Malawi is a little known gem of a country in the heart of central southern Africa that offers a true African experience at a relatively low cost. It is a long and narrow landlocked country, covering more than 1000 kilometers from north to south. Lake Malawi, nearly 600km long and up to 80km wide, dominates the country side.
There is no country in all Africa that has its geography so sculptured and determined by Africa’s Great Rift Valley, the largest single geographical feature on earth. This ancient 5000 km-long geological formation bisects much of Africa from Egypt to Botswana and boasts a bewildering array of habitats and lush vegetation. Towering mountains, lush, fertile valley floors and enormous crystal – clear lakes are hallmarks of much of the rift valley – and Malawi displays them all. Fertile soils are a result of the rift valley and evidence of this is to be found every where in Malawi. Throw a seed to the ground and plant grows.
Malawi’s scenery is diverse and the habitats are varied. And its lowest point, the country is only about 35m above sea level; its highest point, mount Mulanje, is 140km away and over 3000m above sea level. Between these altitude extremes, there are rolling hills, plateaus, cool misty mountains and wide ranging scenery. Each of the many diverse habitats protected within Malawi’s nine national parks and game reserves – from elephants to orchids.
For those keen on experiencing African culture in all its complexity and beauty, Malawi is a warm and welcoming country that offers visitors wonderful scenery, fascinating parks and some of the friendliest people in Africa. It is no wonder that it known as the “warm heart of Africa.”
Things to See in Malawi
There are several attractions in Malawi. Though Malawi is less known to tourists it is one of the few countries with unique attractions.
Where to Go
Liwonde National Park
Liwonde national park is considered the most prolific wildlife area in Malawi, despite its size – only 580 sq km. Named after chief Liwonde who championed the protection of this area, the park is generally flat with fertile alluvial soils accounting for its lush beauty.
Lake Malawi
At approximately 600 km from north south and in places up to 80km wide, Lake Malawi, the third largest water body in Africa, constitutes roughly 20% of Malawi’s surface area. It dominates the eastern side of the country and harbors a wide range of underwater habitats including sandy, weedy, rock-sand interface and reed beds. There are also a number of dotted islands across the lake, separated from the mainland by sandy flats and deep water.
