Malawi Country Profile

 

Malawi Flag

Discovering Malawi

Malawi is a southern African country and shares borders with three countries; i.e. Mozambique in the east, south and west; Zambia in the northwest and Tanzania in the northeast. It has a population of around 14million people and spans over an area of 118,000 sq km. It’s separated from Tanzania and Mozambique by Lake Malawi.
One fifth of the country is covered by the grand Lake Malawi, (formerly Lake Nyasa), and it is down its banks that offers some of the best spots to visit in Malawi. This 560 km long and with a total area of nearly 30 000 sq km is the 3rd largest in Africa and is renowned for the rare species of fish than any other lake in the world. Its calm blue waters and eye-catching golden beaches make for great retreats for those seeking a bit of rest and relaxation. Visitors can also take boat rides on the lake.

Often billed as ‘the warm heart of Africa,’ Malawi offers something for all visitors. One of Africa’s most striking and laid-back countries, Malawi is renowned for being a destination for those seeking adventure, eco-tourism attractions. Malawi’s scenery is dazzling and diverse and Malawians tend to be exceptionally gracious toward travelers. Nature lovers always adore the national parks and game reserves of Malawi. Malawi travel experience is a moment of contrasts: It is exposes the country’s visitors to an array of outstanding landscapes, barren plains Lush tropical forests, captivating wildlife, busy modern city streets, the glamorous Lake Malawi plus a rich culture spiced with beating African drums.

Malawi is divided into three regions; North, Central and South Malawi;
Central Malawi is home to the Lilongwe, the country’s capital and most common point of entry. It lies  in the country’s central region and has an estimated population 902,388 as of 2009. Despite being a capital city, this area features its own share of scenic landscapes and culture with its several wildlife reserves and winding rivers. Near Lilongwe is Dezda, a town with local artists and craftsmen that create pottery and woodcarvings and in addition an interesting cultural museum.
South Malawi is the most developed part of the country and hosts Central Africa’s highest peak, at Mulanje Rock. This huge ‘island in the sky’ has impressive scenery and is easy to trek during Malawi holidays.
North Malawi is the less recognized region of the country with a lower population density yet contrasted with rich landscapes of highlands, mountains and valleys. Malawi safaris to Nyika National Park offer one of the best memorable experiences to Malawi visitors.
For those who want to experience the traditional conventional bush-game, North Malawi’s Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve is the place to go.
Weather in Malawi
Rainfall is concentrated on the higher plateaus and some roads become impassable after very heavy rains. June and July are the coldest months with bearable daytime temperatures averaging at 21ºC. Winter, which is the dry season in Malawi lasts from May to October and usually presents the best time to visit Malawi. It offers excellent game viewing, hiking and appropriate for several Malawi holiday activities. November to April, brings hotter temperatures of around the mid-30 ºC range.