You will not see Malawi on many people’s bucket lists, and to be honest, that is a real pity. This beautiful African country may be small, but while there, you will not get that feeling. There are plenty of good reasons to visit Malawi, and the most important ones are mentioned below.
It is called the Warm Heart of Africa
Malawi is also known as the Warm Heart of Africa, and not because of the weather. It is the people that gave the country that name. In Malawi, you will find some of the most welcoming people in the world. They will always greet you with a smile, help you whenever they can, and they will go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Partying with them is incredibly fun. You should try dancing in African house music. You will have a blast.
Lake Malawi
Lake Malawi is the third largest lake in Africa, and if you go there, you will have the impression that you are in a tropical country. If you want, you can enjoy sandy beaches and go for a swim in its incredibly warm water. There are plenty of beaches you can take your pick from. Not to mention the scenery. Plus, this lake is a source of food and income for the villagers along the lake’s shores.
One thing worth mentioning here is that while lake Malawi has fresh water, you can enjoy a variety of water activities such as diving and snorkeling. You do not even have to take a boat ride to the nearest coral reef. You will come across a wide variety of fish. The water is crystal clear, which makes a canoe ride a beautiful experience. Also, if you are a beginner when it comes to scuba diving, Lake Malawi is the best place to gather some experience. Many people try it here for the first time.
You can also go yachting
If you want to spend a few days on the crystal-clear water of Lake Malawi, then you have the option of renting a yacht. Not only can you relax with style, but you can also access many fishing villages and coves that are impossible to reach by road. That is if you want to go exploring. You will find a few companies that are willing to start a journey from South Lake Malawi and then bring you back in just a few days.
The wildlife
If you plan a trip to Malawi, then you should definitely go on safari. It would be a pity not to when there is so much wildlife to be spotted. If you have the chance, you can see zebras, elephants, and many more. Besides, Malawi is the perfect country if you want to experience bush and beach all in one trip. The Liwonde National Park is just a few hours away from Lake Malawi (the southern part). We recommend that you go on an organized safari, especially if you have never been on one before.
You can take one of the best bike rides of your life
A lot of tourists who choose Malawi as their vacation destination decide to go biking on the Nyika Plateau. It is the largest national park in Malawi, and it is the home of numerous animal species. The afro-montane plateau also provides some amazing scenery. Besides, wouldn’t you like to bike in a stunning environment? Of course, you must keep watch for zebras, bush pigs, elands, and Roan antelopes, but they are usually peaceful animals that will leave you alone as long as you do not cross the line. Apart from animals, the Nyika Plateau has over 400 species of birds and 200 species of orchids. When the flowers are in bloom, the scenery is breathtaking.
Malawi has some of the most beautiful hiking opportunities
Admittedly, this can be said of many countries. But you know what they say. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Even so, Malawi will not disappoint as far as hiking is concerned. For instance, you can take a hike on the Zomba Plateau. It goes as high as 1800 meters, and the forests will give you some beautiful sights. Since you can go up, the panoramic views are to die for, especially if you are a bird enthusiast. If hiking is what you are looking for, the Nyika Plateau can serve you as well. The high hills with their tall grass provide the perfect environment for a long hike. Plus, you get to see some animals on the way.
Getting a visa is as easy as it can be
Moving on to more technical aspects, most nationalities are required to obtain a visa before traveling to Malawi. However, not only that a visa on arrival is available for many, an electronic visa is available as well. You can apply for an eVisa online. There are several services online that can help with the online application process, and you can get the document you need in as little as five business days. As you can imagine, you will need a valid passport. Other documents, such as a digital photo and proof of accommodation, are also required, but those should not be a challenge to acquire.
Needless to say, Malawi is worth a visit. The people and Lake Malawi alone are reasons enough to visit this wonderful, albeit small, country. You are going to have a fantastic time there, and you will go back home with pleasant memories. Just give Malawi a shot and see for yourself. You will not regret your decision.
