Things to do 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.
reviewed
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Don Brioni's Bistro
Don Brioni' Usually buzzing with a lively infusion of locals and tourists, this place under the Kiboko Town Hotel is suitably Italian in décor and flavour and the eccentric English owner is sure to come over and chat. Excellent steak, fish, chicken accompany pizzas and pastas on the menu.
reviewed
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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.…
reviewed
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C
Ali Baba's
's Fast-food joint serving good burgers and shawarmas, but with a smattering of chicken, steak and fish dishes.
reviewed
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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…
reviewed
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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.…
reviewed
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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…
reviewed
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Ultimate Africa
54 days (Cape Town to Nairobi)
by G Adventures
Spanning eight countries, this journey is full of diverse cultures, abundant wildlife, spectacular landscapes, stunning beaches and loads of adventure. Track…Not LP reviewed
from USD$6,799 -
Zanzibar To Victoria Falls
19 days (Dar es Salaam)
by Intrepid
Try the legendary Dabaga chilli sauce in Iringa, Travel through the vast, rolling African plains, Witness the awesome power of Victoria Falls, Canoe down the…Not LP reviewed
from USD$2,005 -
Cape Town to Nairobi
40 days (Cape Town to Nairobi)
by G Adventures
Marvel at the world's highest sand dunes, float through the Okavango in a dug-out mokoro canoe and meet the San Bushmen in the blazing Kalahari Desert on this…Not LP reviewed
from USD$4,499 Advertisement
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Victoria Falls to Nairobi Adventure
20 days (Livingstone to Nairobi)
by G Adventures
Inhale the fragrant perfume of Zanzibar’s spice plantations, hunt for the perfect snapshot of the ever-elusive 'Big 5’, feel the thunder of Victoria…Not LP reviewed
from USD$2,699 -
Kenya To Cape In Depth
51 days (Nairobi)
by Intrepid
Watch a sunrise over the sand dunes at Sesriem, Visit Namibia’s lively capital, Windhoek, Enjoy a glass of the local wine in Cape Town, Take in the views over…Not LP reviewed
from USD$6,110 -
Explore East Africa (Southbound)
28 days (Nairobi)
by Intrepid
Stay on the shores of the vast Lake Malawi, Canoe along the Lower Zambezi River, Marvel at the stunning Victoria Falls, Try and spot Africa's Big Five in the…Not LP reviewed
from USD$3,890 -
Gorillas To Cape Adventure
71 days (Nairobi)
by Intrepid
Soak up the atmosphere in Nairobi city, Visit the Kariandusi School Trust project, Explore Lake Nakuru National Park, Spot the Big Five in Queen Elizabeth…Not LP reviewed
from USD$9,090 -
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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.
reviewed
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Nairobi to Cape Town Adventure
40 days (Nairobi to Cape Town)
by G Adventures
Marvel at the world's highest sand dunes, float through the Okavango and meet the San Bushmen in the blazing Kalahari Desert on this epic overland adventure.…Not LP reviewed
from USD$4,549 -
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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.
reviewed
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Victoria Falls To Zanzibar
19 days (Victoria Falls)
by Intrepid
Try the legendary Dabaga chilli sauce in Iringa, Travel through the vast, rolling African plains, Witness the awesome power of Victoria Falls, Canoe down the…Not LP reviewed
from USD$2,005 -
from USD$7,075
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Cape To Gorillas Adventure
71 days (Cape Town)
by Intrepid
Soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Nairobi city, Visit the Kariandusi School Trust project, Explore Lake Nakuru National Park, Spot the Big Five in Queen…Not LP reviewed
from USD$9,090 Advertisement
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Vic Falls To Gorillas In Depth
48 days (Victoria Falls)
by Intrepid
Soak up the atmosphere in Nairobi city, Visit the Kariandusi School Trust project, Explore Lake Nakuru National Park, Spot the Big Five in Queen Elizabeth…Not LP reviewed
from USD$7,075 -
Nairobi to Victoria Falls Adventure
20 days (Nairobi to Livingstone)
by G Adventures
Inhale the fragrant perfume of Zanzibar’s spice plantations, hunt for the perfect snapshot of the ever-elusive Big Five across the Serengeti, feel the thunder…Not LP reviewed
from USD$2,699 -
Zanzibar To Cape Town In Depth
42 days (Dar es Salaam)
by Intrepid
Watch a sunrise over the sand dunes at Sesriem, Visit Namibia’s lively capital, Windhoek, Enjoy a glass of the local wine in Cape Town, Take in the views over…Not LP reviewed
from USD$4,445 -
Cape Town To Kenya In Depth
51 days (Cape Town)
by Intrepid
Be blown away by incredible wildlife-viewing experiences in East and South Africa, and unwind on some of the world's best beaches, on this Cape Town to Kenya In…Not LP reviewed
from USD$6,346 -
Vic Falls To Kenya In Depth
28 days (Victoria Falls)
by Intrepid
Visit Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya, and experience the very best of East and Southern Africa. Travel through a region of vast landscapes, epic beauty…Not LP reviewed
from USD$3,890
