Sights in Malawi
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Nature Sanctuary
The Nature Sanctuary is an incredibly peaceful wilderness area by the Lingadzi River. Take a taxi here though; it's not safe to walk. There is a signposted network of walking trails, and the information centre lists the birds and animals that may be seen. There is also a small, and rather unpleasant 'zoo' area, which consists of a few precarious looking cages filled with mangy-looking hyenas, monkeys and crocs.
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Mt Mulanje
Mt Mulanje (also called the Mulanje Plateau) rises steeply from the undulating plain of the highlands, surrounded by near-vertical cliffs of bare rock, many over 1000m (3280ft) high. The cliffs are dissected by vegetated valleys, where rivers drop in spectacular waterfalls.
It is often misty here and Mulanje's high peaks sometimes jut above the cloud, giving rise to the local name 'Island in the Sky'.
This is one of the finest areas for hiking in this part of Africa. There are clear paths up the mountain, several huts and stunning scenery. Up on the plateaus there are clear mountain streams (safe for drinking) and swimming holes where you can cool off in the icy water.…
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Tobacco Auction Floors
For a view of Malawi's economic heart, go to the public gallery overlooking the tobacco auction floors at the vast Auction Holdings warehouse about 7km north of the city centre, east of the main road towards Kasungu. This is best reached by taxi, but local minibuses serve the industrial area. The auction season is May to September.
Tobacco is Malawi's most important cash crop, accounting for more than 60% of the country's export earnings, and Lilongwe is the selling, buying and processing centre of this vital industry. Most activity takes place in the Kenango industrial area on the northern side of Lilongwe, the site of several tobacco-processing factories and the huge…
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Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve
For one reason or another this reserve seems to be one of Malawi's best-kept secrets, but it's possibly your best chance to get up close and personal with elephants and well worth a visit. Vwaza is an ideal destination for any budget; it's compact and accessible, the accommodation is close to the main gate, and public transport here is straightforward.
The main camp is conveniently located a safe but rewarding distance from the hippo-heavy Lake Kazuni, which also lures impalas, buffaloes (rumoured to be particularly aggressive here), waterbucks, elands, roans, sables, zebras, hartebeests and pukus. The big attraction however, is the 160-plus elephants within the park.…
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Liwonde National Park
Liwonde National Park is the closest thing Malawi has to a traditional game park. Dominating the west, the Shire River overflows with hippos and crocodiles and is a favourite stomping ground for the abundant elephants. Waterbucks are also common near the water, while beautiful sable and roan antelopes, zebras and elands populate the flood plains in the east.
Night drives can reveal spotted genets, bushbabies, scrub hares, side-striped jackals and even spotted hyenas. Several black rhinos are protected within a separate enclosure as part of a rhino breeding program, and there's a rich and colourful array of birdlife. October to January is particularly good for…
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PAMET
PAMET is an inspiring project that was set up to teach people how to recycle paper. This is an important issue in Malawi, where some people are too poor to buy exercise books for their children. For USaround US$1 you can take a tour of their workshop to see how it's all done. They sell a lovely variety of cards and other paper products made from a range of different material (including elephant dung!).
To help slow down the rate of deforestation, PAMET makes paper briquettes that are used as an alternative to charcoal and firewood.
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CCAP Church
Probably the most impressive building in Blantyre is the CCAP Church , officially called the Church of St Michael and All Angels. This magnificent church was built in 1891 by Scottish missionaries who had no construction training, using only local handmade bricks and wood. It has a basilica dome, towers, arches and bay windows. Although extensively renovated in the 1970s, what you see today is pretty much how it looked the day it was completed.
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Mandala Manager's House
A nice way to spend an hour or two is a visit to the Mandala Manager's House. Set in pleasant gardens, this old colonial house was built in 1882, and is now home to a café (has excellent homemade cakes, salads and good coffee), the La Caverna Art Gallery and the Society of Malawi Library & Archive.
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Parliament Building
For a political view, head to the Parliament Building , which moved from Zomba in the mid-1990s to the palace of former president Banda on the outskirts of Lilongwe. At least this obscenely grandiose monstrosity is being used now - during Banda's rule he stayed here only one night.
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Carlsberg Brewery
A visit to the Carlsberg Brewery , east of the centre, may appeal. Free tours are conducted at 14:30 every Wednesday; you must book. The tour ends with a free tasting session. Some places to stay in Blantyre arrange transport here. Alternatively, you can walk or get a taxi.
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Market
The main market is a pocket of frenetic activity, with traders, market stalls and food vendors packed into a swarming, small area. It's also a good place to pick up cheap bootleg CDs from the dozens of little stores that line the streets immediately around the market.
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National Museum
The National Museum is midway between Blantyre and Limbe. There's a small collection of traditional weapons and artefacts, and exhibits relating to traditional dance, European exploration and slavery.
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