Malawi — Attractions
Lake Malawi National Park
Established in 1980, Lake Malawi National Park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its importance in the study of evolution. The lake contains the largest number of fish species, nearly all endemic, of any lake in the world: over 1,000 from eleven species with approximately half occurring in the Park area. The Lake Malawi National Park has some interesting attributes, including the fact that 4th century Iron Age sites have been found in the area. Mammals include baboon, vervet monkey, spotted hyena, leopard and the occasional elephant. The varied bird-life includes black eagle ,fish eagle and many waders .Reptiles include the African python, crocodiles and abundant water monitor lizards, especially on Boadzulu Island. At Cape Maclear, within Lake Malawi National Park, there are a variety of up-market operations combining accommodation with lake activities. Danforth Yachting has a lakeside lodge and a 38ft catamaran available to visitors while Mumbo Island and Domwe Island camps offer pleasant island retreats. Cape Mac Lodge also offers accommodation and activities from Chembe village. Pumulani has recently opened as one of the lake's finest lodge destinations. The National Park is on the scenic northern tip of the Nankhumba peninsula, which divides the southern end of Lake Malawi, with a number of sandy bays including a fine beach near Chembe and Otter Point. There are marked seasonal variations in wind, temperature and rainfall.
- Region/City Name
- The Lake
- Transport
- Car rentals and bus services are available although roads are badly potholed.
Cape Maclear
Cape Maclear ( Chembe) is a small fishing village on Lake Malawi. It has one dirt road leading into town along which there are a few hostels, some dive shops, a couple of bars and a few vendors selling curios and fruit. The local fishermen live in the center of the town and in order to get from Steven's Guest House, for example, to Fat Monkeys, you must go through the town; it's a great way to see how the average Malawian lives.
- Region/City Name
- The Lake
- Transport
- Car rentals and bus services are available although roads are badly potholed.
Salima
Salima, the easiest entry point to Lake Malawi, is 1-2 hours from Lilongwe. It has great resorts, such as Livingstonia Beach Resort, with lovely beaches. Signposted just before Salima is Kuti Wildlife Park which has campsites, A-frame chalets and a small restaurant, as well as bar and barbeque facilities. Animals found in the park include sable, nyala, zebra, wildebeest, ostrich, giraffe and waterbuck. If you plan to visit during the rainy season, be sure to take a 4x4 for bad roads.
- Region/City Name
- Lilongwe
- Transport
- Car rentals and bus services are available although roads are badly potholed.
Zomba
Zomba Plateau is an undulating, forested plateau rising from the eastern Rift above the town. The plateau is heavily planted with pines, but there are many easily accessible montane forests around with patches of Afromontaine forest, interspersed with grassland, pine plantations and, further down, some fine Brachystegia woodland. Zomba itself has retained some of its old charm as the former colonial capital of Malawi.
- Region/City Name
- Blantyre
- Transport
- Car rentals and bus services are available although roads are badly potholed.
Mt Mulanje
Mount Mulanje rises from the plains of southern Malawi with steep cliffs protecting a vast wilderness of granite peaks, dense forest, grassy meadows and trickling streams. Hire a guide (essential) and porters from Mulanje village, and buy any provisions that you may need. The first day's hike is testing as you climb steep mountain paths. Once you reach the top, you enter an enchanting landscape; there are wood huts where you can sleep and enough trails for days of walking. Climbers can scale some of the peaks and the prominent granite crags also provide a challenge. The best time to hike is in the early dry season (May to July) when temperatures are moderate (it can get reasonably cold at night on the plateau). Be prepared for rain whenever you visit.
- Region/City Name
- Blantyre
- Transport
- Car rentals and bus services are available although roads are badly potholed.
Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary and Wildlife Center
Set in the heart of Malawi's capital, the Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary is home to the Lilongwe Wildlife Center, a new and exciting 'People and Wildlife' wild animal rescue and rehabilitation facility. The nature sanctuary is the city's only remaining wilderness area and the Lilongwe Wildlife Center also serves as an education center aiming to teach visitors about the rich diversity of Malawi's fauna. A luxury tourist lodge has been opened in the Nature Sanctuary and guests will not only benefit from being able to stay in this wilderness area within the city bounds, but a part of the profits will be donated to the center's work.
