Travel & Immigration

Heading south from Lilongwe, highlands are soon encountered at Dedza, which also has its famous pottery and nearby Chongoni Rock Art, a World Heritage Site. Continuing into South Malawi, Blantyre is the country’s largest town, with historical monuments and a variety of attractions close by. South of Blantyre, the Lower Shire Valley is home to three protected areas: Majete Wildlife Reserve (now a Big 5 Reserve); Lengwe National Park and Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve. An hour east of Blantyre is the magnificent Mount Mulanje reached via the privately owned Chimwenya Game Park and the beautiful Thyolo tea estates. Beginning the return north, the old capital town of Zomba and the views from Zomba Plateau are a short drive away.  A little further on is Liwonde National Park, Malawi’s most popular and best established game park. Lake Malawi is reached initially at a strip known as the ‘Mangochi lakeshore’ where there is a great choice of accommodation. From there it’s a short drive to Cape Maclear/Lake Malawi National Park and its range of attractions. Back in Central Malawi, Senga Bay is reached via the interesting Mua Mission, and then it’s a short return to Lilongwe.

With all major airlines now flying in to Blantyre as well as Lilongwe, it’s also possible to do a southern circuit beginning and ending in Blantyre, or one which begins in one city and ends in the other

Dzalanyama Forest Reserve: Only a short distance from Lilongwe, although a little out on a limb rather than part of the main circuits, offers the perfect start (or end) to a Malawi journey, with surroundings of endemic trees, birds and butterflies. Dzalanyama Forest House offers comfortable accommodation.

Dedza & Chongoni: the famous Dedza Pottery, is the largest handcrafted pottery in southern Africa, is a major attraction but its setting, as the base of Dedza mountain is also a draw. Nearby, the Chongoni Rock Art area is now a World Heritage Site.

Around Blantyre: Chimwenya Game Park is close to Blantyre and home to the impressive Game Haven lodge. Continuing east, the Tea Estates at Thyolo are beautiful, with stunning views across to Mulanje and the Lower Shire Valley. It’s possible now to stay in a renovated colonial estate manager’s house on the Satemwa Estate at Huntingdon House – a boutique lodge with a rich history – and its sister property, Chawani Bungalow. For hikers and climbers, Mount Mulanje is a must. Accommodation is basic on the mountain but Kara O’Mula at its base is much more comfortable and Africa Wild Truck Camp & Lodge is a charming place to stay with a few budget-friendly options.

Lower Shire Valley: south of Blantyre, this previously neglected area is now becoming much more accessible. There are no less than three protected areas, with lots of development underway. Accommodation is available at Fisherman’s Rest at the edge of the Thyolo Escarpment, overlooking the Lower Shire Valley just south of Blantyre. In Majete Wildlife Reserve, Sunbird Thawale Lodge and the Majete Community Campsite provide en suite bush tents and camping sites respectively whilst a highly luxurious lodge, Mkulumadzi, is run by Robin Pope Safaris.  Nyala Lodge has been welcoming international guests to Lengwe National Park for a number of years now.

Zomba Plateau: fabulous views and forest activities including walking, trekking and mountain biking. Accommodation is at the unique Sunbird Ku Chawe – right on the edge of the plateau and the charming Zomba Forest Lodge, with Hill Springs Lodge providing a convenient alternative just outside Zomba town for those not venturing up onto the plateau.

Liwonde National Park: Malawi’s best park for game, with safaris on offer by boat, 4×4 or on foot. Mvuu Lodge and sister property Mvuu Camp offer up- and mid-market accommodation beside the River Shire. The new Kuthengo Camp by Robin Pope Safaris opened in April 2018.

Lakeshore: on the southern/Mangochi Lakeshore lies The Makokola Retreat, Sunbird Nkopola Lodge and Zaburi Beach by Serendib. Near Monkey Bay is the highly regarded Norman Carr Cottage, with its remote sister property, Chikulu opposite it on the far side of the Lake. At Cape Maclear/Lake Malawi National Park, there’s a choice of Mumbo and Domwe Island camps, Warm Heart Adventure Lodge or the upmarket Pumulani, Robin Pope Safaris. Slightly further north, Senga Bay has Sunbird Livingstonia Beach, a colonial-style hotel, Kumbali Lake Retreat,two Serendib properties – Blue Waters & Kambiri Beach, plus the self-catering Kuwona Cottage.

Each of Malawi’s regions, and the country as a whole, can offer itineraries at upmarket and mid-market levels. They can be relaxed, or packed with a variety of activities. There are also plenty of specialist niche activities/tours which can be catered for, including: cycling; diving; eco-tourism; trekking; birdwatching; weddings & honeymoons; and many more.

It’s also now quite straightforward to combine sections of Malawi with its neighbours. Malawi & Zambia is a long-standing combination, particularly utilising Lilongwe’s proximity to South Luangwa. Malawi & Tanzania and Malawi & Mozambique are now also possible, using air charters.