Central African Wilderness Safaris...

Malawi OVERVIEW

Your guide to key attractions and

properties in Malawi.

Malawi is a gem of a country in the heart of central

southern Africa that offers a truly memorable

African experience.

This is a warm and welcoming country that offers

vis itors wonderful beauty, a s tunning lake,

fascinating parks and some of the friendliest people

in Africa. It is no wonder that i t is known as the

“warm heart of Africa”.

CONTACT US

Phone: (00265) 1 771 153/393

International inquiries: [email protected] Local inquiries: [email protected]

Website: www.cawsmw.com

Central African Wilderness Safaris

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Landscape

Malawi is one of Africa’s smaller countries, with a great percent of the country’s area being occupied by the breathtaking ‘Lake Malawi’. The small land-locked country borders Tanzania (which lies to its north), Zambia (which lies to the west) and Mozambique (which forms its Eastern and Southern borders).

The highest peaks in Malawi touch 10 000 ft/3000 m while the lowlands are barely above sea

level. These great contrasts help to make the landscape of Malawi one the most varied in all

Africa. The scenery, including its cloak of vegetation, presents an ever-changing vista. The Lake,

its immediate shoreline and the valley of the Shire River which drains it, lie within the Great Rift

Valley of eastern Africa. From the Lake, a series of escarpments climb to the Central African

Plateau (1600 - 5000 ft / 500 - 1500 m).

Culture & People

The Malawian people are, without doubt, its greatest asset: friendly and welcoming to a fault. Every visitor is met with a smile and the warmth of the welcome is genuine and long-lasting. Malawi is one of the more densely peopled countries of this part of Africa. Most of the population is rural, living largely in fascinating traditional villages. Many of today’s Malawians are descendants of the Bantu people who moved across Africa and into Malawi for hundreds of years up to the fifteenth century.

Wildlife

Malawi’s nine national parks and wildlife reserves cover a great variety of landscape and vegetation types, and include areas of genuine unspoilt wilderness. In the north are the unique Nyika Plateau and Vwaza Wildlife Reserve: one a highland, the other a lowland area. In the south, the best known national park is Liwonde, along the River Shire, but there are also three game areas further south: Lengwe National Park and the wildlife reserves of Majete (recently restocked) and Mwabvi.

Near the southern limits of Lake Malawi is the world’s first freshwater national park at Cape

Maclear. This is one of Malawi’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The big five (lion, leopard, buffalo,

elephant and rhino) can be seen in Malawi as well as a splendid range of antelope and the smaller

cats such as caracel and serval. Hippos are to be found in large numbers, so much so that they

are almost symbolic of Malawi’s wildlife. A safari in Malawi is about memorable experiences, not

tick lists, plenty of game in beautiful surroundings but no convoys of vehicles characteristic of

some African game parks. Visitors are relatively few in number, giving everyone the opportunity

to experience all types of safari: in a 4x4, by boat, on horseback or on foot, in peaceful privacy.

Lake

The jewel in the crown of the country’s tourist attractions is Lake Malawi, “discovered” by the missionary-explorer Dr David Livingstone just over 150 years ago. Although totally landlocked, Malawi is not denied its “inland sea”. This vast body of freshwater is not only a scenic wonderland but it provides water sport opportunities for those looking for something beyond sun, sand and swimming. Its approximate dimensions are 365 miles north to south and 52 miles broad, hence the sobriquet: “the calendar lake”.

MALAWI IN A NUTSHELL

Chelinda Camp and

Lodge

Malawi on the map The purpose of this guide:

Malawi is a country that offers such a diverse range of attractions and properties for you to enjoy during your stay here. Due to the immense variety of options available, this guide has been compiled to help travellers gain a brief overview of different properties across Malawi, their offerings and their price ranges. If you are completely new to Malawi, or would like to know more about the different camps and lodges available across the country, we hope this guide will help you narrow down your search. In the guide below, each property has been given a colour code based on its price. Please note that we have only included select properties which we believe offer variety in each region and also meet our standards of accommodation, safety and services. Whilst there are nine wildlife parks and reserves in Malawi, the ones mentioned in this guide are best for game viewing. To find out more about any of the listed properties or any property not in this guide, please get in touch with us. (c) CAWS & The Best of Malawi brochure (MTMC)

This guide

Highlights

Luwawa Forest

Lodge

Nkwichi Lodge

Tongole Wilderness

Lodge

January – March:

Orchid season in Nyika National Park

July –Early January:

Lakeflies gather in clouds on the lakeshore.