- Region/City Name
- Lilongwe
- Website
- www.lilongwewildlife.org
- Transport
- Between Old Town and the city center, near Foodworths.
Mandala House
Mandala House, originally constructed in 1882 using grass, mud and bricks, is the oldest building in Malawi. Today this historic building is home to a library and archive that hold an equally significant collection of books, journals and original documents. La Caverna Art Gallery and Café (which serves delicious cakes and iced coffee) is also located on the premises.
- Region/City Name
- Blantyre
- Address
- Mandala, Blantyre
- Website
- www.societyofmalawi.org
National Museum
The National Museum of Malawi, also referred to as the Chichiri Museum, showcases the natural history and cultural heritage of the country. Traditional dance, European colonization and slave trade artifacts are exhibited at the museum, as well as case studies including insect collections and mounted specimens from the country's national parks. There are geological samples from the Machinga meteorite of 1981 on display, and also an open-air exhibit of the history of transport in Malawi.
- Region/City Name
- Blantyre
- Address
- Chichiri, Blantyre 3
- Phone Number
- +265 (0)8 896 213
Carlsberg Brewery
Carlsberg Malawi Brewery Limited, opened in 1968, was the first Carlsberg brewery established outside of Denmark. It is also the only brewing and beer packaging facility in Malawi and brands include Carlsberg Green, Light and Classic, as well as Carlsberg Stout and Kuche Kuche. The visitors center has Carlsberg novelties on sale to visitors, and there are tours and beer tastings to enjoy at the brewery.
- Region/City Name
- Blantyre
- Address
- Malimidwe Rd, Makata Indusrial Area
- Phone Number
- +265 (0)1 872 999
- Website
- www.carlsberggroup.com
- Hours
- Tours on Wednesdays at 2.30pm
Tobacco Auction Floors
Tobacco plays an integral part of life in Malawi and a visit to the Tobacco Auction Floors in Lilongwe is a great way to see this industry at work. There is a public gallery overlooking the tobacco sales floors at the Auction Holdings warehouse, a structure which is comparable in size to several large aircraft hangars. At the auction floors, visitors can experience the incessant hum of auctioneers selling tobacco to the highest bidder as the group moves slowly along the extensive rows of tobacco bales.
- Region/City Name
- Lilongwe
- Address
- Plots 29 - 78, Kenango Industrial Area (7km north of the city center)
- Phone Number
- +265 (0)1 710 377
- Website
- www.ahlmw.com
- Hours
- May to September, Monday to Friday
Old Town
A day spent in Old Town is a great way to experience life in Lilongwe, where visitors will see how the local people earn a living selling goods such as pots, pans and dried fish, and how the wealthier expats while away the hours at cafés and shopping malls. Old Town features everything from street vendors and a bustling market on Malangalanga Road to expat bars, art galleries and upmarket clothing shops (many of which are found in the Old Town Mall). Mamma Mia's is a fantastic Italian restaurant to enjoy a meal at while you're there.
- Region/City Name
- Lilongwe
- Address
- Areas 2, 3 and 9
Likoma Island
Likoma Island is an enclave of Malawi, completely surrounded by Mozambican waters, and was colonized by Anglican missionaries in the late 1800s. This island is a popular vacation destination, with beautiful beaches and African scenery featuring baobab trees and open grasslands. One of the main attractions on the island is the Anglican Cathedral, a large structure in the main town of Mbamba that was built out of stone by the missionaries in 1903. The Kaya Mawa hotel and Mango Drift backpackers are popular accommodation options on the island, and there are also a couple of guesthouses available to visitors. There are very basic dirt roads spanning Likoma Island but most places can be reached on foot. The island's electricity, supplied by generators, is switched off at about 10pm each night.
