The Southern Lakeshore &Cape MaclearCape Maclear is a beautiful headland that juts out into crystal clear waters on the southernlakeshore. The tree-clad cape, its surroundingwaters and a miniature archipelago of twelveislands were declared a national park in 1980 inorder to protect the unique diversity of tropicalfish here, and later became a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site. This remote area is reached by arough, winding road (which can becomeimpassable in the rainy season) or by light aircraft.Visitors to Cape Maclear can stay in Chembe, asmall fishing village with golden beaches on thelake shore, on one of the headlands or on one of the tiny islands.MUMBOISLAND, LAKEMALAWINATIONALPARKMumbo Island is a secluded camp located on aprivate island. The island has rocky coves and aforested interior and is accessed either by kayakor boat. There are five en suite safari tentslocated on a little outcrop and reached by awooden walkway, and one family unit on themain island. The atmosphere at Mumbo is relaxed and friendly. Activities include kayaking,snorkelling, diving or, best of all, swinging in your hammock listening to the waves and the fish eagles.PUMULANI, CAPEMACLEARThe luxurious Pumulani is set high up on thehillside with fabulous views out over the lake. A winding wooden pathway and steps lead downto the swimming pool area and a pretty goldensand beach where you can relax and enjoy adrink at the tiny beach bar. The ten villas are seton the hillside and have been designed to blendinto the environment. They are spacious and havea bedroom, huge bathroom and airy living roomall designed in a chic, modern style.www.audleytravel.com/malawi ?01993 838 540 ?Malawi59DANFORTHYACHTING, CAPEMACLEARDanforth Yachting is a homely guesthouse run by Howard and Michelle Massey-Hickes who areexcellent hosts. The guesthouse is set in prettygardens running down to the lake, where theiryacht, the Mufusa is moored. With eight roomsand a relaxed atmosphere this friendly place isideal for families and watersports enthusiasts withlots of activities available. Day trips or sunsetcruises on the yacht are a highlight of any stayand longer yacht charters can be arranged.Pumulani, Cape MaclearSnorkelling from Mumbo IslandDanforth YachtingPounding grainMeeting local childrenThe MufusaGrowing sunflowers at the Nkwichi FarmMumbo Island

60MVUUWILDERNESSLODGE,LIWONDENATIONALPARKMvuu Wilderness Lodge is on the confluence ofthe Shire River and a small tributary. There areeight safari tents each raised up on wooden deckslooking out over the water, one of which is aromantic honeymoon suite. The main lodge has aplunge pool, dining and lounge area and excellentviews of hippo in the river and warthog andantelope on the plains.MVUUCAMP, LIWONDENATIONALPARKMvuu Camp is also located on the banks of theShire with great views over the river. This is anideal option for families and larger groups andoffers simple but comfortable en suiteaccommodation in twelve chalets and rondavels,as well as a nearby campsite. The camp has acentral dining and bar area and a large swimming pool.Zomba Plateau and theThyolo RegionIn the south of Malawi you will find Zomba, amagnificent table-top mountain covered withforests, streams and waterfalls. It towers abovethe former capital of Malawi, an old colonial townof the same name. The plateau is a lovely place todiscover on foot or by bike and it makes a goodbase from which to explore the old town's fadedcolonial splendour and bustling market. BeyondZomba is the Thyolo Region, an area of fertileland dominated by vibrant green tea estates. HereMalawi's highest peak, Mount Mulanje, rises over3,000 metres above the tea estates, woodlandsand rivers. There are not many accommodationchoices in this region, but a good option is to stayat one of the tea estates in a simple guesthouse.Liwonde National ParkLiwonde is Malawi's premier game viewingdestination and while the game here does notmatch Zambia's Luangwa Valley, it is neverthelessimpressive. The park is dominated by the vastborassus palm-fringed Shire River, home to largehippo pods and crocodiles who bask on its banks.The game in Liwonde includes elephant, sableantelope, waterbuck, impala, and bushbuck, andthe birding is excellent. In the centre of the parkis a protected area which provides a safe havenfor the black rhino, buffalo and zebra which arebeing reintroduced to the park. Activities inLiwonde include game drives, walks and boat tripswhich enable you to get up close and personalwith the elephant herds bathing in the river andthe hippos wallowing in the shallows.Mvuu LodgeWaterlilies in the Shire RiverElephant in Liwonde National ParkDinner at Mvuu Camp