Can you place Malawi on the world map of your living room or the planisphere of your room? Can you briefly describe the physical geography of this state? What is its capital? Do you know even a few snippets of its history? What are the emblematic animal and plant species that make up this region? These few questions could well disorient, disorient and confuse your old friends, your best friends and your French-speaking acquaintances because Malawi is, unfortunately, one of those countries that are generally unknown. However, this southern African territory, located between Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique, has many assets: a truly captivating population, mountains towering over the clouds, rolling hills, exquisite sandy beaches, a lake with fish-filled waters, shimmering and dotted with islands and islets, a vibrant culture and traditions, the presence of the big five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo), natural reserves and parks "on a human scale", tourist infrastructures in constant improvement or even a gastronomy giving pride of place to fresh and local products (chicken, fish, fruit, vegetables...).
A wide range of landscapes
Although its surface area is relatively small (less than 120,000 km2), the Malawian territory is a patchwork shaped by geology, climate and people. From the thicket of the Lower Shire Valley to the freshness of the southern (Zomba, Mulanje massif) and northern (Nyika, Viphya) highlands, a vast palette of colours similar to the country: blond and bitten sand from the coves of Lake Malawi, ochre and brown soil from the berets, viridity of the tea plantations and forests... Refreshing and ideal for sporting activities (hiking, mountain biking, etc.), the highlands (between 1,500 and 3,000 metres above sea level) are home to waterfalls and basins, conifer plantations, projections, outcrops and rocky chaos, as well as remarkable local fauna and flora; do not miss the efflorescence of orchids on the Nyika plateau at the beginning of the rainy season! The plains, with many variations depending on the altitude, latitude and nature of the soil, are dotted with small plots dedicated to food production and large land holdings where sugar cane, rubber trees, tea or pines grow. Coffee plantations (around Mzuzu) and green tobacco leaves also decorate the countryside.
Malawi, a land of safaris
Malawi can boast of the richness of its national parks and forest and nature reserves. Less imposing and less well known than their Kenyan and Tanzanian neighbours, the country's parks benefit from their small size and low use. Managed by non-governmental organizations (African Parks, Peace Parks Foundation...) or by the government, they are very diverse: Nyika National Park in the north, with its morning mists, its undulating natural meadow dotted with groves and its chilly nights, looks like New Zealand or Scotland (zebras, leopards, hyenas and antelopes in addition !) while in the south of the country, the Majete Reserve and Liwonde Park are dominated by savannah and much higher temperatures. Majete can pride itself on welcoming the big five into its perimeter. Liwonde is famous for its high concentration of crocodiles, hippos and elephants on the banks and in the waters of the Shire; it is also, for the time being, the only park in Malawi with a population of cheetahs. In short, everything is gathered for a pleasant game drive (4x4 safari) or a hike to discover the flora, birds and large mammals.
Unmissable lake
Lake Malawi, nestled in the Rift Valley, occupies about 20% of the area of the eponymous state. It is remarkable in more than one way. Fish scientists and divers appreciate the nearly a thousand species of cichlids, most of which are richly coloured and endemic, that inhabit this imposing body of water, while local fishermen derive a large part of their income from fish caught in their reefs, foremost among which are chambo, kampango (a mastoc catfish) and usipa (a lilliputian sardine). Finally, local and international tourists can relax on the beaches surrounding the lake, particularly at Senga Bay and Cape Maclear, listed resorts, or enjoy one of the activities offered by tour operators and lodges: kayaking, snorkeling (diving with mask, fins and snorkel), fishing, clear wave vesper cruise... Visiting the islands - like Likoma, surrounded by Mozambican territorial waters - and the islets - renowned for their beauty, calm and, if necessary, their lodge - is also a must!
A history, culture and traditions to discover!
Malawi, previously known as Nyassaland, has a handful of small, informative museums, some civil and religious buildings dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, several contemporary architectural works and rock paintings probably dating back to the third millennium BC. The museums (Kungoni Centre of Culture and Art in Mua Mission, Stone House in Livingstonia and Cultural and Museum Centre in Karonga) provide interesting information on the Chewa, Yao and Ngoni (don't miss the imposing masks and ornaments used by the Chewa during the Gule Wamkulu, a ritual dance, displayed at Mua Mission), on the missions and the first missionaries, on the first hominids who lived in the area some 2.5 million years ago...
In addition to traditional homes and houses, architecture enthusiasts will be able to take a look at Mandala House, Malawi's oldest building (1882), Blantyre, churches and mission buildings (such as St Michael and All Angels Cathedral, with its brick facings, also in Blantyre) and more recent achievements such as the Parliament, Kamuzu Banda Mausoleum or the First World War Memorial in Lilongwe. Last but not least, an excursion to the Chongoni site (on UNESCO's World Heritage List), not far from Dedza, is required to admire the parietal drawings that have adorned the region's balms since time immemorial.
The tourist maturation of the Warm Heart of Africa
Warm Heart of Africa? This is the name adopted by local authorities and tourism professionals to designate Malawi and to increase its tourist attractiveness. It must be noted that the tourist offer has been significantly increased over the last twenty years. Today, the country has a wide range of accommodation, from luxury lodges and hotels to small, unpretentious pensions. A parallel can be drawn with the catering sector, since the range of establishments ranges from the gargote to the refined table delighting the taste buds of gourmets, as well as restaurants serving local (such as chambo or chicken with peri-peri...) or international (Indian, Korean, Chinese, Italian, etc.) dishes. The activities offered are also numerous: trekking, kayaking, fishing, cycling, diving, game drive, volunteering, visiting villages, workshops or museums, bird watching and all kinds of activities. In addition, major hotels usually have one or more rooms equipped for seminars, meetings, receptions or ceremonies. Finally, a handful of tour operators can facilitate or even organise team building activities
Smart info
When? When? All year round. During the rainy season (November-April) nature is dressed in green, flowers bloom and tourist numbers are lower. However, violent squalls can make many trails impassable and outdoor activities random. The dry and cool season (May to August) is probably the most pleasant time to visit the country. September and October are dry and (very) hot: this is nevertheless the best time to observe the rich local birdlife.
Getting there. There are no direct flights between Europe and Malawi. From Paris, the airlines serving the destination are Kenya Airways (via Nairobi), Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa) and South African Airways (via Johannesburg)
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