- Region/City Name
- The Lake
Lake Malawi National Park
Established in 1980, Lake Malawi National Park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its importance in the study of evolution. The lake contains the largest number of fish species, nearly all endemic, of any lake in the world: over 1,000 from eleven species with approximately half occurring in the Park area. The Lake Malawi National Park has some interesting attributes, including the fact that 4th century Iron Age sites have been found in the area. Mammals include baboon, vervet monkey, spotted hyena, leopard and the occasional elephant. The varied bird-life includes black eagle ,fish eagle and many waders .Reptiles include the African python, crocodiles and abundant water monitor lizards, especially on Boadzulu Island. At Cape Maclear, within Lake Malawi National Park, there are a variety of up-market operations combining accommodation with lake activities. Danforth Yachting has a lakeside lodge and a 38ft catamaran available to visitors while Mumbo Island and Domwe Island camps offer pleasant island retreats. Cape Mac Lodge also offers accommodation and activities from Chembe village. Pumulani has recently opened as one of the lake's finest lodge destinations. The National Park is on the scenic northern tip of the Nankhumba peninsula, which divides the southern end of Lake Malawi, with a number of sandy bays including a fine beach near Chembe and Otter Point. There are marked seasonal variations in wind, temperature and rainfall.
- Region/City Name
- The Lake
- Transport
- Car rentals and bus services are available although roads are badly potholed.
Cape Maclear
Cape Maclear ( Chembe) is a small fishing village on Lake Malawi. It has one dirt road leading into town along which there are a few hostels, some dive shops, a couple of bars and a few vendors selling curios and fruit. The local fishermen live in the center of the town and in order to get from Steven's Guest House, for example, to Fat Monkeys, you must go through the town; it's a great way to see how the average Malawian lives.
- Region/City Name
- The Lake
- Transport
- Car rentals and bus services are available although roads are badly potholed.
Salima
Salima, the easiest entry point to Lake Malawi, is 1-2 hours from Lilongwe. It has great resorts, such as Livingstonia Beach Resort, with lovely beaches. Signposted just before Salima is Kuti Wildlife Park which has campsites, A-frame chalets and a small restaurant, as well as bar and barbeque facilities. Animals found in the park include sable, nyala, zebra, wildebeest, ostrich, giraffe and waterbuck. If you plan to visit during the rainy season, be sure to take a 4x4 for bad roads.
- Region/City Name
- Lilongwe
- Transport
- Car rentals and bus services are available although roads are badly potholed.
Zomba
Zomba Plateau is an undulating, forested plateau rising from the eastern Rift above the town. The plateau is heavily planted with pines, but there are many easily accessible montane forests around with patches of Afromontaine forest, interspersed with grassland, pine plantations and, further down, some fine Brachystegia woodland. Zomba itself has retained some of its old charm as the former colonial capital of Malawi.
- Region/City Name
- Blantyre
- Transport
- Car rentals and bus services are available although roads are badly potholed.
Mt Mulanje
Mount Mulanje rises from the plains of southern Malawi with steep cliffs protecting a vast wilderness of granite peaks, dense forest, grassy meadows and trickling streams. Hire a guide (essential) and porters from Mulanje village, and buy any provisions that you may need. The first day's hike is testing as you climb steep mountain paths. Once you reach the top, you enter an enchanting landscape; there are wood huts where you can sleep and enough trails for days of walking. Climbers can scale some of the peaks and the prominent granite crags also provide a challenge. The best time to hike is in the early dry season (May to July) when temperatures are moderate (it can get reasonably cold at night on the plateau). Be prepared for rain whenever you visit.
- Region/City Name
- Blantyre
- Transport
- Car rentals and bus services are available although roads are badly potholed.
Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary and Wildlife Center
Set in the heart of Malawi's capital, the Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary is home to the Lilongwe Wildlife Center, a new and exciting 'People and Wildlife' wild animal rescue and rehabilitation facility. The nature sanctuary is the city's only remaining wilderness area and the Lilongwe Wildlife Center also serves as an education center aiming to teach visitors about the rich diversity of Malawi's fauna. A luxury tourist lodge has been opened in the Nature Sanctuary and guests will not only benefit from being able to stay in this wilderness area within the city bounds, but a part of the profits will be donated to the center's work.
