Although the Republic of Malawi is one of the world’s least developed countries, it has probably the world’s friendliest population! In cultural terms, holidays in Malawi are especially authentic and in-depth as well as being wonderfully enjoyable.  Add to this all the ingredients for a favourite African destination such as superb birding, interesting and varied gameviewing, the stunning Lake Malawi and much of geographical interest and one has the makings of a really memorable holiday; Malawi is one of our best destinations.  Malawi was formerly known as British Central African Protectorate, Nyasaland, and the country gained its independence in 1991. Agriculture predominates economically, with tourism also being important. Over one fifth of the country is taken up by the enormous Lake Malawi which is one fifth of the country’s 118,500 sq km area and runs almost the entire eastern length of the country. [1] sailing africa With its rolling plains, rounded hills, highlands, mountains and the lake the climate of this narrow, elongated plateau country is sub-tropical with breath-taking scenery.

Malawi’s birding is superlative near the lake and in the marshes and highlands, a Malawi holiday is truly exceptional for birders and is one of our favourite birding destinations with over 600 recorded species. Most visitors to Africa come for the wildlife and a Malawi safari certainly has its fair share, including some predators and good elephant, antelope and river/marsh dwelling species populations; but wildlife in Malawi is not at the density of, say, Tanzania to the north. However, in terms of tourism, there is so much else to see and do that Malawi can be said to be one of the most “rounded” countries in Africa.

A Malawi holiday is incomplete if one does not stay for a few days on Lake Malawi. The lake’s measurements are easily remembered at (very) roughly 365 miles long by 52 wide and, of course, the eastern side of the lake is actually in Mozambique as the Mozambique/Malawi border runs down the lake   [2] holidays malawi There is swimming, scuba diving, canoeing, windsurfing and kayaking on the lake’s crystal clear freshwaters so one can be as adventurous as one likes or, alternatively, just laze on the sand beaches or in the little inlets. [3] lake malawi holidays The Lake Malawi Marine Park was actually the first park in the world to protect the marine life of a fresh, deepwater, lake so the variety of cyclids (tropical fish) in the lake are amazing and goggling or diving near the rocky outcrops is akin to swimming in an aquarium; There are various yachts one can charter for a few days or a week - the sailing is excellent - before, perhaps, heading up to the highlands to the tea plantations and the cooler weather or to see some game.. (It is refreshing that some lodges in Malawi are exceptionally comfortable and very personable without being super-luxury, both in the bush and on the lake; the norm is also excellent guiding).

Malawi’s wonderful culture and crafts such as pottery will probably be one of the over-riding highlights of a visit as well as its scenery and geographical variation. The current inhabitants were preceded by bushmen then Bantu tribes who emanated from Angola followed by Arab and Portuguese merchants who visited when the country was then dominated by the Maravi people from whom the country derives its present name.

Finally, Malawi is a rare beast indeed: a destination which can be all things to all people as holidays in Malawi can easily be combined with Zambia, South Africa, Tanzania or Mozambique.