Malawi

Malawi Info • Area: 118,500 sq km² • Capital: Lilongwe • Currency: Kwacha • Climate: The wet season runs from mid-October or early November to mid or late April; the dry season lasts from may to October or November. Average daily highs peak around 32°C in October (although it can get a few degrees hotter in inland areas such as the Shire Valley); July is the coolest month, with daily highs around 21°C. • People: Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuko, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni, Ngonde, Asian, European • Official language: English • Time: GMT plus two hours • View Visa and Health Information Here     Malawi: Malawi (also spelt Malaŵi) is a nation in east Africa. It is bordered by Tanzania, Zambia, and Mozambique. A country known as ‘the warm heart of Africa’. Malawi’s scenery is gorgeous and varied and Malawians tend to be extremely friendly toward travellers. Malawi is a long thin country that Nature lovers adore with the national parks and game reserves, mountain hiking and plateau trekking. The beaches and tropical fish life of Lake Malawi, the third largest lake in Africa are breathtaking. It is dominated by the vast lake, as well as the Great Rift Valley that cuts through the country from north to south, creating fertile valleys, cool mountains and verdant plateaus. The lake is home to a bigger variety of fish species than any other freshwater lake on earth, most of them protected within the Lake Malawi National Park at its southern tip. Most visitors head for the small, restful village at Cape Maclear, which along with its offshore islands, is part of the park. Equally popular, Nkhata Bay to the north has bays, beaches and various water activities. Spread along the length of the lakeshore are numerous traditional fishing villages, and the fishermen in their dugout canoes form a quintessential postcard silhouette against the spectacular golden sunset. History & Background: Malawi grew from the migration and wars of the early African tribes and kingdoms which flourished throughout the 16th and 17th centuries. The arrival of European traders and the horrific slave trade prompted David Livingstone, to vow to end this appalling human tragedy. Ultimately, this heralded the arrival of British missionaries and the beginning of British colonial rule. Malawi became an independent one party state in 1964 with Banda as president and a multi-party fledgling democracy in 1994 with Bakili Muluzi becoming the new president. Scheduled and Tailor – Made Safaris: Malawi is where the traveller goes to experience the warm heart of Africa, the people. Below you will find numerous small group, maximum 10 client safaris that Africa Trails runs in and around Malawi. You can join one of our scheduled camping or lodge safaris or if you’d like, one of our experienced travel consultants can tailor – make a private safari to meet your departure date, time period, group size and budget. A great option is to do a self drive around Malawi or come on one of our Trans African safaris which runs through Southern and East Africa. Best Time to travel: May through to July are cool and dry months, especially in the highlands with November to March being warm with rain showers in the afternoon. Johannesburg to Nairobi Safari 30 days at £1599 pp This 30-Day Safari gives you an amazing opportunity to explore the Southern part of Africa Read more ... Southern African Safari Expedition 21 days at £1695 pp This diverse safari has every aspect an adventurous world traveller would be looking for; incredible wildlife, fascinating cultures, varied landscapes, picturesque cities, interesting local markets, amazing coasts and beautiful beaches. These African memories will last you a lifetime! Read more ...