Set in a range of hills roughly 50 kilometres south-west of Lilongwe by road, encompassing a watershed forming the border between Malawi and Mozambique, the Dzalanyama Forest Reserve is an area of outstanding beauty known for its lush forests, rich flora and birdlife. The area is home to numerous exotic tree species, epiphytic orchids, incredible ferns and wild mushrooms. The abundant ‘Miombo’ birdlife and rare species such as the olive-headed weaver, miombo pied barbet, Boulder Chat, White-Tailed Flycatcher, Black-eared Seedeater and Stierling’s Woodpecker also inhabit the landscape here. Dzalanyama Forest is perfect for day trips and offers wonderful opportunities for hiking, game viewing, mountain biking and swimming in its delightful array of mountain pools, streams and waterfalls. The area is also a sacred place: many in Malawi believe it to be the site of creation.

The town of Thyolo is located between Blantyre and Mount Mulanje, in perhaps the most beautiful region of Malawi. The city serves as the administrative capital of Thyolo District. The area is best known for its historic tea and coffee plantations, some of which date back to the early 1900s. With rolling hills and perfectly maintained coffee and tea plantations, the Thyolo area is a special place to visit, whether by bike, car or on foot. Stunning views of Mount Mulanje and the Shire River Valley in the distance are a highlight of the region, as are excellent opportunities for birdwatching, hiking and mountain biking. Some of the estates also offer guided tours where you can explore the farm and learn how the plantations work.

Located in southern Malawi, Blantyre is a pleasant, lively yet laid back city. It was a key trading post during the 1800s and today remains the country's economic capital, with many banks and businesses. The city's architectural highlight is the St Michael's and All Angels Church. This late 19th century building was designed by the acting reverend of the time and constructed with the help of the villagers. A close second is the Mandala Building, the city's oldest structure, built in 1882 and crafted entirely of natural materials - homemade bricks held together with a cob mixture of mud and grass. Don't miss a visit to the inhouse gallery, which features artworks, as well as an intriguing photographic exhibit documenting the history of Malawi and Blantyre.

Mumbo Island is every ecotourist's dream. This remote islet, covering just one square kilometre, is virtually uninhabited and covered in pristine miombo forests, interspersed with ancient fig and baobab trees. It is surrounded by the calm, crystal-clear waters of Lake Malawi, where you can swim and snorkel among schools of brightly coloured tropical fish. You may also encounter the island's only mammalian inhabitant: the playful and curious spotted otter. The only resort on the island is built with sustainable, natural materials that blend beautifully with the pristine surroundings.

Cape Maclear is located on the southern shore of Lake Malawi, at the tip of the Nankumba Peninsula. It is a small resort town surrounded by mountains and next to the beautiful Lake Malawi National Park. The town offers a range of beachfront bars and local restaurants. All this in a spectacularly beautiful setting of golden sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Cape Maclear is an adventurer's paradise; for example, you can kayak to nearby Thumbi Island and spot the majestic bald eagle, cruise the lake with a picturesque African sunset, or dive into the crystal clear depths of the lake, which promises some of the best freshwater diving in the world. Other popular activities include birdwatching, windsurfing, hiking, swimming or shopping in the local markets.