Malawi things to see and do

Blantyre is Malawi's main commercial centre and takes its name from the Scottish birthplace of missionary David Livingstone. The city contains several buildings dating from the colonial period, including St Michael and All Angels Church, built by local workers in the late 19th century without formal architectural plans. The nearby Mandala House, built in 1882, is the country's oldest surviving European building and now houses a café, gallery and historical archive.

Lake Malawi stretches for more than 500km (310 miles) along much of the country's eastern border and holds the record for having the most fish species of any lake in the world. Sandy beaches, clear water and colourful cichlid fish make it popular for swimming, kayaking, sailing and freshwater diving. Cape Maclear, Nkhata Bay and other lakeside settlements provide bases for exploring different parts of the lake.

Likoma Island lies in Lake Malawi, close to the Mozambican shore and is reached by boat or light aircraft. The island is known for its sandy beaches, baobab trees and the imposing St Peter's Cathedral, built by Anglican missionaries in the early 20th century. Villages, walking trails and quiet bays can be explored on foot or by bicycle.

Liwonde National Park lies along the Shire River in southern Malawi and combines riverine woodland, floodplains and lagoons rich in wildlife. Elephants, hippos, crocodiles, antelope and numerous bird species can be seen on game drives and boat safaris. Lions and cheetahs have been reintroduced as part of extensive conservation programmes within the park.

Mount Mulanje rises dramatically from the tea-growing plains of southern Malawi and reaches 3,002m (9,849ft) at Sapitwa Peak. A network of trails leads through forests, valleys and high plateaus to mountain huts used by overnight hikers. Routes range from shorter day walks to demanding multi-day treks requiring experienced guides.

Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve protects rugged woodland and hills crossed by rivers flowing towards Lake Malawi. A large-scale conservation programme relocated hundreds of elephants to the reserve and strengthened populations of other wildlife. Visitors can take guided walks, game drives and canoe trips, though the dense vegetation makes wildlife viewing more challenging than in Malawi's more open reserves.

The highlands around Thyolo are covered with tea estates established during the colonial period and remain the centre of Malawi's tea industry. Green plantations spread across rolling hills beneath Mount Mulanje, creating some of the country's most distinctive agricultural scenery. Selected estates offer guided tours, walks and opportunities to learn about tea cultivation and processing.