Tanzania Scuba Diving

tanzania scuba diving

Experience A Lifechanging Malawi Holiday

Despite being one of the world’s least developed countries, the Republic of Malawi has one of the world’s friendliest populations! Holidays in Malawi are therefore exceptionally enjoyable as well as, in cultural terms, being especially authentic and in-depth. Add to this all the ingredients for a favourite African destination such as superb birding, interesting and varied gameviewing, the stunning Lake Malawi and much of geographical interest and one has the makings of a really memorable holiday; Malawi is one of our best destinations. Malawi became independent in 19991, having been formerly known as British Central African Protectorate, Nyasaland. The economy is based predominately on agriculture with tourism also being important. Running down almost the entire eastern length of the country is the enormous Lake Malawi which takes up over one fifth of the country's 118,500 sq km and dominates Malawi's geography. sailing africa In short Malawi is a narrow elongated plateau with rolling plains, rounded hills, highlands, mountains and the lake; the climate is sub-tropical and the scenery is breath-taking.

Over 600 recorded species makes Malawi one of our favourite birding destinations; birding is superlative in the highlands and near the lake to the extent that a Malawi holiday can be described as exceptional in this regard. Most visitors to Africa come for the wildlife and a Malawi safari certainly has its fair share, including some predators and good elephant, antelope and river/marsh dwelling species populations; but wildlife in Malawi is not at the density of, say, Tanzania to the north. However Malawi is actually probably the most “rounded” country in Africa in terms of tourism as there is so much else to see and do.

Lake Malawi is fundamental to a Malawi holiday. It is easy to remember the lake’s measurements as they mirror the calendar at (very) roughly 365 miles long by 52 wide and, of course, the Mozambique/Malawi boundary divides the lake. safari malawi There is swimming, scuba diving, canoeing, windsurfing and kayaking on the lake’s crystal clear freshwaters so one can be as adventurous as one likes or, alternatively, just laze on the sand beaches or in the little inlets. malawi lakes holidays The variety of cyclids (tropical fish) in the lake are amazing and goggling or diving near the rocky outcrops is akin to swimming in an aquarium; the Lake Malawi Marine Park was actually the first park in the world to protect the marine life of a fresh, deepwater, lake. Alternatively before, perhaps, heading up to the highlands to see some game or to the tea plantations and the cooler weather one can charter a yacht for a few days or a week as the sailing is excellent. (Refreshingly, lodges in Malawi tend not to be super-luxury but there are some exceptionally comfortable and very personable places indeed both in the bush and on the lake; excellent guiding is also the norm).

But a visit to Malawi will always be remembered not only for its scenery and geographical variation but, above all, for its wonderful culture and crafts such as pottery. Malawi derives its name from the Maravi people who lived there at the time when Arab and Portuguese merchants visited the country, they were preceded by Bantu tribes who emanated from Angola and, before that, bushmen.

Finally, Zambia, South Africa, Tanzania or Mozambique can easily be combined with holidays in Malawi so, with its own attractions, Malawi is a destination which can be all things to all people - a rare and lovely beast indeed!.

Scuba Diving off Pemba Island, Tanzania