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Malawi

Malawi is not always the first place you think of for a safari or holiday in Africa, but it really should be considered as it has plenty to offer.

The cliche of Malawi being the "Warm heart of Africa" is actually probably true! Incredibly friendly people, a good climate, a gorgeous lake and some great wildlife ... what more could you want from a holiday or safari in Africa? 

The scenery here is diverse, though the focus is the lake and the mountains. There is a great range of activities including horse riding on the Nyika Plateau, hiking on Mount Mulanje, diving and snorkelling in Lake Malawi or cycling round the countryside. 

The roads are reasonably good and fairly quiet and there is a good network of light aircraft flights linking destinations too. 

The Lake provides a perfect place to relax and unwind after a safari or more strenuous activities, and there are many places where you can visit local villages and towns and have fun getting to know the real people of Malawi!  Malawi provides an Africa safari or holiday with a difference.

Featured Accommodation

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  1. Chintheche Inn

    Chintheche Inn

    A well established small hotel on the northern shores of Lake Malawi.

  2. Danforth Yachting

    Danforth Yachting

    A luxury small lodge and yacht charter company based in the Lake Malawi National Park area.

Malawi highlights

  1. Lake  Malawi - swimming, snorkelling, diving, sailing, kayaking. 
  2. Culture - meet some of the friendliest people in Africa.
  3. Hiking - great trails around Mt Mulanje, Zomba and the Viphya
  4. Liwonde National Park - a very picturesque park on the Shire River with plenty of elephants. Boat safaris and the stunning birdlife are a highlight here.
  5. Likoma Island - a remote, peaceful place near the Mozambique shore with a unique British style cathedral, no traffic, laid back life style and the perfect place to get away from it all!

Weather

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Sunny Heavy rain Heavy rain Rain Sunny with Cloud
Sunny with Cloud
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Min temp
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Max temp
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Client Comments

View a map of Malawi

Malawi

Language

English is the official language but not widely used in rural areas. The most common local language is Chichewa.

Visas

Not needed for most nationalities but check with your embassies before travel. If travelling to Nkwichi Lodge you will need a Mozambique visa.

Health

No vaccinations are compulsary but several are recommended. Yellow Fever certificate required for Nkwichi Lodge (Mozambique). See your GP for advice.

Best times to go

Malawi is a year round destination but some activities are better at different times of the year. The heaviest rain falls generally between February and March and windy season on the lake tends to be around June / July. The lake is calmest and best for snorkelling and diving between November and March which is also the hottest time of year. May - July can be quite cool and very cold indeed in the highlands.

Getting there

International flights to Malawi are either with Kenya Airways (via Nairobi) or South African Airways (via Johannesburg) daily and into either Lilongwe or Blantyre. Locally, there are frequent connections with neighbouring Zambia. Within Malawi light aircraft link local destinations.

Foreign Office Travel Advice - www.fco.gov.uk/travel

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