- Region/City Name
- Lilongwe
- Website
- www.lilongwewildlife.org
- Transport
- Between Old Town and the city center, near Foodworths.
Mandala House
Mandala House, originally constructed in 1882 using grass, mud and bricks, is the oldest building in Malawi. Today this historic building is home to a library and archive that hold an equally significant collection of books, journals and original documents. La Caverna Art Gallery and Café (which serves delicious cakes and iced coffee) is also located on the premises.
- Region/City Name
- Blantyre
- Address
- Mandala, Blantyre
- Website
- www.societyofmalawi.org
National Museum
The National Museum of Malawi, also referred to as the Chichiri Museum, showcases the natural history and cultural heritage of the country. Traditional dance, European colonization and slave trade artifacts are exhibited at the museum, as well as case studies including insect collections and mounted specimens from the country's national parks. There are geological samples from the Machinga meteorite of 1981 on display, and also an open-air exhibit of the history of transport in Malawi.
- Region/City Name
- Blantyre
- Address
- Chichiri, Blantyre 3
- Phone Number
- +265 (0)8 896 213
Carlsberg Brewery
Carlsberg Malawi Brewery Limited, opened in 1968, was the first Carlsberg brewery established outside of Denmark. It is also the only brewing and beer packaging facility in Malawi and brands include Carlsberg Green, Light and Classic, as well as Carlsberg Stout and Kuche Kuche. The visitors center has Carlsberg novelties on sale to visitors, and there are tours and beer tastings to enjoy at the brewery.
- Region/City Name
- Blantyre
- Address
- Malimidwe Rd, Makata Indusrial Area
- Phone Number
- +265 (0)1 872 999
- Website
- www.carlsberggroup.com
- Hours
- Tours on Wednesdays at 2.30pm
Tobacco Auction Floors
Tobacco plays an integral part of life in Malawi and a visit to the Tobacco Auction Floors in Lilongwe is a great way to see this industry at work. There is a public gallery overlooking the tobacco sales floors at the Auction Holdings warehouse, a structure which is comparable in size to several large aircraft hangars. At the auction floors, visitors can experience the incessant hum of auctioneers selling tobacco to the highest bidder as the group moves slowly along the extensive rows of tobacco bales.
- Region/City Name
- Lilongwe
- Address
- Plots 29 - 78, Kenango Industrial Area (7km north of the city center)
- Phone Number
- +265 (0)1 710 377
- Website
- www.ahlmw.com
- Hours
- May to September, Monday to Friday
Old Town
A day spent in Old Town is a great way to experience life in Lilongwe, where visitors will see how the local people earn a living selling goods such as pots, pans and dried fish, and how the wealthier expats while away the hours at cafés and shopping malls. Old Town features everything from street vendors and a bustling market on Malangalanga Road to expat bars, art galleries and upmarket clothing shops (many of which are found in the Old Town Mall). Mamma Mia's is a fantastic Italian restaurant to enjoy a meal at while you're there.
- Region/City Name
- Lilongwe
- Address
- Areas 2, 3 and 9
Likoma Island
Likoma Island is an enclave of Malawi, completely surrounded by Mozambican waters, and was colonized by Anglican missionaries in the late 1800s. This island is a popular vacation destination, with beautiful beaches and African scenery featuring baobab trees and open grasslands. One of the main attractions on the island is the Anglican Cathedral, a large structure in the main town of Mbamba that was built out of stone by the missionaries in 1903. The Kaya Mawa hotel and Mango Drift backpackers are popular accommodation options on the island, and there are also a couple of guesthouses available to visitors. There are very basic dirt roads spanning Likoma Island but most places can be reached on foot. The island's electricity, supplied by generators, is switched off at about 10pm each night.
