Lake Malawi National Park City/Region: Lilongwe 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. Transport: Car rentals and bus services are available although roads are badly potholed.
Cape Maclear City/Region: Lilongwe 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. Transport: Car rentals and bus services are available although roads are badly potholed.
Salima City/Region: Lilongwe 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. Transport: Car rentals and bus services are available although roads are badly potholed.
Zomba City/Region: Blantyre 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. Transport: Car rentals and bus services are available although roads are badly potholed.
Mt Mulanje City/Region: Blantyre 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. Transport: Car rentals and bus services are available although roads are badly potholed.
Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary and Wildlife Center City/Region: Lilongwe 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. Website: www.lilongwewildlife.org Transport: Between Old Town and the city center, near Foodworths.
