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
Game Parks in Malawi
Places and attractions in Malawi.
Mount Mulanje is an isolated granite massif, covering over a thousand square kilometres. From a distance, it's hard to believe Mulanje is not a range of mountains, it seems long, rather than high. Yet it is so tall that it creates its own climate, and is known to be unkind, even lethal to those who dare take the mountain for granted. The summit, the highest in south-central Africa at 3000m, is called Sapitwa, which is said to mean 'don't go there', the warning challenges the determined climber. Sapitwa does require experience, though often testing endurance rather than technique. The west face of Chambe peak is the real challenge, offering nearly 1700m of roped climbing and said to be the longest rock climb in Africa.
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.
Herds of elephant drink at the river in the evening-there are around six hundred in the park together with one of the densest hippo concentrations in Africa. Antelope, waterbuck, impala and bushbuck. The extinct black rhino was reintroduced into the park from Kruger National Park in South Africa.
Kayak Africa has built up an excellent reputation in offering relaxed kayaking opportunities amidst Lake Malawi's most beautiful islands. Their unique, comfortable and exclusive camps, built using natural materials blend in perfectly well with the environment. Days are spent relaxing, swimming, and snorkelling with endless amounts of tea, coffee and cold drinks being offered.
Lake Malawi the world's third largest fresh water lake and home to over 800 fish species, a greater number of fresh water species than found in Europe and North America combined. The vast majority of these fish belong to the Cichlid group, brightly coloured and favoured by aquariums worldwide.
The name Cape Maclear, once applied just to the promontory that includes Domwe Island, now refers to the entire area, from Monkey Bay in the East to Kasankha Bay in the West. This is the Nankumba Peninsula, containing Chembe Village and Lake Malawi National Park.
Here was the site of the first mission station, the original Livingstonia. Little remain today with only a few neglected graves. The mission moved up the lakeshore to Bandawe in hope of evading malaria and black water fever, but there too, they suffered. Today the village of Chembe is bursting with people, eking out a living from fishing and tourism in one of the most beautiful places on earth. The first freshwater national park in the world, UNICEF World Heritage Site declared it.
Chintheche Inn is situated on Lake Malawi's northern shores and offers en suite rooms for maximum of twenty. Each room overlooks a white sandy beach, which offers excellent swimming, and interesting beach walks. The inn hasa restaurant and full bar and offers activities such as snorkelling, swimming, boating, kayaking and water skiing.
Local excursions can be arranged from the hotel - bird watching, diving, horse riding, visits to points of local interest and cultural safaris. There is also a swimming pool for those who prefer, with a 180 degree view of the lake.
Nyika PlateauHigh to the West of Lake Malawi is a truly delightful place, unique in the world - the Nyika plateau. Here we see differing aspect of Africa, from green hills rolling into the horizon, peaks clothed in mist, to damp meadows, home to innumerable orchids. This is very wild country, a spectacular landscape.
Most beautiful of Malawi's many parks is Nyika where the bird lover, the flower fanatic and the game viewer will be equally delighted. Proclaimed in 1965, rising to 2600m above sea level and covering more than 3000 square kilometres, montane grasses and bracken soften the contours of this high plateau. Over two hundred species of orchid are found in Nyika. Red and white proteas light the flower-scattered trail.
Vwaza Marsh The low-lying area of Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve is an interesting contrast to the high Nyika Plateau. Most of the reserve is flat and covered with mopane and miombo woodland, but the eastern side is hilly and the reserve is rich in wetlands with the Vwaza Marsh itself in the North and Lake Kazuni in the South. These wetlands provide a haven for animal and bird life.
There is only one camp in the 986 square kilometre reserve. Kazuni Camp is in a spectacular setting on the edge of Lake Kazuni in the Southeast corner of the reserve. In front of the camp an expanse of flat water spreads out surrounded by low lying hill and miombo woodland, with a steady stream of animals coming down to water.
Zomba - For many, Malawi's mountains are the most magical aspect of the country. Just stand on top of the Zomba Plateau and gaze across the Phalombe plains to the majestic Mulanje Mountain, and you'll soon agree. Curled at your feet lies the charming town of Zomba, a one time capital, and now Malawi's university town. The bowl of the mountaintop is a forest reserve, and has a primitive beauty. Among the plantations are patches of indigenous forest, cool streams and high grasslands, and from the viewpoints, Malawi laid out like a relief map. Hike, fish or ride, but take your binoculars and camera.
Dzalanyama Forest Lodge is set overlooking the Makata Stream, amongst the brachystegia trees, which are maintained to attract a wide variety of birds and butterflies that frequent this habitat. It is the ideal retreat from which to enjoy bird watching, hiking and to simply enjoy the solitude of the surrounding forest. Hyena, leopard and recently a small group of sable antelope have been sighted along the regular sightings of baboon and duiker.
