Southern Malawi
Southern Malawi presents itself as a captivating travel destination, rich in natural beauty and adventure. Spanning 31,753 square kilometers, this region is home to stunning attractions such as Lake Malawi National Park and Liwonde National Park, each offering unique wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes.
The majestic Shire River meanders through the area, while the Zomba Plateau and Mount Mulanje provide hikers with dramatic views and challenging trails. Together, these features create a diverse tapestry of experiences that beckon travelers eager to explore Southern Malawi's remarkable offerings. As visitors engage themselves in its vibrant ecosystems and cultural heritage, they will undoubtedly discover why this region remains a hidden gem waiting to be unveiled.
Where To Go
Southern Malawi offers diverse attractions, including the stunning Lake Malawi National Park, the wildlife of Liwonde National Park, the scenic Zomba Plateau, and the bustling city of Blantyre, the regional capital.
Blantyre
Named after the birthplace of Dr David Livingstone, a Scottish explorer and missionary, who played a significant role in the exploration of Africa, Blantyre is the second largest city and serves as a commercial capital of Malawi. Over the years, Blantyre has grown into a bustling city with a rich cultural heritage that reflects the influence of various ethnic groups including the Chewa, Yao and Ngoni.
Lake Malawi National Park
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. The Lake Malawi National Park is situated at the southern end of Lake Malawi, the park includes the terrestrial miombo woodlands and the aquatic ecosystem with a total of 13 islands. Very few places in the world can equal the beauty and significance of Lake Malawi National Park, one of the only two UNESCO World Heritage sites in Malawi, recognized for such outstanding universal values as its unique natural beauty and the beautiful cichlid fish, all but five of 350 species are endemic to the park.
Liwonde National Park
Located in southern Malawi, along the Shire River. Liwonde National Park is a premier wildlife destination in Malawi, known for its diverse and abundant wildlife.
The Park covers an area approximately is 548 square kilometers and has varied landscape of woodlands, grasslands, wetlands.
Majete Wildlife Reserve
A Big Five reserve with a wide range of wildlife. Home to a wide variety of wildlife and bird species.
Majete is a premier wildlife destination in Malawi. Located in the southwestern region of Malawi. The reserve covers an area of approximately 70,000 hectares and have varied landscapes of woodlands, grasslands and wetlands.
Zomba Plateau
A scenic plateau with stunning views, hiking trails, and waterfalls.
A popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and diverse wildlife.
The plateau is situated at an elevation of approximately 1,800 meters (5,900 ft) above sea level.
Mount Mulanje
Mount Mulanje – known locally as “Chilumba mu mlengalenga” (Island in the sky) – covers an area of 650 sq km and is the highest peak in southern central Africa at an impressive 3,002 metres above sea level
Located in the southern corner of Malawi, Mulanje mountain has a fascinating ecosystem. As many as 500 unique species of animals and plants are found here and the area is recognized as a biodiversity hot spot.
Thyolo Highlands
Arguably the most scenically beautiful region of Malawi. The Thyolo and Mulanje districts forms the heart of Malawi’s tea producing region with rolling hills immaculately cultivated, emerald green plantation and some of the oldest estates in the country.
Best Time To Visit
Southern Malawi is considered an all-year-round destination. There can be distinct depending on your interests and personal preferences. For wildlife and hiking, the dry season from May to October is ideal. Wildlife is enhanced as animals congregate around water sources, and weather is generally warm and dry, making it comfortable for outdoor activities.
Prime birding in southern Malawi, the best time is from late September to April, encompassing the end of dry season and to the end of rainy season, when migratory birds from Europe and North Africa arrive, with peak numbers and colourful plumage seen in November and December.