Malawi

Malawi is instantly recognized on Africa`s map due to its predominant feature, Lake Malawi.  This 350-mile long lake is part of the rift valley lake system and has an incredible diversity of unique freshwater fish. Malawi is a naturalist`s paradise, and boasts as rich a variety of large mammals as most African countries. There are over 170 species of mammals and some 649 recorded species of birds in its National Parks.

In 1965 Nyika National Park became the first certified park in Malawi. The Nyika is covered in moor-like, treeless grasslands, endless rolling hills, occasionally interrupted by pockets of evergreen forest in the ravines and valleys. There are numerous waterfalls on rivers flowing off the high plateau. The plateau is remote, wild and beautiful providing dramatic scenery and panoramic views. Nyika is home to large herds of zebra, eland, roan antelope, sable antelope, lichtenstein`s hartebeest, kudu, reedbuck, bushbuck, duiker, warthog, and more than 300 species of birds. Nocturnal animals include leopard, hyena, jackal, civet cat, honey badger, porcupine and aardvark. Due to the absence of lion in the park, it is possible to go on a foot safari of up to 5 days.

Nkhotakota Reserve is situated 115km to the North East of Lilongwe, on top of the Rift Valley escarpment above the lake. It is the oldest established reserve in Malawi. The Bua River cuts through the middle on route to the lake. and provides a excellent spot for a bit of fishing for mpasa and Lake Salmon (permits are required). There are no open plains but elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and hyaena can all be found in this area. Birdwatching is especially rewarding with more than 300 species being recorded, including Pel`s Fishing Owl and Palmnut Vulture.

Lake Malawi National Park was designated a National Park in 1980 was established to protect the unique diversity of tropical fish living there. The isolation of this huge lake has led to the evolution of more than 400 species of fish, of which 95% are found nowhere else. The great majority are brilliantly coloured tropical aquarium fish, many of them types of cichlid or mbuna. Most aquarium fish have their origins in Lake Malawi. The National Park is the most important freshwater fish sanctuary in Africa.  The shores of Lake Malawi provide a tropical paradise for visitors wishing to relax on the beach or participate in water sports.

Liwonde boasts having one of Malawi`s largest elephant populations, which can often be seen bathing on the rivers edge along with the Hippos. Large concentrations of sable antelope, as well as kudu, duiker and oribi can be found in the Mopane bush. The plains are home to waterbuck, reedbuck, other antelope as well as lion. Birds are abundant, including the more common species such as fish eagle, jacana, white bellied cormorant and the rarer Lilian`s lovebird. The vegetation here is diverse ranging from the swamps, lagoons and reed-beds along the river edge, grassland in the better drained areas where palm, sausage and baobab trees grow, whilst elsewhere there is Mopane woodland, and some dense woodland.

Malawi has some of the best hiking and mountaineering opportunities in East Africa.  The mist-shrouded Zomba Plateau and Mount Mulanje, southeastern Africa`s highest peak, are for those looking for something more challenging.  Malawi also has plenty to offer the more casual hiker, including multi-day treks within several of its national parks.