Destination Malawi
In a Nutshell
Promoted as the "Warm Heart of Africa", Malawi is not purely a safari destination. The game is not as prolific and spectacular as in other countries so it will appeal to the more seasoned African traveller. Little-known and relatively underdeveloped but also not as touristy as its illustrious neighbours. Malawi has great sandy beaches and friendly people and is considered safe for tourists. Now is the time to visit.
Climate
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(average high temp in degrees c and average rainfall in mm) for Lilongwe
Facts
Size: 118,484 Sq Km
Population: 13.0m (2006)
Capital: Lilongwe
Flying Time: Lilongwe 12 hours 45 mins
People: Mainly Chewa, also Nyanja, Tambuka, Yao, Lomwe and Sena
Languages: English and Chichewa are both official languages
Major Industries: tobacco, tea, sugar, cement and sawmill products
Currency: Malawi Kwacha (MK)
Visa: Not required for UK passport holders
Time: GMT +2
Budget: From £2350 for 2 weeks
Background
Malawi is an undulating landlocked country bordering Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique at the southern end of Africa's Great Rift Valley. It is a small, densely populated and relatively poor country dominated by the 600 km long Lake Malawi which covers 20% of the country. Lake Malawi is Africa's third largest lake (365m long and 52m wide - hence the "Calendar Lake"). Because of the topography, temperatures vary considerably by season and rainfall also varies widely with the central and northern lakeshores having the highest. The Nyika, Zomba and Mulanje plateaux have cooler weather with morning mists.
Malawi is 0.5 times the size of the UK.
There are 11 National Parks and 70 Forestry Reserves.
| Principal Parks and Reserves | ||
| • Lake Malawi NP | • Kasungu NP | |
| • Liwonde NP | • Nyika NP | |
| • Vwaza Marsh GR | • Lengwe NP |
Highlights
Lake Malawi - David Livingstone's "Lake of Stars"
Nyika and Zomba plateaux for horseriding and fishing
| Activities | ||
| • Game drives and walks | • Boat trips | |
| • Hiking and trekking | • Climbing | |
| • Fishing | • Scuba diving and snorkeling | |
| • Sailing | • Kayaking | |
| • Horseback safaris | • Waterskiing | |
| Best for | ||
| • Fishing, swimming, diving, snorkelling, • sailing at Lake Malawi |
• Untouched beauty and stunning • scenery |
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| • Game viewing away from the crowds | • Warm and friendly people | |
| When to go: All year though Jun-Aug is possibly best | ||
| • Nov-Apr = summer, May-Aug = winter | • Late Nov-Apr = rains | |
| • May-Sep = driest, Jan-Feb = wettest | • Oct-Nov = hottest, Jun-Jul = coldest | |
| • May-Oct = best game-viewing | • Nov-Jan = best birding | |
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