June – August:

Lillian’s Lovebird flocks gather in the hundreds in Liwonde

National Park.

June-July:

Elephant herds gather in the hundreds in Liwonde National

Park.

July/June:

The Lake of Stars Music Festival.

October-November:

The regrouping of Eland herds in Nyika National Park.

May-July:

Crocodile courtship season (Liwonde National Park).

June-July:

Crocodile mating season

December:

Crocodile hatchlings are born.

October – April:

Green Season birding in Malawi

Malawi has two very distinct seasons and travel during these times is enjoyable in different ways. The Green season (from December – April) is when the rains arrive in Malawi turning the landscapes a lush green and shifting the dynamics of many wildlife populations. It is a cool and comfortable time for safaris and is also an excellent time for birding and finding orchids.

Dedza Pottery

Mkulumadzi

Pumulani

Lodge Mua Mission

The Makokola

Retreat

Danforth Yachting

Lodge

Livingstonia Beach Hotel

Zomba Forest Lodge

Ku Chawe Inn

Mumbo Island Camp

& Domwe Island

Lujeri Lodge

Norman Carr Cottage

Heuglin’s Lodge

& Kumbali Country

Lodge

Chintheche Inn Makuzi Beach Lodge

Mvuu Camp and Lodge

Huntingdon House

Kaya Mawa

Lodge

Ntchisi Forest

Lodge

NORTHERN MALAWI Nyika National Park

Nyika National Park is Malawi’s largest (1250 sq miles/3250 sq km) and longest established park. It extends across the great plateau which is essentially a granitic dome rising to 8000 ft /2400 m with an environment that is truly unique to Africa. The montane grasslands are an intriguing biome and over 200 types of orchid bloom in the rainy season. Nyika is wonderful for trekking, mountain biking, and for conventional 4x4 safaris.

Vipyha Forest found in large numbers, so much

so that they are almost symbolic

of Malawi’s wildlife

Manda

Wilderness found in large numbers, so much



Likoma Island found in large numbers, so much

so that they are almost

Northern

Lakeshore found in large numbers, so

much so that they are almost

symbolic of Malawi’s e parks.

Visitors

Chelinda Camp: This comfortable camp comprises four family chalets (with two rooms, a

kitchen, fireplace and bathroom), also available are six twin-bedded rooms. Both full board

and self-catering options are available (making the camp ideal for families and large groups).

Shared public spaces include a cosy lounge, dining area and bar.

Activities: Birding, guided walks, mountain biking, fly fishing, day and night game drives.

Children: Children of all ages welcome.

Price range: Budget – Mid range

Chelinda Lodge: This beautifully appointed 16 bedded lodge offers a luxurious stay in the

highlands. Full board accommodation is in log-cabin styled chalets (each with two floors, a

fireplace, bathroom and viewing deck). A raised dining area overlooks the grasslands with

a bar and lounge. The lodge is the most upmarket property in the area.


Children: Children above age 6 allowed.

Price range: High-end

Nkwichi Forest Lodge: This Lodge is set in a private area of 650 hectares of untouched

shoreline. Each chalet is unique and has been designed to blend in with the pristine

surroundings of the area. This stunning location is the perfect mix of forest, bush and beach

allowing for a luxurious and private getaway.

Activities: Canoeing, guided bush walks, trekking, snorkelling, kite flying and surfing.

Children: Children of all ages are welcome.


Kaya Mawa Lodge: This exclusive lodge consists of seven stone and teak framed thatched

cottages set into a granite headland. All the cottages have private terraces with direct access

to the crystal clear waters of the lake and a secluded beach.

Activities: Quad and mountain biking, kayaking, sailing, PADI certified diving courses.



Viphya Forest

Located 100kms north of Kasungu on

the M1, this small haven of woodland is

a malaria free zone, situated 1560m

(5200 feet) above sea level.




Manda




Likoma Island found in large numbers, so much

so that they are almost

Northern

Likoma Island

Likoma Island, situated in the far north of Lake Malawi, is the larger of two small islands very close to the Mozambique coastline. To visit the island is to step back in time and explore an area that has remained more or less untouched.