- Region/City Name
- The Lake
Lake Malawi National Park
Established in 1980, Lake Malawi National Park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its importance in the study of evolution. The lake contains the largest number of fish species, nearly all endemic, of any lake in the world: over 1,000 from eleven species with approximately half occurring in the Park area. The Lake Malawi National Park has some interesting attributes, including the fact that 4th century Iron Age sites have been found in the area. Mammals include baboon, vervet monkey, spotted hyena, leopard and the occasional elephant. The varied bird-life includes black eagle ,fish eagle and many waders .Reptiles include the African python, crocodiles and abundant water monitor lizards, especially on Boadzulu Island. At Cape Maclear, within Lake Malawi National Park, there are a variety of up-market operations combining accommodation with lake activities. Danforth Yachting has a lakeside lodge and a 38ft catamaran available to visitors while Mumbo Island and Domwe Island camps offer pleasant island retreats. Cape Mac Lodge also offers accommodation and activities from Chembe village. Pumulani has recently opened as one of the lake's finest lodge destinations. The National Park is on the scenic northern tip of the Nankhumba peninsula, which divides the southern end of Lake Malawi, with a number of sandy bays including a fine beach near Chembe and Otter Point. There are marked seasonal variations in wind, temperature and rainfall.
- Region/City Name
- The Lake
- Transport
- Car rentals and bus services are available although roads are badly potholed.
Cape Maclear
Cape Maclear ( Chembe) is a small fishing village on Lake Malawi. It has one dirt road leading into town along which there are a few hostels, some dive shops, a couple of bars and a few vendors selling curios and fruit. The local fishermen live in the center of the town and in order to get from Steven's Guest House, for example, to Fat Monkeys, you must go through the town; it's a great way to see how the average Malawian lives.
- Region/City Name
- The Lake
- Transport
- Car rentals and bus services are available although roads are badly potholed.
Salima
Salima, the easiest entry point to Lake Malawi, is 1-2 hours from Lilongwe. It has great resorts, such as Livingstonia Beach Resort, with lovely beaches. Signposted just before Salima is Kuti Wildlife Park which has campsites, A-frame chalets and a small restaurant, as well as bar and barbeque facilities. Animals found in the park include sable, nyala, zebra, wildebeest, ostrich, giraffe and waterbuck. If you plan to visit during the rainy season, be sure to take a 4x4 for bad roads.
- Region/City Name
- Lilongwe
- Transport
- Car rentals and bus services are available although roads are badly potholed.
Zomba
Zomba Plateau is an undulating, forested plateau rising from the eastern Rift above the town. The plateau is heavily planted with pines, but there are many easily accessible montane forests around with patches of Afromontaine forest, interspersed with grassland, pine plantations and, further down, some fine Brachystegia woodland. Zomba itself has retained some of its old charm as the former colonial capital of Malawi.
- Region/City Name
- Blantyre
- Transport
- Car rentals and bus services are available although roads are badly potholed.
Mt Mulanje
Mount Mulanje rises from the plains of southern Malawi with steep cliffs protecting a vast wilderness of granite peaks, dense forest, grassy meadows and trickling streams. Hire a guide (essential) and porters from Mulanje village, and buy any provisions that you may need. The first day's hike is testing as you climb steep mountain paths. Once you reach the top, you enter an enchanting landscape; there are wood huts where you can sleep and enough trails for days of walking. Climbers can scale some of the peaks and the prominent granite crags also provide a challenge. The best time to hike is in the early dry season (May to July) when temperatures are moderate (it can get reasonably cold at night on the plateau). Be prepared for rain whenever you visit.
- Region/City Name
- Blantyre
- Transport
- Car rentals and bus services are available although roads are badly potholed.
Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary and Wildlife Center
Set in the heart of Malawi's capital, the Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary is home to the Lilongwe Wildlife Center, a new and exciting 'People and Wildlife' wild animal rescue and rehabilitation facility. The nature sanctuary is the city's only remaining wilderness area and the Lilongwe Wildlife Center also serves as an education center aiming to teach visitors about the rich diversity of Malawi's fauna. A luxury tourist lodge has been opened in the Nature Sanctuary and guests will not only benefit from being able to stay in this wilderness area within the city bounds, but a part of the profits will be donated to the center's work.
