Regions: Malawi,
Southern Africa

A vast rolling plateau of montane grasslands filled with endemic herbs and heathers and dotted with magnificent mountain outcrops makes up the incredible landscape of the Nyika Plateau. Resting high above sea level in the north of Malawi, cool, temperate climes offer a refreshing haven after a hot safari.

Large herds of roan, reedbuck, zebra, and eland, as well as the occasional herd of elephant, roam across the extensive moorlands, which are covered in a spectacular variety of wildflowers, including delphiniums, lobelias, gladioli and over 200 species of orchid. Dense woodlands cover the rugged foothills at the edge of the plateau where leopard, serval and packs of hyena take cover while hunting, as well as the odd pride of lion.

Meaning ‘where the water comes from’, Nyika’s untamed wilderness of rolling hills, streams and waterfalls is wonderful for trekking, mountain biking and horseback safaris and offers comfortable safari lodge-type accommodation.

Undoubtedly, the jewel in Malawi’s crown, the breath-taking Lake Malawi is the undisputed draw card of the friendliest country in Africa. Fringed by beaches of golden sand and sapphire water as far as the eye can, this incredible ‘inland sea’ is not only a scenic wonderland, but also a holiday and water sports mecca.

Part of the tumble of mountains and lakes that make up the Great Rift Valley, shoals of brightly coloured fish teem in the gin-clear shallows, while African fish eagles perch on the branches of lakeside trees, their distinctive calls a soothing soundtrack to a Lake Malawi holiday.

Lakeside lodges provide comfortable and laid-back accommodation, ranging from family-friendly beach resorts to romantic island lodges and a plethora of water-based activities abound. Snorkelling and scuba diving is a must for marine lovers, while the calm, tranquil waters are ideal for kayaking, waterskiing and fair-weather sailing.

Teeming with more fish species than any other lake on Earth, the quaint fishing villages surrounding the lake are well worth a visit too, where local fishermen carry on the techniques handed down to them from generations before.

Lying in Mozambican waters just off the eastern shore is the tiny unspoilt Likoma Island, whose rocky promontories, golden beaches and huge baobab trees create an idyllic oasis.

Steeped in colonial history, this sleepy island’s claim to fame is its beautiful cathedral, which was built by missionaries who came to the island inspired by the words of David Livingstone. A small bustling community lives here, however it is the island’s pristine beaches, exquisite waters, and spattering of luxurious beach lodges that beg to be enjoyed.

Powder-white, footprint-free sands scattered with regal baobabs and beautiful panoramic views of Mozambique’s wild coast across the water create the perfect place to escape for a few days.

Fairly small and compact as far as reserves go, Liwonde National Park is packed to brim with wildlife. Centred around the Shire River, which dominates the park, languidly meandering through wide flood plains, dense woodland and parched scrub, the palm-lined banks are packed with game and birds.

Herds of elephant and buffalo jostle for space at the water’s edge, while hundreds of hippo and crocodile rule the deeper waters of the river. The tawny floodplains are dotted with beautiful sable and roan antelope, zebra, and the majestic eland, while recently introduced lion, cheetah, and spotted hyena make up the carnivore clan. Spotted genets, bush babies and scrub hares make their tentative appearances at night and the majority of Malawi’s bird species can be found here, including Pel’s fishing owl and Böhm’s bee-eater.

First-class accommodation in the form of luxurious lodges and camps are scattered throughout the park and offer land-based day and night drives, walking safaris and fantastic water-based safaris.

The 70,000-hectare Majete Wildlife Reserve in the south of Malawi is the only Big Five game reserve in the country and is a real success story of conservation. To counter the extensive poaching of the 1980s and 1990s, the African Parks Network and the Malawian government joined forces in 2003 to wipe out the poaching, reintroduce endangered species, and turn the reserve into a model of sustainable development and biodiversity.

The park is made up of mature miombo woodlands and granite topped hills, along with river valleys and lush riverine forest. With very few visitors it is a truly authentic wilderness destination, hosting a wide range of animals including rare black rhino, elephant, buffalo, hippo, various species of plains game, as well as smaller species such as warthog, baboon, mongoose and porcupine. In recent years leopard and lion have been successfully reintroduced to the ecosystem and are starting to thrive.