“The warm heart of Africa” lies at the southern most tip of the Great Rift Valley. A land of formidable contrasts and diverse landscapes with endless savannahs, spectacular mountain ranges and some of Africa’s great river valleys only add to all that Malawi is. Lake Malawi, covering a fifth of the surface area of the country at 365 miles long and in places 2700 ft deep, is the world’s ninth largest lake and the focal point for most Malawians.

Malawi is often mistakenly overlooked by tourists but with such diversity both bio- and cultural it’s a destination for all types of traveler. The great green tea plantations and the lofty Zomba plateau in the South make for breathtaking walks in the clear mountain air. The best game viewing is to be found in the Liwonde National Park located on the Shire River floodplain where it flows from the Lake, here Sable Antelope, Waterbuck, Impala and Bushbuck are to be found in abundance.

To the north the Nyika Plateau is a perfect destination for those wanting an adventurous safari viewing game on horseback or by bicycle.

The main attraction is of course the lake with its miles of unspoiled beaches, fringed with baobabs and filled with crystal clear warm water. Kayak to the many islands dotted around the coast to view the exotic birdlife or populations or snorkel with the many varieties of cichlids that are found in these waters or just lie back in your hammock on an isolated beach.