Malawi, known fondly as the ‘Warm heart of Africa’, has opened all land and air borders to international visitors. As showcased in a recent African Travel and Tourism Association-hosted webinar, the country has a wide range of offerings for visitors, and pairs well with tours to neighbouring Zambia and Mozambique.
One of its most well-known attractions, Lake Malawi, offers snorkelling, diving, and kayaking experiences for visitors. Cycling and hiking are also popular activities for tourists, Mike Varndell, Managing Founder of Malawian tour operator, Crafted Africa, points out.
The destination is known for its warm climate with a mild winter and great diversity of scenery, with attractions including safaris, forests, beaches, islands and cities. Arrivals need to show proof of full vaccination and a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.
Another point of pride for Malawi is the Majete Wildlife Reserve, a Big 5 national park that also boasts cheetahs and giraffes, and offers game drives, walking and boat safaris. There are two lodges on the reserve, which is just a two-hour drive from Blantyre’s Chileka International Airport.
Liwonde National Park is a proud conservation success and recently successfully reintroduced lions, cheetahs, Black rhinos and Wild dogs. Varndell hints that “leopards are apparently next on the list” of conservation milestones for the park, which also offers educational helicopter rides for sky-high safaris.
Malawi’s first-ever wine festival
For travellers wanting a different experience, Malawi’s very first wine festival, based in the capital, Lilongwe, is coming up on June 4. The festival will be held at Kumbali Country Lodge and be hosted by several African wineries, the ATTA webinar highlighted.
Travellers can also take the opportunity to visit the Satemwa Tea Estates year-round, which connect easily to the nearby Mulanje Mountain.
“Mulanje Mountain is Malawi’s answer to Kilimanjaro, without the crowds. It is affordable and combines well with kayaking Lake Malawi, walking Zomba Plateau, walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park, and more,” adds Varndell.