- Region/City Name
- Lilongwe
- Website
- www.lilongwewildlife.org
- Transport
- Between Old Town and the city center, near Foodworths.
Mandala House
Mandala House, originally constructed in 1882 using grass, mud and bricks, is the oldest building in Malawi. Today this historic building is home to a library and archive that hold an equally significant collection of books, journals and original documents. La Caverna Art Gallery and Café (which serves delicious cakes and iced coffee) is also located on the premises.
- Region/City Name
- Blantyre
- Address
- Mandala, Blantyre
- Website
- www.societyofmalawi.org
National Museum
The National Museum of Malawi, also referred to as the Chichiri Museum, showcases the natural history and cultural heritage of the country. Traditional dance, European colonization and slave trade artifacts are exhibited at the museum, as well as case studies including insect collections and mounted specimens from the country's national parks. There are geological samples from the Machinga meteorite of 1981 on display, and also an open-air exhibit of the history of transport in Malawi.
- Region/City Name
- Blantyre
- Address
- Chichiri, Blantyre 3
- Phone Number
- +265 (0)8 896 213
Carlsberg Brewery
Carlsberg Malawi Brewery Limited, opened in 1968, was the first Carlsberg brewery established outside of Denmark. It is also the only brewing and beer packaging facility in Malawi and brands include Carlsberg Green, Light and Classic, as well as Carlsberg Stout and Kuche Kuche. The visitors center has Carlsberg novelties on sale to visitors, and there are tours and beer tastings to enjoy at the brewery.
- Region/City Name
- Blantyre
- Address
- Malimidwe Rd, Makata Indusrial Area
- Phone Number
- +265 (0)1 872 999
- Website
- www.carlsberggroup.com
- Hours
- Tours on Wednesdays at 2.30pm
Tobacco Auction Floors
Tobacco plays an integral part of life in Malawi and a visit to the Tobacco Auction Floors in Lilongwe is a great way to see this industry at work. There is a public gallery overlooking the tobacco sales floors at the Auction Holdings warehouse, a structure which is comparable in size to several large aircraft hangars. At the auction floors, visitors can experience the incessant hum of auctioneers selling tobacco to the highest bidder as the group moves slowly along the extensive rows of tobacco bales.
- Region/City Name
- Lilongwe
- Address
- Plots 29 - 78, Kenango Industrial Area (7km north of the city center)
- Phone Number
- +265 (0)1 710 377
- Website
- www.ahlmw.com
- Hours
- May to September, Monday to Friday
Old Town
A day spent in Old Town is a great way to experience life in Lilongwe, where visitors will see how the local people earn a living selling goods such as pots, pans and dried fish, and how the wealthier expats while away the hours at cafés and shopping malls. Old Town features everything from street vendors and a bustling market on Malangalanga Road to expat bars, art galleries and upmarket clothing shops (many of which are found in the Old Town Mall). Mamma Mia's is a fantastic Italian restaurant to enjoy a meal at while you're there.
- Region/City Name
- Lilongwe
- Address
- Areas 2, 3 and 9
Likoma Island
Likoma Island is an enclave of Malawi, completely surrounded by Mozambican waters, and was colonized by Anglican missionaries in the late 1800s. This island is a popular vacation destination, with beautiful beaches and African scenery featuring baobab trees and open grasslands. One of the main attractions on the island is the Anglican Cathedral, a large structure in the main town of Mbamba that was built out of stone by the missionaries in 1903. The Kaya Mawa hotel and Mango Drift backpackers are popular accommodation options on the island, and there are also a couple of guesthouses available to visitors. There are very basic dirt roads spanning Likoma Island but most places can be reached on foot. The island's electricity, supplied by generators, is switched off at about 10pm each night.
