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and swim in the crystal-clear waters. The the year. However, the best time is the wet
lake has its own national park covering 94sq season from November to April when
km in a stunningly beautiful location at the migratory birds are present.
southern end of the lake near Cape Maclear.
The park, which is a UNESCO World • Nature/Landscapes
Heritage Site, was created to protect the Malawi has a diversity of beautiful
lake’s unique, endemic fish species, cichlids. landscapes. The highest peaks in Malawi
Lake Malawi National Park is the first touch 3,000m while the lowest point on land
established freshwater, underwater park and is just above sea level. This range of altitudes
the diversity of the native fish species is in a small area defines the varied landscapes
unparalleled. of Malawi which is a green and lush country,
Nkhata, the capital of Nkhata Bay with plateaux, highlands, forests, mountains,
district in the northern region of Malawi is plains, escarpments and dramatic river
a resort town and ferry port whose striking valleys, as well as the many aspects of the
harbour comprises sheltered bays and lake.
beaches with clear waters and colourful fish. The variety of scenery is a major
The ferry port is a departure point for attraction to visitors and many of the
Chizumulu and Likoma islands which have highland areas and forest reserves have good
secluded beaches and trails, as well as St accommodation options, as well as plenty of
Peter’s Cathedral on Likoma island, dating outdoor activities such as cycling and
from 1911. mountain biking, nature trails and trekking,
birding, tea tasting, climbing and abseiling
• Wildlife and extreme sporting events such as the
Malawi has 12 protected areas comprising of Mount Mulanje Porter’s Race.
five national parks, four wildlife reserves and In a forested area of mountain
40 three sanctuaries. The country has successfully slopes in the north of the country, near a
national park and wildlife and forest
positioned itself as Africa’s newest “Big Five”
destination where travellers can view game in reserves, and an agricultural area that
their natural habitat, in well-managed national produces cash crops such as tea, rubber and
parks and wildlife reserves that are pristine and coffee, the city of Mzuzu lies in a gap in the
not crowded. Viphya Mountains. The forested Viphya
Innovative ideas in game management Plateau is home to abundant birdlife and
have transformed Malawi’s wildlife and nature trails, and the nearby Viphya
wilderness areas. Successful conservation Plantation is the largest man-made forest in
initiatives have seen the re-introduction of Africa. Mzuzu is the gateway to Nkhata Bay
iconic species such as the cheetah, lion and resorts, and to Nyika National Park which
black rhino to the Liwonde National Park has leopards, lions and elephants, as well as
and Majete Wildlife Reserve. In 2016, the nearby floodplains and woodlands of
Malawi successfully undertook the historic Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve with buffalo,
movement of 500 elephants from Liwonde kudu and hippos in Lake Kazuni.
National Park and Majete Wildlife Reserve
to Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, making it • Urban Areas, Universities and Media
one of Africa’s successful conservation The main cities of Lilongwe, Blantyre, Mzuzu
destinations. and Zomba are home to public universities,
Malawi is also a birder’s paradise. The inspiring lively academic and youth
country is home to about 650 species with communities and talent, as well as hosting
about 10percent not seen in other national or provincial offices of government
parts of southern Africa. Of great and industry, manufacturing and agro-
interest to birders are the high- processing, and creative arts. Malawi has a
mountain plateaus of Nyika and growing music industry, as well as visual
Viphya, and the woodlands of arts.There are also colleges and polytechnics,
Dzalanyama Forest. Bird watching and a range of private universities. The
in Malawi is excellent throughout communications media is lively with public