Discover southern Malawi with nature, culture and untouched beaches

After a long journey you have finally arrived in the Warm Heart of Africa. Today is all about taking it easy and settling in. Feel the African sun, listen to the sounds of the city and let the adventure start slowly. Still have some energy left? Wander into one of Lilongwe’s lively neighbourhoods, browse a local market or grab a seat on a terrace between the locals. Get ready for untouched nature, stunning beaches and unforgettable encounters.

On the banks of the Shire River lies Liwonde National Park, a place that lives and breathes with the water. During a boat safari you glide past hippos, crocodiles and elephants while colourful birds sweep overhead. On land you drive across green plains where buffaloes, antelopes and sometimes even lions or cheetahs appear. The calm, the river and the endless views make Liwonde one of the most beautiful and most relaxing safari spots in Malawi.

The Mulanje mountains rise from the landscape like a stone cathedral, a mystical world of mist cliffs and forests. As you climb higher the view changes by the minute, from dense jungle to open grasslands sprinkled with waterfalls. During the day you hike through clouds and old stories about mountain spirits, and at night you warm up in a simple wooden hut high in the hills. Mulanje is adventure silence and a touch of magic all in one, a fairytale corner of Africa you will not forget anytime soon.

Majete is Malawi’s great success story. Where wildlife was once almost gone the park now bursts with life. After years of reintroductions you can once again find elephants lions buffaloes rhinos and leopards here, the full Big Five. With only a handful of lodges and endless silence this is one of the most exclusive safari spots in the country. Safaris without crowds right in the heart of pure wilderness, that is Majete.

Blantyre is the lively heart of southern Malawi and the oldest city in the country. Here colonial charm blends with modern hustle, with wide jacaranda-lined avenues, historic buildings and colourful markets full of scents and sounds. Dive straight into the typical hustle and bustle of city life. Wander through markets packed with fake Adidas sneakers and bargain your way to the best price. Call over the lads with plastic tubs for some delicious samosas and hop into one of the local transport minibuses for a chat about politics with your fellow passengers.

Zomba feels like a green lung full of life and calm. You do not walk through a fenced park here but through forests and villages where daily life carries on around you. As you slowly make your way uphill the local women whistle past you with baskets of firewood balanced on their heads. At the top of the plateau a panoramic view over the valleys and the town below awaits, once visited by Emperor Haile Selassie. Zomba is pure, untouched and exactly the kind of place that makes Malawi so special.

Welcome to the buzzing south end of Lake Malawi. Cape Maclear and Monkey Bay are lively yet still authentic beach villages. This is where travellers and locals meet right on the shoreline. You will be floating in the water with a snorkel mask while they wash clothes or pull in their fishing nets.

During the day you kayak or snorkel among hundreds of tropical fish species, and in the afternoon you sink into a beach bar with a cold beer. The vibe is relaxed, the music soft and the sunset absolutely unreal. Nowhere in Malawi does the sky turn such a fierce shade of orange as it does here."

Dedza is a quiet and atmospheric stop between the south and the center of Malawi. It sits at a pleasant altitude which makes the air cool and refreshing, perfect for a relaxed overnight stay. You sleep here among the hills far away from noise and traffic, and you can enjoy warm local hospitality, a good dinner and a beautiful sunset. The ideal place to recharge before you continue your journey toward Lilongwe or Lake Malawi.

Every adventure comes to an end, and so does this beautiful journey through Malawi. Fully recharged, you pack your bags and get ready for the flight home. With a healthy glow on your cheeks you sink into your airplane seat, close your eyes and drift off, replaying all the amazing moments you experienced. Full of inspiration and carrying a suitcase full of memories you open your front door again.