Only when you get to Malawi will you understand why it is fondly referred to as the ‘Warm heart of Africa’. Though one of the least developed countries in Africa, Malawi has diverse attractions and a rich culture that draws people from around the world. Malawi is a landlocked country in southeast Africa, bordered by Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique. Lake Malawi separates this country and Tanzania to the northeast and is one of the major attractions here. Getting to Malawi is facilitated by air transport to and from the country’s major airports. These include the Lilongwe International Airport in the capital and the Chileka Airport in Blantyre. Buses are the main means of getting around Malawi because taxis are quite scarce around the cities and towns. Water transport is also available along Lake Malawi operating on established routes.

Malawi’s attractions comprise of picturesque landscapes, the famous Lake Malawi and wildlife. From the Nyika plateau to the magnificent 10,000ft Zomba and beautiful valleys, Malawi will take your breath away. It has about nine Wildlife reserves which will treat you to authentic wildlife. The Kasungu, Nyika, Vwasa, Marsh and Liwonde national Parks and game reserves are some of the most popular with visitors to Malawi and they will treat you to diverse wildlife species including lions, elephants, leopards, zebras, large herds of buffalos and antelopes among others. The Lake Malawi National Park is very popular too, with the lake leaving in its wake thriving flora and fauna.

Besides the exciting safaris, there is so much more to indulge in, in Malawi. Watersports in Lake Malawi cannot get any more thrilling from scuba-diving, snorkelling, swimming, waterskiing and sailing to kayaking. Fishing will also offer you the ultimate relaxation as you savour the cool ambience by the lake side. At the Nyika Plateau, you will get an opportunity to explore this marvel of nature on horse back while cycling through the Nyika is quite popular with visitors.

The cities have so much in store too. In the capital Lilongwe, you will enjoy the beautiful sights of gorgeous architectural buildings as well as its ancient establishments. There are also some exciting markets from where you can get all the African regalia you need in beautiful and unique African designs. Malawi’s largest town, Blantyre has on the other hand a National Museum, the St. Angels Church and the Mandala House both of which are some of the oldest buildings here. In Malawi however, the nightlife is a dull one with nothing much more than a few restaurants and hotels offering some entertainment in the evening as patrons have their dinner.

Malawi’s specialty is fresh fish from Lake Malawi, particularly chambo (Tilapia). Other national dishes include white maize eaten with vegetables, meat or fish and Nthochi which is bread made with bananas. In the cities and towns are good restaurants specialising in diverse cuisine including European, Chinese, Italian and Korean. Your accommodation needs are well catered for in a wide selection of lodging options. At the national parks and game reserves are luxurious lodges with full catering, while hotels along the shores of Lake Malawi and in the cities and towns are in plenty. If you are feeling wild enough, you can opt to go camping or caravanning. All in all, Malawi is a worthwhile tourist destination; you will keep coming back to the Warm heart of Africa.