African Reservations

Tranquil, unspoilt and still largely undiscovered, Malawi is often called “the warm heart of Africa” because of the friendliness of its people. Nearly one-fifth of its 118,484 square kilometres is covered by water. Malawi was previously known as Nyasaland, meaning “the Land of the Lake”, the name given to the country by Dr Livingston in 1859. On independence in 1964 Nyasaland became Malawi, a republic within the British Commonwealth. Malawi was first settled during the 10th century and remained under native rule until 1891 when it was colonized by the British, who ruled the country until 1964. Upon gaining independence it became a single-party state under the presidency of Hastings Banda, who remained president until 1994, when he was ousted from power. Bingu Mutharika, elected in 2004, is the current president. Malawi is among the worlds least developed and most densely populated countries. The economy is heavily based in agriculture, with a largely rural population. The Malawian government depends heavily on outside aid to meet development needs, although this need (and the aid offered) has decreased since 2000. The Malawian government faces challenges in growing the economy, improving education, health care and the environmental protection and becoming financially independent. Malawi has several programs developed since 2005 that focus on these issues, and the country's outlook appears to be improving, with improvements in economic growth, education and healthcare seen in 2007 and 2008.

Malawi has a low life expectancy and high infant mortality. There is a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, which is a drain on the labor force and government expenditures, and is expected to have a significant impact on gross domestic product (GDP) by 2010. There is a diverse population of native peoples, Asians and Europeans, with several languages spoken and an array of religious beliefs.

Lilongwe is the country's capital city. Lake Malawi, 600 km long and varying in width from 60 to 100 km, lies at the southern-most tip of the Great Rift Valley, and runs down the eastern side of the country, forming the western border with Tanzania and Mozambique. The 11th largest lake, worldwide, and the third largest in Africa, it resembles an inland sea, and covers a vast one-fifth of the country.

The brightly coloured cichlid fish, mbuna, abound in southern part of the lake, making the rocky inland shores an open-air aquarium for snorkellers and scuba divers. Lake Malawi National Park was established to protect the cichlid fish, unique to this area. Much prized as aquarium fish, there are estimated to be close to 1 000 different species, many as yet undescribed.

The Lake Malawi Marine Park has been declared a World Heritage Site. The relatively calm waters of the lake make it an ideal venue for boating, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, water-skiing, fishing and swimming. The majority of Malawi's population lives on the plateau to the west of the lake. Many are dependent on fishing, which normally takes place from small dugout boats about 6 m long. Malawi provides a combination of a relaxed holiday on the shores of the lake, a wide range of scenery, an opportunity to meet the friendly Malawian people and visits to the National parks. Malawi is rich in arts and culture, and pottery and carvings reflect the everyday activities of the people. Traditional dances are performed at all important occasions.

Monkey Bay and Cape Maclear are popular lakeshore destinations. The lake ferry, Itala, sails from Monkey Bay, and on arrival and departure days the port attracts huge crowds of passengers and well-wishers. Well-organised overnight or weekend trips are run out to the islands in sea-kayaks, with additional diving and snorkeling options. The island camps on Mumbo and Domwe comprise luxury tents on stilts, set up with sensitivity to the environment. Salima was an Arab trade centre in Livingston’s time, and today retains a predominantly Muslim character. Likoma Island is a mixture of granite boulders, sandy beaches and baobabs. Opposite Likoma Island is the bustling port of Nkhata Bay, and to the south, Chinteche. Sandy beaches, snorkeling and water-sports are all available in this area.

Malawi has nine national parks and game reserves. Nyika National Park, situated in the north of the country, is the largest wildlife reserve and is home to antelope, zebra, warthog and a large diversity of flora. The rainy season brings out an abundance of flowers, with 120 different species of orchid being recorded in the reserve. Most of the reserve is situated on the Nyika plateau, a vast area of valleys and rolling hills, and the views across Lake Malawi are magnificent. Liwonde National Park, situated south of Lake Malawi, is renowned for its bird life, including owl, lovebird, vulture and eagle. Elephant, hippo, crocodile and rhino can also be spotted in the reserve's diversity of habitats - open water, floodplain, mopane woodland, riverine forest, marsh and wooded hills. Occasionally lions are seen. This is Malawi's most accessible park and visitors can view the aquatic and land animals and birds in and around the Shire River. During the dry season the Park can be accessed by car but in the wet season the roads are closed. Walkers must be accompanied by a Park Ranger.

Low lying, on the plains of the Shire Valley, 72 km from Blantyre, Lengwe National Park has some spectacular sandstone outcrops. The park is best known for its population of nyala antelope. All watering holes are supplied by pumped borehole water and viewing hides have been established so visitors can watch the animals drinking at close quarters. Lengwe is open all year and although many roads are closed during the rainy season from December to March, the accommodation can still be reached.

Vwaza Marsh Game Reserve is a haven for game and bird life. Situated 90 km from Mzuzu, Vwaza Marsh is roughly divided between rocky hills in the east and a flat western plateau with a variety of marsh areas. Vwaza Marsh itself is in the north and Lake Kazuni in the south. The Luwewe river flood plain runs through the centre of the reserve and the South Rukuru river flood plain along the southern border. These wetlands provide a haven for animals and birds. The best time to visit is August to October when the animals are concentrated near the water, visibility is good as the grass is low and the trees have lost their leaves.

Kasungu National Park is located in the centre of Malawi along the border with Zambia. It protects more than 2,000 square kilometres of brachystegia woodland and includes the Lifupa Dam, home to over 100 resident hippos. It is not necessary to book for day visits to the parks, which are open from dawn to dusk. However, for visitors wishing to stay overnight, advance reservations must be made. There are also smaller, less developed wildlife and nature conservation areas, some of which have camping facilities. For the most part these reserves are only accessible in the dry season. Permits are required.

The Great Rift Valley created the low depression which filled with water to become Lake Malawi. It was also the origin of numerous mountains, many of which have endless trails. The heavily forested Zomba Plateau rising high above the surrounding plains is situated 17 km from Blantyre. Also in the Blantyre region are Ndirande, the sleeping man mountain, Michiru, the rain mountain and the craggy Chiradzulu.

Mount Mulanje, in the southeast corner of Malawi, provides a challenge to mountain climbers and hikers. Rivers and streams form waterfalls, rapids and pools, stocked with trout. Historic Sites have been preserved by the Department of Antiquities. In Blantyre these include the Museum of Malawi and Mandela House, the first European trading post in the country. There are well-preserved mission churches in Blantyre, Livingstonia and Likoma Island.