- Region/City Name
- The Lake
Lake Malawi National Park
Established in 1980, Lake Malawi National Park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its importance in the study of evolution. The lake contains the largest number of fish species, nearly all endemic, of any lake in the world: over 1,000 from eleven species with approximately half occurring in the Park area. The Lake Malawi National Park has some interesting attributes, including the fact that 4th century Iron Age sites have been found in the area. Mammals include baboon, vervet monkey, spotted hyena, leopard and the occasional elephant. The varied bird-life includes black eagle ,fish eagle and many waders .Reptiles include the African python, crocodiles and abundant water monitor lizards, especially on Boadzulu Island. At Cape Maclear, within Lake Malawi National Park, there are a variety of up-market operations combining accommodation with lake activities. Danforth Yachting has a lakeside lodge and a 38ft catamaran available to visitors while Mumbo Island and Domwe Island camps offer pleasant island retreats. Cape Mac Lodge also offers accommodation and activities from Chembe village. Pumulani has recently opened as one of the lake's finest lodge destinations. The National Park is on the scenic northern tip of the Nankhumba peninsula, which divides the southern end of Lake Malawi, with a number of sandy bays including a fine beach near Chembe and Otter Point. There are marked seasonal variations in wind, temperature and rainfall.
- Region/City Name
- The Lake
- Transport
- Car rentals and bus services are available although roads are badly potholed.
Cape Maclear
Cape Maclear ( Chembe) is a small fishing village on Lake Malawi. It has one dirt road leading into town along which there are a few hostels, some dive shops, a couple of bars and a few vendors selling curios and fruit. The local fishermen live in the center of the town and in order to get from Steven's Guest House, for example, to Fat Monkeys, you must go through the town; it's a great way to see how the average Malawian lives.
- Region/City Name
- The Lake
- Transport
- Car rentals and bus services are available although roads are badly potholed.
Salima
Salima, the easiest entry point to Lake Malawi, is 1-2 hours from Lilongwe. It has great resorts, such as Livingstonia Beach Resort, with lovely beaches. Signposted just before Salima is Kuti Wildlife Park which has campsites, A-frame chalets and a small restaurant, as well as bar and barbeque facilities. Animals found in the park include sable, nyala, zebra, wildebeest, ostrich, giraffe and waterbuck. If you plan to visit during the rainy season, be sure to take a 4x4 for bad roads.
- Region/City Name
- Lilongwe
- Transport
- Car rentals and bus services are available although roads are badly potholed.
Zomba
Zomba Plateau is an undulating, forested plateau rising from the eastern Rift above the town. The plateau is heavily planted with pines, but there are many easily accessible montane forests around with patches of Afromontaine forest, interspersed with grassland, pine plantations and, further down, some fine Brachystegia woodland. Zomba itself has retained some of its old charm as the former colonial capital of Malawi.
- Region/City Name
- Blantyre
- Transport
- Car rentals and bus services are available although roads are badly potholed.
Mt Mulanje
Mount Mulanje rises from the plains of southern Malawi with steep cliffs protecting a vast wilderness of granite peaks, dense forest, grassy meadows and trickling streams. Hire a guide (essential) and porters from Mulanje village, and buy any provisions that you may need. The first day's hike is testing as you climb steep mountain paths. Once you reach the top, you enter an enchanting landscape; there are wood huts where you can sleep and enough trails for days of walking. Climbers can scale some of the peaks and the prominent granite crags also provide a challenge. The best time to hike is in the early dry season (May to July) when temperatures are moderate (it can get reasonably cold at night on the plateau). Be prepared for rain whenever you visit.
- Region/City Name
- Blantyre
- Transport
- Car rentals and bus services are available although roads are badly potholed.
Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary and Wildlife Center
Set in the heart of Malawi's capital, the Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary is home to the Lilongwe Wildlife Center, a new and exciting 'People and Wildlife' wild animal rescue and rehabilitation facility. The nature sanctuary is the city's only remaining wilderness area and the Lilongwe Wildlife Center also serves as an education center aiming to teach visitors about the rich diversity of Malawi's fauna. A luxury tourist lodge has been opened in the Nature Sanctuary and guests will not only benefit from being able to stay in this wilderness area within the city bounds, but a part of the profits will be donated to the center's work.
