Malawi - Oasis Highlights

There are so many highlights in this fascinating country that it is impossible to list them all here. Our travel consultants will discuss your interests and be able to put a specific itinerary together for you, but below are a few must see’s!

Likoma Island

Off the eastern shore of the Lake is Likoma Island: a Malawian territory in Mozambican waters. Historically it was the setting for the headquarters of the University Mission to Central Africa (Livingstone’s mission) in the 1880s; This caused it to be retained by Malawi when the Lake was divided politically after World War II. Likoma’s claim to fame is its cathedral, on which work began in 1903. This vast building has exciting features, including stained glass and carved soapstone. The island is otherwise deserted, although it has bustling local communities and lovely beaches. Nearby is another tiny island, Chizumulu, also a Malawian territory. Access to Likoma Island is currently by boat or aircraft.

Mount Mulanje

The scale of this truly magnificent mountain must be seen to be appreciated. Its bare rock flanks tower to almost 3000m, dwarfing everything surrounding it. It lies to the east of Blantyre and is easily accessible. Visitors can drive around the foot of the massif in a day, but even more attractive is to trek and camp on the mountains. There are choices between quite gentle walking and serious climbing. An arrangement can be made to hire camping equipment and the services of guides.

Lake Malawi National Park

The world’s first freshwater national park and a World Heritage Site is at Cape Maclear. The park includes a land area around the cape and bay and the Lake and islands up to 100 metres offshore. Here is a veritable aquarium of tropical fish providing a colourful kaleidoscopic display. The countless thousands of freshwater fish, the mbuna, are more abundant and varied here than anywhere else. Boats are available for hire, and the fish will feed directly from the hand. Away from the Lake, the park has baboons, antelope and hyrax, and, of course, there is a great variety of birdlife including fish eagles, cormorants and hamerkops.