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|  | MALAWI COUNTRY SNAPSHOT AND INTERESTING FACTS | Malawi shares borders to the north and northeast with Tanzania, to the south, east and southwest with Mozambique and to the west with Zambia. Lake Malawi, the third largest lake in Africa, is the dominant feature of the country, forming the eastern boundary with Tanzania and Mozambique. The scenery varies in the country's three regions. The Northern Region is mountainous, with the highest peaks reaching to over 3000m (9843ft), and features the rolling Nyika Plateau, rugged escarpments, valleys and the thickly forested slopes of the Viphya Plateau. The Central Region is mainly a plateau, over 1000m (3300ft) high, with fine upland scenery. This is the country's main agricultural area. The Southern Region is mostly low-lying except for the 2100m-high (6890ft) Zomba Plateau south of Lake Malawi and the huge, isolated Mulanje Massif (3000m/10000ft) in the southeast. The variety of landscape and the wildlife it supports make this relatively unspoilt country particularly attractive to visitors. Established in 1891, the British protectorate of Nyasaland became the independent nation of Malawi in 1964. After three decades of one-party rule under President Hastings Kamuzu BANDA the country held multiparty elections in 1994, under a provisional constitution, which came into full effect the following year. Current President Bingu wa MUTHARIKA, elected in May 2004 after the previous president failed to amend the constitution to permit another term, has struggled to assert his authority against his predecessor, who still leads their shared political party. MATHARIKA's anti-corruption efforts have led to several high-level arrests but no convictions. Increasing corruption, population growth, increasing pressure on agricultural lands, and HIV/AIDS pose major problems for the country. Landlocked Malawi ranks among the world's least developed countries. The economy is predominately agricultural, with about 90% of the population living in rural areas. Agriculture accounted for nearly 40% of GDP and 88% of export revenues in 2001. The performance of the tobacco sector is key to short-term growth as tobacco accounts for over 50% of exports. The economy depends on substantial inflows of economic assistance from the IMF, the World Bank, and individual donor nations. In late 2000, Malawi was approved for relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) program. The government faces strong challenges, including developing a market economy, improving educational facilities, facing up to environmental problems, dealing with the rapidly growing problem of HIV/AIDS, and satisfying foreign donors that fiscal discipline is being tightened. In 2005, the anticorruption campaign championed by President MUTHARIKA may help encourage investment and economic growth. | Open here a detailed map in a new window. Map Server Travel-Island.com. | 
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| | | RESORTS AND EXCURSIONS | The Northern & Central Regions
Mzuzu & the North
The capital of the northern region, Mzuzu, has one major hotel and several smaller establishments. The town is approached from the south by a road across the rolling hills of the Viphya Plateau or by the lakeshore road. There are two game areas in the region: the beautiful and unique plateau of Nyika National Park and the Vwasa Marsh Game Reserve. Both have new luxury lodges as well as simpler accommodation. Also in the region is the famous Livingstonia Mission with its interesting museum. Access is difficult up the escarpment road but the Mission can also be reached from the east via Rumphi. Nearby, the Manchewe Falls spill off the escarpment.
Lilongwe
Malawi's capital, Lilongwe, is in the central region, 90 minutes' drive inland from Lake Malawi. Alongside the traditional Old Town, with its interesting markets, is the modern city and seat of government with its imaginative architecture in a garden setting. There is a wide range of hotels in Lilongwe.
Excursions
Northwest of the capital is the vast Kasungu National Park with a great variety of wildlife and excellent accommodation. North of Lilongwe is the famous Kamusu Academy (the 'Eton of Africa'). This is also the region supplying much of the country's important tobacco crop.
Lake Malawi
This vast lake stretches from the northern tip of the country to Mangochi in the south. The surface area of the lake covers nearly 24,000 sq km (15,000 sq miles), and lies in the deep, trough-like rift valley which runs the length of the country. The shores of the lake are generally sandy and the resort areas are largely bilharzia free. There are no tides or currents. Most of the hotels provide pleasure craft enabling visitors to enjoy water-skiing, sailing, fishing, snorkelling and windsurfing. Lake Malawi is known to contain more species of fish than any other lake in the world: over 500 at the latest count. Some of the rarest tropical fish in the world are unique to the lake, which is also the home of fish eagles, black eagles, several varieties of kingfisher, tern and many other birds.
