Highlights of Malawi

Welcome to verdant expanses and breathtaking mountain views! The Shire Highlands in Malawi boast of rolling green tea estates that contrast beautifully with the purple jacaranda trees of the region. Mount Mulanje in the distance makes for a gorgeous backdrop to this plateau, which is one of the agricultural hotspots of Malawi. For the leisure traveler the region has much to offer - you can enjoy lovely walks through the large tea plantations or in the rainforest, go on coffee or tea tasting excursions, ride a horse into the beautiful surrounding areas, explore various trails on mountain or quad bikes, go bird-watching!

Go for a leisurely holiday experience with a touch of colonial magic and a dash of adventure and excitement with our range of activities. Take in the spectacular view of the coffee fields as you take a walk or hike through the walking trails and dirt paths of the Shire highlands. See the coffee fields set against a beautiful landscape of hills and meandering rivers unfold before you. Relish the sunset from a high point with Mt. Mulanje and the Shire River as a vibrant backdrop. Opt for mountain biking to explore breathtaking views of the estate and the surrounding areas at your own pace. Take a tour of our coffee fields with skilled guides who will explain the process of coffee growing to make it a learning experience for you.

In southern Malawi, Majete Wildlife Reserve covers about 700km² of fairly rugged, hilly bush of the Lower Shire Valley - and has been intensively protected and re-stocked with game since about 2003. Vegetation is diverse, ranging from moist miombo woodland in the western hills, to dry savannah in the east with prominent thickets along the riverbanks. Up to date, more than 2,550 animals of 12 different species have been reintroduced to Majete. These include most notably elephant and black rhino. Others include buffalo eland waterbuck hartebeest impala zebra and warthog Resident mammal species that were present in Majete prior to intense poaching in the 1990s. These were the kudu reedbuck the common duiker bushbuck Sharpe's grysbok, suni and the bush pig.  As part of the undertaking to rehabilitate the reserve to create a functioning ecosystem, an extensive restocking program was initiated. The reintroduction of all species was based on historic records of their occurrence in the area.

Embark on an exciting adventure with game viewing which includes the Big 5 of Africa. Our morning and night guided game drives give you the opportunity to track the diverse wildlife of the Majete Wildlife Reserve—elephant, black rhino, leopard, buffalo, eland and sable. For a profound safari experience, join in on a bush walk to view the prolific wildlife, flora and fauna from close quarters. The Reserve boasts of 130 kinds of wildlife species you can feast your eyes on. For birding enthusiasts, Majete Wildlife Reserve is the place to be, with over 300 species of birds. Opt for a leisurely boat safari down the Shire River to see the scenery around you up close along with some excellent game watching.

Enjoy walks, hikes and cycling tours at the spectacular Zomba plateau! The table-top mountain has wonderful streams, waterfalls and lakes, covered with vast tracts of cedar, pine and cypress forests. The top of the plateau stands at over 1,800 meters, with sharp edges which drop dramatically towards the valley below. The area offers amazing views of southern Malawi from the top and along the woodland paths to waterfalls and streams, where you can try a spot of fishing. The plateau overshadows the former capital of Malawi - the old colonial town of Zomba famous for its historic colonial architecture and bustling markets!

Liwonde lies at the southern end of Lake Malawi. While the wildlife here does not match other African parks. it has among the best bird watching in Southern Africa. The park is dominated by the Shire River, with its banks covered in lush vegetation and ideal for boat safaris. Observe hippos, elephants, sable antelope, waterbuck and crocodiles, whilst waterbuck wade in lagoons and marshes. The open savannah and hills of the interior attract antelopes and there are a few covert rhino, lion and leopard. It is best to enjoy game drives and walks during the dry season between June and October.

At Mvuu Camp, enjoy game drives as you explore the Liwonde National Park, and you will marvel at the sheer magnificence and difference between day and night life. The park has large numbers of animal species such as the impala, reedbuck, zebra, waterbuck, warthog, rhino, and majestic elephants. With guided bush walks also on offer, gather knowledge about the various plants, animals, insects, and birds that inhabit and call the Malawi area home. Enjoy a boat safari on the remarkable Shire River and discover the African species that dot the riverside.

Enjoy clear waters, unspoilt beaches and lush forests! An Inland Sea and the third largest lake in Africa, Lake Malawi is also one of the cleanest freshwater lakes in the world. Spectacular mountains drop down to the lake in the north while long stretches of golden beaches lie on the south. With rocky reefs and several small islands, the lake is a fantastic diving destination and has more fish species than any other lake in the world! Explore the undeveloped shoreline on the northern side, or visit Livingstonia which is mixture of colonial architecture and dusty, tree-lined streets and offers a fascinating glimpse into Malawi's colonial past.

Two cities in one? The capital of Malawi since 1975, Lilongwe is the seat of parliament with the State House situated here. It’s the ideal gaetway to the country with its hub of major air and road route. The city has two distinct parts.The Old Town has the appearance of a traditional African settlement, with vibrant street life and a large walled market selling everything imaginable. In contrast, the spacious and green garden Capital City has its roots firmly in the 20th century, with gleaming modern buildings, wide boulevards and verdant gardens. The Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary is worth a visit, with its spotted hyena, porcupine, bush pig, bushbuck, velvet monkeys and crocodiles.