Top things to do in Southern Malawi

With its lodges and safari activities, Liwonde is the closest thing Malawi has to a traditional wildlife park. Dominating the west, the Shire River overflows with hippos and crocodiles and is a favourite stomping...

Since African Parks took over management of this rugged wilderness on the western bank of the Shire River in 2003, things have really been looking up. There are now more than 3000 animals in the reserve, most...

In an atmospheric old colonial house, this Italian-owned guesthouse restaurant serves the best pasta dishes this side of Naples, including unique local variations such as chambo and ginger ravioli. The...

Don your smarts for dinner at this classy guesthouse restaurant. The wine-stacked interior, with its antique Cinzano prints, white tablecloths and expat clientele, is a pleasant environment for dishes ranging...

If you're driving between Blantyre and Mulanje, don't miss lunch or afternoon tea (minimum two people for tea, and do book ahead) at this historic guesthouse on a beautiful tea estate. Dishes such as Asian beef...

Sit on a breezy stone terrace in the grounds of Mandala House, or inside at this chilled cafe adorned with artworks and guidebooks. Regulars love the Italian cuisine, fillet steak, Thai chicken, freshly brewed...

This craft shop and cafe serves fresh juices bursting with goodness and light meals such as feta pizza, ham and cheese pita sandwiches, salads and toasted sandwiches. The wonderful masks, paintings, secondhand...

This long-running bookshop on two levels has an excellent selection of Africana, ranging from dusty old tomes to coffee-table books, and from novels and guidebooks to a section dedicated to Livingstone.

Situated in Mandala House, the oldest colonial dame in the city, this eclectic gallery features vividly coloured, contemporary work by local artists, as well as sculpture, old maps and prints, and huge, carved...

In an atmospheric old house with black-and-white floors and a large veranda overlooking a lawn, L'Hostaria offers Italian recipes and fresh produce that attract local expats in the know. Come for a relaxing...

This magnificent red-brick Church of Central Africa Presbyterian building was preceded by a simpler structure, built by Scottish missionary Reverend DC Scott in 1882. In 1888 the missionaries started work on a...

Malawi’s interesting national museum has a few gems, including a royal ceremonial stool dating from the 16th century and a display on Gule Wamkulu dances. The museum is between central Blantyre and Limbe,...

Growing tea since the late 19th century, this British-owned estate produces 12,500 tonnes of the quaffable leaf annually. With 3300 hectares of tea plantations and four factories, it also processes the tea of...

Thanks to a Danish foreign minister who visited Malawi during the independence celebrations in 1966 and wasn't too impressed by the beer available, a Carlsberg brewery was established here. Beerophiles should...

Established in 1921, this historical restaurant is one of Malawi's more sophisticated eateries, occupying a library-like room with salmon-coloured seats and ornate carpets. The menu focuses on meat dishes, from...

This is a great watering hole for carb-heavy grub such as chargrilled burgers and steaks, with booths inside and tables alfresco beneath an awning. From 5pm on Monday, get a curry and a Carlsberg for MK1750; from...

Taking place on the second Saturday in July, this 20-year-old competition follows a gruelling, rocky route over the country's highest peak. It was originally only for porters and guides, but these days anyone can...

This is the oldest building in Malawi, built in 1882 as a home for the managers of the African Lakes Corporation. It’s a quietly grand colonial house, encased in wraparound verandas and set in lovely gardens....

Like a slice of '50s Shanghai, Hong Kong is an atmospheric pagoda-style building with a red wooden ceiling festooned with lanterns, and walls enlivened by a golden-phoenix border. The food comes in generous...

This garden cafe has plenty of shaded seating, a menu of rolls, salads, wraps, burgers and burritos, and daily specials such as noodle stir-fry and masala potato chips. In this lively complex you might hear a...