MALAWI
Malawi is a very beautiful and friendly country situated along one side of the enormous Lake Malawi (formerly Lake Nyasa). Having gained independence from Britain in 1964, Malawi, under the President for life Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda, alienated its neighbours for many years by maintaining friendly relations with South Africa at a time when the 'Frontline States' (Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique) sought to isolate that country by trade and political boycott.
Page through tourism brochures at your local travel agency and you will find that the Malawi holidays are most often described using tons of clichés - think ‘the warm rhythm of Africa’ and ‘reconnect with your primal roots’. This might make an African holiday to the region seem a bit too good to be true, but in fact it couldn’t be more true - Malawi is actually capable of living up to the hype due to its awe-inspiring scenery and hospitable locals.
The country’s biggest tourist attraction has to be the famous Lake Malawi, an incredibly beautiful body of water that stretches some 500km along the country’s eastern border. The northern lakeshore is the location of various isolated villages, while the Liwonde National Park is situated at the southern extreme. The lake is home to approximately 500 kinds of fish and provides the perfect spot for some freshwater diving and snorkelling. If you prefer to keep your feet dry, however, there are various land-based activities you may enjoy. Visit Mount Mulanje or the Nyika National Park for incredible scenery and some of the best hiking routes around.
Many travellers use Malawi merely as a stopover on their African travel experience, which is really a shame as the country has so much to offer in terms of sheer beauty and novel tourist experiences. We recommend that you take the time to explore the untamed highland wilderness, wallow in the lake’s balmy waters or simply immerse yourself in the local culture - you won’t be sorry.
Malawi statistics:
Capital: Lilongwe
Population: 8.71m
Literacy: 50%
Life Expectancy: 49 years
Per Capita Income: US$ 200.00
Currency: Malawi Kwacha (MK)