One of the best ways of seeing lake Malawi is to cruise in the 630-ton Ilala II, the lake's mini-liner, which cruises the lake between Monkey Bay and Karonga in the north of the country. The 1052km (654-mile) voyage gives the passenger the opportunity to visit lake ports and to view the spectacular mountain scenery.
The Lakeshore
Nkhotakota, on the central lake shore, is one of Africa's oldest market towns and was once a centre of the slave trade. There are mid-range lodges here from which one can visit the nearby national park. Further north is Nkhata Bay, a busy port and market and a favourite stopping place for visitors. There is plenty of budget accommodation around the bay.
Senga Bay, near the market town of Salima, is the main lakeshore resort of the central region. Lizard Island, home to many varieties of lizard and eagle, is one of the many off-shore islands.
Cape Maclear, near Monkey Bay, has a beautiful sandy beach and is in the Lake Malawi National Park, the world's first freshwater reserve. It is here that the fish-rich lake is seen at its best. The only top-class accommodation is at the new island camps utilised during kayaking safaris. There is plenty of mid-range and budget lodges and there are plans for a hotel.
Likoma Island
Located on the east side of the lake, near the Mozambique shore, Likoma Island is worth a visit - there is excellent swimming off the beaches and a very interesting Anglican Cathedral. Accommodation is limited.
The Southern Region
Blantyre
Malawi's commercial capital and largest town was established at the end of the 19th century. It is really two towns: Blantyre and Limbe, joined by a development corridor. Visits can be made to the National Museum, to St Michael and All Angels Church (associated with Dr David Livingstone) and to Mandala House (the oldest European building in Malawi).
Elsewhere
North of Blantyre is the university town and former capital, Zomba. Towering above the town is the 1800m (6800ft) Zomba Plateau with its vast forests and waterfalls. There is a newly rebuilt luxury hotel as well as lodges and two campsites, one newly renovated called Chtinji Campsite. The views from the plateau are stunning and it is possible to drive around or walk on the plateau top. There is also a trout farm which is now rehabilitated and has a very nice picnic area.
Large tea estates lie to the southeast, overshadowed by the magnificent Mulanje Massif, a huge block of mountains of more than 640 sq km (250 sq miles) rising to over 3000m (9850ft) at its highest point at Sapitwa. For the tourist, Mulanje offers a wide variety of activities, from rock climbing and mountain walking to the more leisurely pursuit of trout fishing. Much of the massif is accessible and guides can be hired. Forest huts provide simple accommodation. Mulanje is best visited between April and November.
The Lower Shire Valley is different from the rest of the country, as it is low lying, hotter and dominated by the great river which drains Lake Malawi. There are vast sugar plantations at Sucoma.
National Parks & Wildlife Reserves
Malawi has nine national parks and wildlife reserves but six are especially recommended for visitors. There are also many attractive and accessible forest reserves. All the parks and reserves are uncrowded and give visitors an excellent experience of unspoilt wilderness.
Nyika National Park
Situated in the far north of the country, the park's unique rolling grassland covers most of the Nyika Plateau, which lies at an altitude of 2000-3000m (6562-9843ft). The whaleback hills are broken by deep valleys and occasional patches of evergreen, natural forest and bubbling streams. Nyika is known to sustain many rare birds and butterflies, game and a multitude of flowers, including an incredible range of orchids. At Chelinda there is a variety of accommodation including new luxury log cabins. The lodges and camps are set high up on the edge of a pine forest, overlooking trout-filled lakes. The enormous plateau has zebra, antelope, leopard and hyena as well as elephant on the lower slopes. A speciality of Chelinda is its horse safaris. There is an airstrip for visitors arriving by air.
Vwasa Marsh Wildlife Reserve
Located to the west of Mzuzu. A camp with luxury reed huts has been established overlooking Lake Kazuni. There is a variety of game including elephant, buffalo and hippo as well as a large number of bird species. There is a mix of woodland, open grassland and marsh. This is a totally unspoilt reserve.
