MALAWI

LAKE OF STARS

The Republic of Malawi, is landlocked in southeast Africa that was formerly known as Nyasaland. It is bordered by Zambia to the northwest, Tanzania to the northeast, and Mozambique on the east, south and west. Malawi is over 118,000 km2 (45,560 sq mi) with an estimated population of 16,777,547. Its capital is Lilongwe, which is also Malawi’s largest city; the second largest is Blantyre, the third is Mzuzu and the fourth largest is its old capital Zomba. The name Malawi comes from the Maravi, an old name of the Nyanja people that inhabit the area. The country is also nicknamed “The Warm Heart of Africa”.


Malawi is among the smallest countries in Africa. Lake Malawi takes up about a third of Malawi’s area.


LAKE MALAWI

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 fringed by beaches of golden sand is not only a scenic wonderland but it provides water sport opportunities for those looking for something beyond sun, sand and swimming.

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 fringed by beaches of golden sand is not only a scenic wonderland but it provides water sport opportunities for those looking for something beyond sun, sand and swimming.


MULANJE MOUNTAINS

If you consider yourself a hiker or climber, then please make sure you find yourself on top of Mount Mulanje. At over 3,000 meters, Sapitwa Peak is the highest point in South Central Africa. Mulanje Mountain is also home to the Mulanje Cypress, a 45-meter-tall evergreen tree with dense leaves and cones, which is unique to this massif. If you are interested in gorgeous green views, please use Thyolo Road to treat yourself to the beauty of the sprawling tea estates.

If you consider yourself a hiker or climber, then please make sure you find yourself on top of Mount Mulanje. At over 3,000 meters, Sapitwa Peak is the highest point in South Central Africa. Mulanje Mountain is also home to the Mulanje Cypress, a 45-meter-tall evergreen tree with dense leaves and cones, which is unique to this massif. If you are interested in gorgeous green views, please use Thyolo Road to treat yourself to the beauty of the sprawling tea estates.


GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Climate and temperature

    Climate January-March The “Emerald Season” is one of re-growth, replenishment and rebirth. The birds are breeding and its peak birth season of many animals. The rainfall is at its highest during these months but it mostly falls at night. With the rainfall, the Victoria Falls in neighbouring Zambia is getting to its peak of their flow around March. Weather: Warm / need waterproofs. April-May The rains have gone but there is the odd potential rain storm around. The grass is now tall and green, the skies are clear and the blue, the new generation of birds have left the nests and the migrants start to leave. Weather: Warm in the day and not yet cold at night.


    June-July This is now the dry season and is also our winter. The grass dries up and dies back, this makes for easier sightings when in the Luangwa Valley. Weather: warm days but cold at night and in the early mornings. Jackets needed.


    August, the bush is dry. Weather: Varies from cool to hot. Can still have cold spells.


    September Weather: Hot, dry and hazy. Trees flower and lose leaves.


    October New growth starts – and there are newborns everywhere towards the end of the month. Weather: Very dry and hot with cloud build up, could have occasional rain when it can cool down and clear the air. It can be very hot (up to 45 degrees in the shade).


    November-December An extremely beautiful and exciting time of the year. The migrant birds arrive; excellent bird-watching. The onset of the rains can also bring a deluge of flying ants and other insects (sometimes in pretty big proportions, but normally lasting a few hours). With the insects come the cooler temperatures but also the humidity. Weather: Hot, slightly humid. Early rains, vary from the odd shower to short periods of daily afternoon storms. These can be very dramatic with wind, dark clouds, and shafts of light, sheet lightening.


Share by: