F O R R E S E R V A T I O N S C A L L U S O N 0845 130 6982 Malawi 62 Malawi is an unusual country - perhaps one of the most varied and beautiful in Africa. It has mountains and plains, forests and rivers, remote wildlife lodges and an exceptional array of mammals and birds, many of which are rarely found elsewhere. Of course Malawi’s most visual asset is its vast and beautiful lake, home to some spectacular freshwater fish. It has great tracts of white sandy beaches and remote islands which are a match for the best in the Indian Ocean. There are some superb resorts here offering scuba-diving, golf courses, windsurfing and sailing which when combined with perhaps horse-riding on the Nyika Plateau or a safari in Liwonde National Park or perhaps Zambia’s Luangwa Valley close by, make an unbeatable holiday. Nyika Plateau The highland plateau that forms Nyika National Park is Malawi's most scenic region. It is a truly wild area of vast open spaces where wildlife is plentiful - Eland, Roan, Reedbuck, Duiker, Burchell's Zebra, Klipspringer, Red, Grey, and Blue Duiker, Bushpig and Leopard are all resident. Nyika’s diversity of habitats make it a wonderful birdwatching destination with well over 400 species recorded for the area. Grassland species include Wattled Crane, Denham’s Bustard and Red-winged Francolin. Forest species include such rarities as Cinnamon Dove and Bar-tailed Trogon, while lower down in the Miombo woodland large feeding parties of birds can be found moving through the canopy including Black-backed Barbet, and Red and Blue Sunbird. On the grasslands there are tremendous numbers of butterflies and wildflowers – particularly between October and March. This exceptional destination may be enjoyed on foot, by vehicle and even on horseback. Chelinda Lodge is a sixteen bedded lodge consisting of eight beautifully constructed log cabins each with ensuite facilities and wonderful views. The cabins are interconnected by a wooded walkway which leads to a large central dining and bar area. Activities from the lodge include day and night game-drives, walks and horseriding. Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde Chelinda Lodge, Nyika Plateau

S E E U S O N T H E W E B AT wildlifeworldwide.com 63 Africa / Malawi Vwaza Marsh Game Reserve This small low-lying reserve at the foot of the Nyika Plateau of around 1,000 square kilometres makes an interesting contrast to the highlands of Nyika. While much of the reserve is flat and covered with mopane and miombo woodland, the eastern side is hilly and the reserve has rich wetlands with Vwaza Marsh itself in the north and Lake Kazuni in the south. The wetlands are, needless to say, a haven for animals and birds. Osprey, Fish Eagles, Palm-nut Vultures and Martial Eagles are resident here in good numbers and there are plenty of owls to see and hear as well. Barred, Giant Eagle, Scops, and Pearl-spotted Owls are all regular sightings. In fact over 250 bird species have been recorded in the park. Resident mammals here include Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Bushpig, Impala and Greater Kudu. The wildlife moves freely between Vwaza and the Luangwa Valley in neighbouring Zambia. Kazuni Safari Camp, the only one in the park, is small accommodating no more that eight people. It is built from reed and thatch in a traditional bush camp style. All the accommodation is en-suite and game-viewing from here is by 4-wheel drive and on foot. Liwonde National Park Liwonde on the Shire River is characterised by quiet lagoons, open savannah and wooded hills and is considered to be Malawi's premier wildlife destination. A wide variety of mammals occurs in the reserve and it also boasts an astonishing biodiversity of birdlife. The centre stage of the reserve is the river itself with a myriad of species making it their focus. Mvuu Wilderness Lodge has specially constructed game-viewing boats made from local Mulanje cedar wood which will take you out in the heat of the day, when the animals emerge to drink at the river. They also allow for exciting night trips to find Civet, Large Spotted Genet, Large Grey Mongoose, White-backed Night Heron and Pel's Fishing Owl. Game drives and walking safaris are also on offer and there is a also a well positioned hide overlooking the river. Large mammals occurring here include Leopard, Serval, Sable, Roan, Greater Kudu, large herds of Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Nile Crocodile (reputedly the largest in central Africa!) and Hippo’s. Birding ‘specials’ here include Bohm's Bee-eater, Brown-breasted Barbet and Livingstone's Flycatcher. Lake Malawi Lake Malawi is nearly 600 kilometres long and 85 kilometres wide. It has beautiful white sandy beaches, and the water is crystal clear. It is home to a staggering array of colourful tropical fish and its beaches and resorts are a match for any on the Indian Ocean. The northern lakeshore combines well with the Nyika Plateau and Vwaza Marsh. Unlike the southern lakeshore, it is remote and feels somewhat ‘untouched’. Chintheche Inn is a small lakeside lodge accommodating twenty guests in ten twin rooms, each with en-suite facilities and fans. There is a central dining area and a pool overlooking the lake. This part of the lake offers a great rural setting and the opportunity to get out into the nearby indigenous forest for some excellent birdwatching. You may also like to visit local villages, snorkel, scuba dive, windsurf or sail - the opportunities are endless! Also in the northern region of the lake, a short flight, road and boat transfer away is Likoma Island and Kaya Mawa Lodge. The lodge is situated on a crescentshaped beach surrounded by Mango Trees and ancient baobabs. The accommodation consists of seven stone and teak-framed thatched cottages, each with en-suite facilities and private terraces, many only reached by walkways across the lake. The southern lakeshore is busier than the north but it remains a superb beach location. It is an easy drive or transfer from Liwonde National Park and only a short flight from Lilongwe. Club Makokola hugs nearly a kilometre of beach front on this southern shore. Its immaculate gardens bursting with magnificent bougainvillea and baobabs screen the resorts recently refurbished, thatched chalets. Traditional materials and artwork are incorporated into the rooms, which are arguably the most comfortable and spacious in Malawi. Other areas of Malawi to consider Lilongwe Most visitors to Malawi will arrive into Lilongwe, a pleasant bustling African city. Whilst it is an interesting place to see, if wildlife is your interest then it is not worth spending a great deal of time here except perhaps to buy curios for which Malawi is justifiably famous. The Zomba Plateau In the central southern part of the country, the town of Zomba is the stepping stone for a visit to the Zomba Plateau. This highland region en-route to the tea estates in the south is very pleasant, but is primarily an area of forestry. A one or two night stop here is well worth considering if you are visiting the south of the country, and the views from here are wonderful. Mount Mulanje For serious walkers, this southern mountain is well worth considering and was written about at some length by Laurens van der Post. We can organise three and four day guided hikes here staying in the simple cabins on the mountain. Self-driving in Malawi Malawi is a very easy destination to self-drive in. Generally the roads and the vehicles are good. You may like to consider combining a fly-in safari to the north of the country with a self-drive portion to the south, or a safari in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley with a self-drive add-on in Malawi. Please do ask us for advice and suggestions. Suggested itineraries Complete Malawi Day 1. Depart London Day 2. Vwaza Marsh, 2-nights Day 4. Nyika Plateau, 3-nights Day 7. Northern Lakeshore, 2-nights Day 9. Southern Lakeshore, 3-nights Day 12. Liwonde, 4-nights Day 16. Homeward Day 17. Arrive home Luangwa & the Lake Day 1. Depart London Day 2. South Luangwa, 4-nights Day 6. Lake Malawi, 4-nights Day 10. Homeward Day 11. Arrive home Malawi Self-drive Day 1. Depart London Day 2. Lilongwe, 1-night Day 3. Liwonde, 3-nights Day 6. Southern Lakeshore, 4-nights Day 10. Homeward Day 11. Arrive home Kaya Mawa Lodge, Lake Malawi