- Region/City Name
- Lilongwe
- Website
- www.lilongwewildlife.org
- Transport
- Between Old Town and the city center, near Foodworths.
Mandala House
Mandala House, originally constructed in 1882 using grass, mud and bricks, is the oldest building in Malawi. Today this historic building is home to a library and archive that hold an equally significant collection of books, journals and original documents. La Caverna Art Gallery and Café (which serves delicious cakes and iced coffee) is also located on the premises.
- Region/City Name
- Blantyre
- Address
- Mandala, Blantyre
- Website
- www.societyofmalawi.org
National Museum
The National Museum of Malawi, also referred to as the Chichiri Museum, showcases the natural history and cultural heritage of the country. Traditional dance, European colonization and slave trade artifacts are exhibited at the museum, as well as case studies including insect collections and mounted specimens from the country's national parks. There are geological samples from the Machinga meteorite of 1981 on display, and also an open-air exhibit of the history of transport in Malawi.
- Region/City Name
- Blantyre
- Address
- Chichiri, Blantyre 3
- Phone Number
- +265 (0)8 896 213
Carlsberg Brewery
Carlsberg Malawi Brewery Limited, opened in 1968, was the first Carlsberg brewery established outside of Denmark. It is also the only brewing and beer packaging facility in Malawi and brands include Carlsberg Green, Light and Classic, as well as Carlsberg Stout and Kuche Kuche. The visitors center has Carlsberg novelties on sale to visitors, and there are tours and beer tastings to enjoy at the brewery.
- Region/City Name
- Blantyre
- Address
- Malimidwe Rd, Makata Indusrial Area
- Phone Number
- +265 (0)1 872 999
- Website
- www.carlsberggroup.com
- Hours
- Tours on Wednesdays at 2.30pm
Tobacco Auction Floors
Tobacco plays an integral part of life in Malawi and a visit to the Tobacco Auction Floors in Lilongwe is a great way to see this industry at work. There is a public gallery overlooking the tobacco sales floors at the Auction Holdings warehouse, a structure which is comparable in size to several large aircraft hangars. At the auction floors, visitors can experience the incessant hum of auctioneers selling tobacco to the highest bidder as the group moves slowly along the extensive rows of tobacco bales.
- Region/City Name
- Lilongwe
- Address
- Plots 29 - 78, Kenango Industrial Area (7km north of the city center)
- Phone Number
- +265 (0)1 710 377
- Website
- www.ahlmw.com
- Hours
- May to September, Monday to Friday
Old Town
A day spent in Old Town is a great way to experience life in Lilongwe, where visitors will see how the local people earn a living selling goods such as pots, pans and dried fish, and how the wealthier expats while away the hours at cafés and shopping malls. Old Town features everything from street vendors and a bustling market on Malangalanga Road to expat bars, art galleries and upmarket clothing shops (many of which are found in the Old Town Mall). Mamma Mia's is a fantastic Italian restaurant to enjoy a meal at while you're there.
- Region/City Name
- Lilongwe
- Address
- Areas 2, 3 and 9
Likoma Island
Likoma Island is an enclave of Malawi, completely surrounded by Mozambican waters, and was colonized by Anglican missionaries in the late 1800s. This island is a popular vacation destination, with beautiful beaches and African scenery featuring baobab trees and open grasslands. One of the main attractions on the island is the Anglican Cathedral, a large structure in the main town of Mbamba that was built out of stone by the missionaries in 1903. The Kaya Mawa hotel and Mango Drift backpackers are popular accommodation options on the island, and there are also a couple of guesthouses available to visitors. There are very basic dirt roads spanning Likoma Island but most places can be reached on foot. The island's electricity, supplied by generators, is switched off at about 10pm each night.
- Region/City Name
- The Lake
