This is a guest post from my buddy David Hoffman who blogs over at David’s Been Here. I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Tanzania, and I’ve always wanted to head a little further south to Malawi, but just haven’t been able to yet. David offers some good tips about things to do in the awesome country of Malawi!
Here’s over to David…
Malawi is a southeastern African nation rich in natural beauty and cultural traditions – a place that you’ve probably never heard of, but you’ll want to visit over and over again. It’s the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, nature, wildlife, and culture.
Here is my Malawi to-do list.
Nyika National Park
Spotting a leopard in Nyika National Park was one of the highlights of my trip. Leopards are the most allusive of the world’s big cats, and spotting one of them in their natural habitat is truly an once-in-a-lifetime experience. Nyika National Park is Malawi’s largest national park, and houses a prosperous leopard population-making it the place where you are most likely to spot one of these beautiful creatures!
Kande Horse Stables
I could not imagine a more beautiful way to experience Malawi’s countryside than riding a horse at Kande Horse Stables. Connect with the surrounding natural beauty by riding bareback and taking a dip in the lake. Afterwards, you are welcome to dine at their onsite restaurant or stay over in one of the beautiful guestrooms.
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Dedza Pottery Lodge
Dedza
Discover a piece of Malawi’s history when you visit Dedza, a beautiful historic town with plenty to keep you contentedly occupied. Visit the Dedza Pottery Lodge where you will see thousands of years of artistic history on display, and check out the Chongoni Rock Art Area with paintings dating back to the Stone Age. The rock area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a unique piece of history.
Yachting on Lake Malawi
Danforth Lodge and Yacht Charters offers comfortable yet luxurious accommodations, and the magical experience of yachting on Lake Malawi. Options include romantic sunset cruises, adventurous sailing safaris, and snorkeling and diving excursions.
Craft Markets
Visit the craft markets and support the local economy by purchasing your souvenirs or doing your Christmas shopping. Artisans make goods such as bowls, nativity sets, masks, and jewelry. Even if you don’t make a purchase, Malawi’s markets make for a colorful and exciting day trip.
National Park
All travelers must go on safari in one of the Malawi’s top nature parks. Regardless of whether you choose Nyika National Park, Liwonde National Park, or the Majete Wildlife Reserve, you are going to have an unforgettable experience. See animals like monkeys, lions, leopards, rhinos and elephants up close and personal in their natural habitats.
Main Cities in Malawi
Do your best to make it to all three of Malawi’s main cities: Blantyre, Lilongwe, Mzuzu. Both Blantyre and Lilongwe serve as significant commercial hubs, while Mzuzu acts as the nation’s industrial capital. Blantyre boasts interesting historical buildings and makes for an easy stopover before heading to the south of Malawi.
Lake Malawi
No trip to Malawi is complete without a visit to Lake Malawi, and no vacation at the lake is complete without a day relaxing on Lake Malawi’s impressive shores. In fact, you may just forget that you are not at the ocean.
Coffee culture citizens rejoice! Malawi produces some of the finest coffee in East Africa. Savor a cup of the robust Malawian brew, and buy a couple of bags to take home.
About the Author: David Hoffmann is the founder of Davidsbeenhere.com, a travel website dedicated to helping others travel independently. David has traveled to 56 countries and has published more than 50 guidebooks on Amazon.com Kindle Store. If you are interested in learning more about travel to Malawi, visit his blog for more suggestions or check out his 2013-2014 Malawi Travel Guide. Connect with David on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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