Vipyha Forest Found in large numbers, so much



Manda

Northern Lakeshore

Is Lake Malawi at its most varied,

everything from high cliffs dropping

sheer into the lake, to secluded coves

accessible only by boat.

Chintheche Inn: Chintheche Inn is situated on the northern shores of Lake Malawi on what

is acknowledged to be one of Malawi’s finest beaches. The comfortable inn has a homely feel

to it and is ideal for families looking for a reasonable yet enticing holiday.

Activities: Birding, mountain biking, boat rides, village tours, snorkeling and boating. Horse-

riding is available at nearby Kande Beach.


Price range: Budget/Mid-range

Luwawa Forest Lodge: This homely lodge has four chalets with en-suite facilities; twin

bedded rooms, a hostel block and camping facilities. The main lodge has a bar and

restaurant. The lodge is run on solar and wind power and drinking water is filtered from

nearby streams.

Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, orientation, team building and nature walks.

Children: Children of all ages are welcome.

Price range: Mid-range

Manda Wilderness

Located in Mozambique, this is a 120,000 hectare community reserve of unspoilt wilderness - brachystegia and riverine forest, savannah, swamps and streams and miles of beach.




Manda




Makuzi Beach Lodge: This privately owned lodge has three superior chalets (these

chalets have bathrooms, a large living space, tea/coffee facilities and a mini-bar fridge).

There are also six standard chalets and two family chalets.




CENTRAL MALAWI

Nkhotakota Reserve

A vast 700 sq miles/1800 sq kms of

rugged terrain consisting of rivers,

miombo woodland, occasional grasses

and rainforest.

Tongole Wilderness Lodge: This eco-friendly lodge is located deep within the beautiful

miombo woodland of the 1,800km2 Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve. All rooms are luxurious,

open-fronted, riverside suites on the banks of the lovely Bua River which blend in perfectly

with their unique natural setting.

Activities: Trekking, canoeing, game drives and village tours.

Children: Children age 12 and above are welcome unless entire lodge is booked.


Ntchisi Forest Reserve

One of only two remaining montane

forests in Malawi and is famous for its

birdlife.

Ntchisi Forest Lodge: This lodge is a 1914 colonial building with an old world charm about

it. Accommodation is available in a large family room, comfortable double rooms and single

rooms. The lodge is a fusion of colonial and African styles and allows for a reasonable yet

enticing holiday.

Activities: Birding, guided walks, mountain biking.



Lilongwe

Was made Malawi’s capital in 1975 by

the country’s first President, Dr Banda

(born just north of the town). The Old

Town is distinct from the new Capital

City, the two parts are separated by a

wildlife sanctuary. While the former

retains some of the appearance of a

traditional African settlement, the City

has much in common with other

twentieth century urban developments

around the world.

Dedza

A wonderful forest town, overlooked by

the Dedza mountain and surrounded by

the hills south-east of Lilongwe.

Mua Mission

The site of the KuNgoni Centre of

Culture & Art, established in 1976 by a

Canadian missionary Fr. Claude Boucher

Chisale.

Central Lakeshore

Does not have quite the variety of the

Northern Lakeshore, nor the number of

lodges found to the south, but there are

still a number of places of scenic and

historical interest.

Heuglin’s Lodge: This attractive rambling house is situated in the leafy suburbs of Lilongwe

(just 10 minutes from the city centre). The guesthouse has eight spacious rooms and is ideal

for first time visitors, stop-over guests, NGO consultants and business guests.

Facilities: The lodge has a business centre with internet access, photocopying and printing

facilities.



Kumbali Country Lodge: This stylish private lodge is ideal for the professional traveller, with

16 thatched rooms providing comfortable and airy accommodation. All rooms have their

own entrances, en suite bathroom and private verandas.

Activities: Birding, forest walks and cultural tours.



The Chongoni rock art area is the granite hills surrounding Dedza. Where the densest

collection of ancient rock art paintings can be found.

Dedza Pottery: The shop at the Dedza Pottery offers a wide range of handcrafted pottery.

Figurines in a variety of sizes attractive hand painted tableware (plates, mugs, jugs and

teapots. Bathroom-ware and tiles are also available.