Kasungu National Park
Situated in the northwest of the central region, 112km (68 miles) from Lilongwe, Kasungu National Park consists of some 2000 sq km (770 sq miles) of woodland. The park is best known for its elephants, which appear in the early morning and evening to drink from dambos (river channels). The grasslands support large herds of buffalo, as well as a variety of antelope such as kudu and reedbuck. Predators such as lion and leopard may be seen. Accommodation in the park is easily accessed at Lifupa where there are luxury rondavels as well as a separate self-catering camp.
Liwonde National Park
Situated in the Shire Valley, south of Lake Malawi and north of Zomba, Liwonde is the most popular of the national parks. The River Shire flows along the eastern border of the park allowing for boat safaris. The river is frequented by vast numbers of hippo, and elephants and crocodiles can also be seen. There is a wide range of game in the park, including rhino and various antelope. Through introductions, Liwonde will soon have the big five for visitors to see. The birdlife includes one of the greatest variety of species in Africa. There is accommodation in the park at Mvuu, including a luxury lodge and a separate permanent camp and camping site. Walking and driving safaris (in four-wheel-drive vehicles) are on offer. There is a landing strip for visitors coming by air. A new safari lodge has been opened on a hill site in the southern part of the park.
Lake Malawi National Park
Close to Monkey Bay, this reserve lies towards the southern extremity of the lake. Opened in 1980, it was the world's first freshwater national park and its setting and attractions are world-renowned. Tropical fish, which can be viewed with the use of scuba equipment and masks, are a speciality of the park, while further inland klipspringer, bushbuck and vervet monkeys may be seen. Access to the park is easy throughout the year. There is a limited range of accommodation (mid-range and budget) but a hotel is planned and there is good accommodation on two islands in the lake. Many visitors make day-trips from the hotels on the lakeshore south of Monkey Bay.
Lengwe National Park
Lengwe National Park is in the Lower Shire Valley and is only 130 sq km (80 sq miles) in extent. The park has the distinction of being the farthest point north where the rare Nyala antelope can be found. Also here is the diminutive Livingstone's Suni, one of the smallest of antelopes, as well as the rare Blue or Samango monkey. These and other game can be viewed from concealed hides. Although there is limited accommodation here, it is possible to visit the park in a day-trip from Blantyre.
Other parks
Of the other wildlife reserves, the vast Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve is little developed and lacks drivable tracks. However, there is a good range of game including lion and elephant. Accommodation can be had nearby along the lakeshore. Majete and Mwabvi Wildlife Reserves are in the Lower Shire Valley. Majete has little viewable game and Mwabvi is difficult to access. | | PASSPORT AND VISA APPLICATION Furthermore, in order to get into many countries on the stay abroad you will require a visa of some type, even if you are just visiting. This is usually an insert, stamp or sticker which is placed in your passport and the duration of its validity varies from place to place. If you do intend to work or study in the country to which you are traveling, however, you should organize your visa even further in advance as this can take longer to process.
As well as your passport you should ensure that you have at least one other form of identification with you. This may be a driver’s license, birth certificate or any other form of ID which is acceptable worldwide. As with passports, bring at least two copies of all forms of identification in case of loss or theft.
Help to Passport and Visa Application Forms. How to find the right one(s)?
A passport is issued to you by your home country as proof of citizenship. Visas are stamped into your passport to allow you entry into other countries. Although there are exceptions, you are usually required to display your passport when entering or leaving a country. Once you arrive at your destination, carry a photocopy of your passport and keep the original in a safe place.
A visa is an endorsement or stamp entered into your passport by a foreign government. It allows you to enter that country for a specific reason and period of time. Start applying for visas as soon as your passport is available so that all your documentation is completed well before your departure date. To receive a visa you need to send your passport to an embassy or consulate of the country you want to visit. Most countries have embassies and consulates worldwide, and travel agents can usually tell you where the nearest ones are located. Keep in mind that your passport may be tied up for days or weeks until the paperwork is done, so plan accordingly. In addition, some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before they will issue you a visa. The amount of time spent mailing your passport to the various agencies involved can really add up if you are visiting several countries. Plan ahead if possible. If you only have a few weeks to prepare, a commercial visa service can often speed up the process. |
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