Malawi
Malawi’s largest natural reserve is Nyika National Park in the North of the country where you can enjoy activities such as horse-riding, mountain biking and fishing. The best national park however is Liwonde, which is located in Sothern Malawi. Here you will see hippopotamus, crocodiles, elephants and some of the most varied bird species in all of Africa.
Most people however come to Malawi to get a genuine taste of the African continent. The rolling country sides, the savannas, the village located on the hills and lakes… The possibilities are endless, and since the official language is English, everything is accessible. Here you will discover the heart of Africa.
You will find below a list of our preferred lodges in Malawi.
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Rated by Condé Nast Magazine as one of the planet's ten most romantic destinations, Kaya Mawa is located on the south-western tip of Likoma Island in the far north-east of Lake Malawi, close to Mozambique. The island is covered with mango trees and ancient baobabs and encircled by glorious sandy beaches and rocky coves.
Ten stone and teak-framed thatched cottages - including two family cottages and one honeymoon chalet - have a panoramic view of the lake and private terraces with direct access to the water. Each one has en-suite bathroom facilities, a four-poster bed, shower, and a sunken stone bathtub. The honeymoon chalet with its incredible views is tucked away on its own private island.
The stunning setting of the lodge and the unique comfort of the rooms means that many guests choose to make relaxation their main activity but there are enough activities on offer to keep guests busy.
Walking or biking around the island is a must. The local population is legendary both for its friendliness and thus a simple unescorted stroll around the island perhaps with a few cold drinks and snacks is a wonderful experience where one can stop off to swim en route, engage the locals in conversation and visit the cathedral and the lively market nearby.
The waters around the lodge are both safe and clear and swimming and snorkelling are on offer - some of the best snorkelling on the island is right at the lodge (snorkels and masks are provided). Alternatively there is a rock swimming pool right by the bar. The lodge has its own NAUI accredited instructor and excellent dive equipment and can offer casual dives as well as a range of instruction. Waterskiing, tube riding and wake snaking are offered as well as fishing trips and the lodge has a small wooden skip for sailing journeys around the island. Ovenight trips to Nkwichi Lodge and the Manda Wilderness area can also be arranged.
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Mvuu Wilderness Lodge nestles discreetly on the banks of a lagoon just off the Shire River with the main lounge building set high above the water for wonderful views. Mvuu means "hippo" in Tonga and the name epitomises the large numbers of pods of these water-loving mammals that float in the river. In this lush and fertile area, an excellent diversity of animals - including elephant and sable antelope, impala and waterbuck - can be seen.
Accommodation in this luxury camp comprises eight spacious tents for a maximum of 16 guests, each with en-suite bathroom facilities and a private viewing platform looking out on the lagoon.
The area can be explored via a diverse array of activities such as boating trips on the Shire River, game drives (morning and afternoon/evening), nature walks, bike rides and non-stop birding. Liwonde, by its very nature, is about people as well, and no visit to Mvuu is complete without experiencing some of the sense of culture and community in one of the villages on its boundaries.