NB: Dedza pottery serves as a great stopover point from LLW to Mvuu Camp/Lodge.

Mua Mission: Mua Mission is found just off the main lakeshore road, the M5. The mission

is famous for the quality of the wood carvings produced (and sold) there. The Chamare

Museum is also a highlight at Mua which describes the history of the three main ethnic

groups of Central Malawi.


NB: Mua Mission serves as a great stopover point from Mvuu and Mumbo on the way to

Chintheche Inn.

Livingstonia Beach Hotel: Livingstonia Beach Hotel is the oldest established hotel on the

lakeshore and is built in the old colonial style with white washed walls and 35 spacious airy

rooms. This ‘resort’ styled accommodation makes for a relaxing holiday on the lakeshore.

Activities: Wind surfing, paddle boating, water skiing, birding, nature walks, tennis

snorkelling trips to Malera island and village excursions



SOUTHERN MALAWI

Monkey Bay

Is a Lake port with a sheltered harbour

which is the starting point for the Ilala

lake ferry. Round the headland is Cape

Maclear and the world’s first freshwater

national park.

Norman Carr Cottage: This six roomed cottage styled lodge is located on the Southern

shores of Lake Malawi in the Namakoma bay. The accommodation is airy, comfortable with

four poster beds in the bedrooms (all of which are beach facing). The rooms are large and

have outdoor showers and an ante-room for tea and contemplation.

Activities: Snorkelling and sunset cruise, cultural tours and guided walks upon request.



The Makokola Retreat: This hotel is located on the palm fringed beaches of Mangochi. The

beach chalets are hand-built (accentuated by locally sourced wooden beams and traditional

artwork beneath a thatched roof). The rooms are close to the beach and interconnected by

pathways through beautiful gardens.

Activities: Snorkelling, sailing, skiing, knee-boarding and island excursions.



Cape Maclear

A town in the Mangochi District of

Malawi's Southern Region. The town,

situated on the Nankumba Peninsula, is

on the southern shore of Lake Malawi

and is the busiest resort on Lake

Malawi. Cape Maclear is close to the

islands of Domwe and Thumbwe on

Lake Malawi and is in Lake Malawi

National Park.

Pumulani Lodge: The Pumulani villas are nestled in the hillside and their cooling grassed

roofs blend in with the rock and trees of the surroundings. Each villa has been individually

designed but they all have a spacious bedroom, bathroom and sitting area. Pumulani is one

of the more luxurious lakeside options.




Danforth Yachting Lodge: The Lodge has eight en-suite, air-conditioned rooms, tastefully

decorated in cool, nautical colours and all opening onto a large patio. All rooms have

spectacular views of the lake and look out over Thumbi West Island. This is the ideal lodge

to enjoy a variety of water related activities.

Activities: PADI scuba diving centre, sailing, water-boarding, water-skiing, snorkelling,

birding, nature walks and village tours.



Domwe Island Camp: This basic yet exclusive adventure camp. Accommodation consists of

three fully-furnished safari tents and two tent sites, complemented by a dining area with bar

and a water sport gazebo.

Activities: Scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, boat rides, birding and scenic walks.



Zomba

The Zomba Plateau is unique. A great

slab of a mountain rising to 6000ft

(1800m), it has vast tracts of cedar, pine

and cypress.

Ku Chawe Inn: Ku Chawe Inn provides commanding views of the old colonial capital Zomba.

All rooms have en-suite bathroom facilities, satellite TV and log fires for chillier nights on the

plateau.

Activities: Guests can explore the botanical gardens, the Commonwealth War Graves

memorial, the old Parliament and Zomba plateau by foot.



Mangochi Lakeshore

At the southernmost end of the Lake,

has the greatest concentration of hotels

and lodges. Along this stretch are a

number of low rise hotels, some with

adjacent camping sites.

