Malawi

Known affectionately as the “warm heart of Africa”. Malawi is one of the friendliest countries in Southern Africa, offering a true African experience in terms of scenery, wildlife and people. It is long and narrow, dominated by the great blue shining Lake Malawi. The Great Rift Valley cuts into Southern Africa creating the magnificent fresh water Lake. Along this beautiful expanse of water - stretching approximately 560 kilometers - lay thatch roof fishing villages, sugar and cotton farms and a profusion of mango and baobab trees. In the high country on plateaus above dramatic escarpments, tea plantations abound. There are plains and marshlands and mountains, so there is no lack of imposing and dramatic scenery.

LAKE MALAWI - one of Africa's great lakes - is a beautiful and intriguing stretch of water, where the traveler can unwind and relax from the rigors of a safari. Filling one of the deepest clefts in the Great Rift Valley and surrounded by mountains, the lake has magnificent beaches, excellent snorkeling opportunities and great bathing in clear, fresh water. It has one of the highest concentrations of freshwater fish on earth, estimated at 1 000 species, including an extraordinary 225 described species of colourful endemic cichlid fish. Snorkeling in the warm clear waters is an experience not to be missed. The lake is also home to hippo and crocodiles and an abundance of birds - from the great fish eagle to the glorious kingfisher.

LIWONDE NATIONAL PARK - lies south of the lake on the Shire River as it flows out of the lake. Particular to this park are the various habitats that it encompasses including floodplain and swampland.

BLANTYRE & LILONGWE are the two major towns in Malawi, both dating back to British colonial days. The craft markets in both towns are worth a visit for the intricately carved art work and the famous Malawi chairs