Liwonde National Park along the Shire River, is truly evocative of a vanishing Africa. Hippos bask in slow moving pools and crocodiles lurk on mudflats. The trees crowd the river, pressing in on it in lush exotic green dampness. Here is the dream of Africa that has lured explorers along this very river into the heart of Africa >> read more
Lake Malawi Adventures
Lake Malawi is unique in Africa in having beach resorts and water sports, so any trip here can have a relaxed element. Wildlife viewing is also excellent, particulary when coupled with a trip to the adjacent Luangwa valley in Zambia. There is also wonderful trekking in the mountain areas of Mulanje, Zomba and Nyika.
Trips can be arranged to all of these areas in any combination, and an interesting extra is to hire a car for a few days and explore the country on your own.
A lodge accommodation consists of seven exclusive cottages hewn out of the granite headland, together with a honeymoon suite located on its own private island in Lake Malawi.
The honeymoon island
From the Lodge, and connected by a walkway, and is totally private, hidden from view from the rest of the lodge accommodation by a giant pod mahogany tree growing from its mount. A pair of Fish Eagles hunt for the tree, and from October to January we have a resident pair of yellow billed kites nesting in it. The private and exclusive holiday cottage blends into the rocks, with the whole back wall made up of a huge slab of granite.
With the sights and sounds of Lake Malawi lapping all around you, you get a real sense of being tucked away from the world on your own exclusive private island.
Walking:
Likoma Island's small size, 8km x 4kms (its the same size as Guernsey), friendly people, panoramic views and car-free roads make it a walkers' paradise. You can also take mountain bikes from the lodge and explore. The "town" is a 45-minute walk from the ecolodge accommodation, taking you through traditional fishing villages, across the baobab plains to where the steamer stops twice a week. This is the only transport to and from mainland Malawi and most of the population turn up to help with the unloading. It's a great opportunity to watch the hustle and bustle of Island life. From the port it's a short stroll to the heart of the Island - the Magnificent Cathedral - over 100 years old and still one of the largest buildings in the Country.
The Cathedral is built on the site where the first missionaries witnessed witches being burnt at the stake. Hence the name Chipyela - "The Place of Burning". A visit to the town beach is a must. Watch the Mozambican dhows arriving with maize, cassava and firewood to trade with the Islanders. The cobbled market is set in a charming square, with traders selling all manner of provisions. The Banana Sellers store their goods in a hollowed out tree in the middle of the market.
Diving:
Likoma and Chizumulu Islands are widely regarded as having the best diving in Lake Malawi. 80% of the world's aquarium fish come from here and over 800 species, many endemic to the lake, have been discovered to date. With no tides, no currents and freshwater, it is the ideal place for someone to learn with PADI Open Water Diving Courses on offer - not only that but all year round it is lovely warm water
facilities.
The beds in most rooms are mahogany 4 poster, 8 foot long and 7 foot wide, from the bed you get a view of water, with the mountains of Mozambique 7 kms away to the east, and amazing sunsets over the Malawi mainland to the west. The honeymoon island has an open air bath, loo with a view, 2 sun decks, and a handheld radio for room service. All rooms have decks / verandahs you can walk straight into the water from. The bar area is raised above the lake with stunning views and a deep swimming pool. Dining takes place usually al fresco on one of the restaurant / bar decks.
Activities include:
Snorkelling, Windsurfing, Walking, Water Skiing and Wakeboarding, Laser Sailing, Fishing and Canoeing