Lake Malawi National

Park

This UNESCO World Heritage Site,

includes a land area as well as the Lake

waters and islands. Here is a veritable

aquarium of tropical fish providing a

colourful kaleidoscopic display. The

countless thousands of freshwater fish,

the cichlids, are more abundant and

varied here than anywhere else in the

world

Mumbo Island Camp: This pristine deserted island camp is tucked away on the rocks and

beaches of a serene bay and crystal-clear waters. Accommodation features tastefully

furnished tents and a family unit with shaded decks, hammocks, en-suite hot bucket showers

and ‘eco-loos’. The waters of Lake Malawi National Park Mumbo the ideal place for

snorkelling.




http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangochi_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malawi

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Region,_Malawi

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Malawi

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Malawi_National_Park

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Malawi_National_Park

Blantyre

Blantyre has its origins with the Scottish

missionaries and was named after David

Livingstone’s birthplace. The centre of

Blantyre is compact with most services

and shops around a triangular core.

Attractions include a major museum, a

church with Livingstone connections,

some interesting old colonial buildings

and the shops and markets.

Ryall’s Hotel: Accommodation at the Protea Hotel Ryalls comprises 120 deluxe en-suite

rooms, each with separate bath and shower cubicles. The rooms are spacious, elegant and

comfortable.

Activities: Wining and dining facilities are available at the hotel.



Casa Mia Lodge: Situated in Blantyre, Casa Mia is just a stones throw from the city centre

and the major hotels, banks and shopping areas. All of our rooms are en suite with queen

sized double beds, satellite TV and WIFI facilities.

Activities: excellent restaurants for wining and dining as well as ‘The Blue elephant’ bar.



Mount Mulanje

East of Thyolo, is Central Africa’s highest

peak. Mt Mulanje is a mix of basins and

peaks, valleys and forests, streams and

waterfalls.

Lujeri Lodge: This lodge is located on a tea estate in Mulanje. The Lodge has four basic

bedrooms with en suite bathroom facilities and sleeps 10 people. This basic lodge serves as

a good base point for exploring the Mt. Mulanje.

Activities: Estate walks and drives to the foothill of Mt Mulanje.



Huntingdon House: This luxurious lodge is situated in the highland area of South Blantyre,

dominated by Thyolo Mountains and surrounded by the rolling tea estates. There are luxury

suites which are set in the immaculate gardens.

Activities: forest and tea estate walks, mountain & quad biking, clay pigeon shooting.



Majete Reserve

Majete has an ongoing restocking

programme making it a great game

viewing destination.

Mkulumadzi Lodge: The eight luxury chalets comprise a spacious bedroom and lounge area,

en-suite bathroom with sunk-in bath and double basins, outdoor double shower and private

viewing deck.

Activities: Game-drives, boat safaris bush walks, hiking Majete Hill, black rhino tracking,

cultural tours and birding.



SOUTHERN MALAWI CONT… Zomba

(Cont) The plateau top is crisscrossed by

streams and there are tumbling

waterfalls and still lakes.

Zomba Forest Lodge: This lodge comprises five en suite bedroom and was originally the

Lodge was the home of a Medical Officer Dr Sanderson who served on the famous British

Naval Ship the HMS Gwendolen.

Activities: Birding, walking and hiking trails on the plateau.



Thyolo

Tea has been grown here since 1908 and

the area has the appearance of a vast

but well-kept garden.

Liwonde National Park

Although only 210 sq miles/310 sq km,

Liwonde is the most popular of all

Malawi’s game parks. Game viewing is

enhanced because the River Shire flows

along its western border. The area is

filled with elephants and the river

attracts countless hippos and crocodiles.

Antelope include kudu, sable and

bushbuck. Black Rhino have been re-

introduced and birding is incredible with

over 400 bird species.

Mvuu Camp: This comfortable wilderness camp comprises 12 chalets (including family units)

all located opposite the Shire River in Malawi’s premier wildlife destination. The main dining

and lounge area overlook the river and a swimming pool and children’s play area make it an

ideal family safari camp.

Activities: Guided day & night game drives, boat safaris, birding, guided walks, village and

local school tours. Rhino walks (coming soon).



Mvuu Lodge: This luxurious wilderness lodge is situated on a quiet lagoon that flows into the

Shire. The 16 beautifully furnished ‘Hemingway styled’ tents have outdoor showers and a

private deck.

Activities: Guided day & night game drives, boat safaris, birding, guided walks, village and

local school tours. Rhino walks (coming soon).

Children: Children above age 6 are welcome.


Central African Wilderness Safaris...

Documents

Transcript of Central African Wilderness Safaris...