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Friday, 16 May 2008

What To On Your Holidays In Malawi

Commonly known as the warm heart of Africa, Malawi has something to offer to all of its guests. It is one of the most attractive and beautiful countries in Africa, it is well-known among those who seek adventure, eco-tourism and leisure while holidaying.

The scenery of Malawi is diverse and elegant and the people of the country are extremely friendly with the tourists. The national parks, mountain hiking, game reserves and plateau trekking will be highly appreciated by those who love to be in the midst of nature.

Malawi is a favourite among tourists owing to its unbelievable scenery, great openings that it offers for trekking and hiking in the national parks and an opportunity to see the wildlife of Africa in its various game reserves.

The city of Lilongwe is the capital of Malawi and is well-renowned for the Old Town. It is home to quaint cafes, market stalls, restaurants and New City which is home to decorative shops and offices. The city is nestled in the Central African Mountains, plateau and hills, providing breath-taking panoramic views for the visitors.

The Lilongwe Nature Reserve is built in the area between the old and the new town in order to provide the visitors with an insight into what the area would have been like, before the beginning of the city construction. It is a sanctuary, not a city zoo, and people have to be as alert as in a forest, you may encounter a leopard or a hyena much to your shock.

Several small animals such as porcupine, serval, bushbabies, civet and squirrels and some larger animals such as bushbuck, bushpig and duicker can usually be spotted here. Around 165 km north of the city lies Kasungu National Park and 115 km north-east of the city lies the Nkhotokota Game Reserve.

Livingstonia Mission is one of the main tourist attractions located in the northern lakeshore region. It is situated in Khondowe, a small village, situated on the top of west Rift Valley. The scenery is spell-bounding, and the Manchewe Waterfall surrounded by the lush rain forest is the highest in Malawi.

Lake Malawi also known as Livingstone’s Lake or Lake Nyassa, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Malawi. It is the most southern lake situated in the Great Africa Rift Valley and is about 560 km long and has a total area of about 30,000km. The lake is bordered by Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania and is a subject of dispute between Tanzania and Malawi.

The lake has the greatest number of indigenous fish species, more than any other lake in the world, thus making it popular among snorkellers and scuba divers. The beautiful blue waters and golden sandy beaches of the lake give retreat to those in need of a rest and a little relaxation. Kayaking, wind-sailing, water skiing and canoeing are water sports that are available for people who seek some fun and excitement.

Mulanje is a premier rock climbing and hiking destination which offers some of the most spectacular scenic beauties in the country. It rises up to a height of 3000 meters, the highest peak being the Sapitwa. It has an impressive waterfall, deep gorges and trout streams are seen in the midway, while tea plantations add to its beauty in the lush foothills.

The Zomba plateau is situated 900 meters above the Zomba city and is covered by verdant grasslands and evergreen forests. It inhabits blue monkeys, epiphytic orchids and rare montane forest birds. The Mulunguzi Dam is ideal for fishing and hiking, and the botanical gardens and the traditional market of Africa are the major points of interest in the Zomba city.

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