Thyolo Highlands
Thyolo is a picturesque district in the southern region of Malawi, well-known for its beautiful scenery, lively culture, and extensive agricultural history. With its expansive tea plantations that stretch across the rolling hills and its welcoming locals, Thyolo offers tourists a unique and authentic Malawian experience. The Tea Estates in Thyolo offer a chance to learn about the region’s most famous crop through guided tours and tastings of freshly brewed tea. These natural attractions showcase the beauty and diversity of Thyolo, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic taste and enriching experience of Malawi.
Arguably the most scenically beautiful region of Malawi. Thyolo and Mulanje districts form 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. With magnificent views of Mount Mulanje and the Lower Shire valley to the west, Satemwa enjoys a temperature climate of the Shire Highlands and relaxed ambiance of the by-gone era. Visitors to this corner of Malawi cannot help to be caught up in the colonial magic of the area and diverse scenery, which ranges from thickets and rolling hills.
Accommodation
Thyolo has a range of lodging choices, from luxurious to comfortable lodges, so it can accommodate different tastes and price ranges. A memorable stay in Malawi's tea regions is guaranteed for visitors who enjoy a distinctive fusion of comfort and regional charm.
Huntingdon House
Satemwa Tea Estate is a three-generation family-owned tea and coffee estate established in 1920’s and located in Thyolo district which is between Blantyre and Mulanje. Malawi is said to be the first country in Africa where tea was grown commercially grown, and Satemwa is one the oldest tea plantations in the country.
Set within this tea estate is Huntingdon House, a luxurious, historic building built in the 1930’s and renovated in 2009, with five spacious guest rooms.
Game Haven Lodge
Game Haven Lodge is a unique retreat that combines tourism and wildlife conservation whilst supporting the surrounding communities.
The Lodge has a variety of rooms tailored to your needs, whether it is a family room, self-catering or the spacious and luxurious cottages you are looking for, they have all type for you. All rooms have a parking bay next to them for your ease.
Activities and Experiences
Thyolo provides a range of activities, such as tours of the Satemwa Tea Estate, opportunities to learn about tea production at the factory, and engaging in tea tasting sessions where you can sample various tea blends.
Nature Walks & Tea Tasting
Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic tea and coffee plantations, exploring the tea estates through hikes and drives in the region. The Thyolo Forest Reserves and Thyolo Mountain provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching.
Sample a variety of locally produced tea, each with its own distinct flavor profile, and gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind every cup.
Tea tasting at the factory, dive into the rich culture of Malawi with an exclusive tea-tasting session at the nearby factory.
Wildlife & Golf
You can also enjoy wildlife viewing at the Chimwenya Private Game Park. With 10 different species to see this is a must-do adventure. Get up close and personal with the wildlife.
If you are interested in playing golf, you have the option to play at either Thyolo Golf Club or the Mbawa Country Club within the Chimwenya Private Game Park
Visit Mount Mulanje
Mount Mulanje is locally known as “Island in the Sky”. It lies about 40 km from Thyolo and offers a range of hiking possibilities. One of the popular places on the must and a must-visit is the Dziwe La Nkhalamba (Old man’s pool) a pool formed on the Likhubula river on the west side of the mountain.
A typical day trip would include arrival in Mulanje at around 10:00 am and proceeding to the waterfalls, arriving just before 11:00 am. Spend a few hours and trek back at around 15:00 hours latest, for arrival back in Thyolo late afternoon.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Thyolo is during the dry season between May and October. It’s a cooler time of the year, with bright sunshine, fresh evenings, and temperatures anywhere between 18°C and 33°C.
Temperatures start to rise in September and remain in the high twenties and early thirties throughout the rainy season, which runs from November to April. The heaviest rains are often in December, January and February.
Because of Malawi’s varied landscape, regional variations in weather are significant. The lower lying lake shore areas are warmer all year round. Temperatures in the highlands are refreshingly cool in the day, with chilly evenings, particularly in winter.