Activity Based Tourism

Hiking and Trekking 

Malawi is an idyllic country for hiking and trekking and has one of the most exceptional landscapes in Africa. Lake Malawi occupies a quarter of the country and its lowest point is almost at sea level, while Malawi's highest peak, Mount Mulanje, reaches 3,002 meters. This variety of elevation in a small country means that there is a breathtaking variety of lush trails throughout Malawi, including plateaus, highlands, forests, mountains, plains, sheer cliffs and dramatic river valleys. Mount Mulanje is made up of hard metamorphic rocks such as granite and diorite and has the longest rock-climbing trails in Africa. It may look like a precipitous, rugged mountain, but once you step onto the mountain, you will find lush grasslands and forested plateaus. Many hikers refer to it as ‘Island in the Sky’ because of its majestic appearance as it looms surrounded by clouds soaring towards the sky. Other prominent hiking and trekking destinations are also included in this booklet such as Nyika and Viphya in the North, Dedza and Dzalanyama in the Central and Zomba in the South.

Bird watching 

Malawi is home to over 650 species of birds, 10% of which cannot be found anywhere else in southern Africa. Malawi is an invaluable birding destination for ornithologists and bird lovers, but even if you've never been birding before, the colorful variety of birds will fascinate you and give you the experience of a lifetime. Malawi has a wide range of bird species, from the truly endemic Yellow-throated Apalis, to the endangered Cholo Alethe and the very large Marabou Stork, which reaches over 150 cm. The reason for this is easily seen in Malawi's geographical location and the diversity of its environmental range. Malawi is a unique country, being long and narrow in shape, with one third of its land area occupied by the huge and beautiful Lake Malawi. The Nyika plateau in the north, the forests in the mountains of Mulanje in the south, and the wetlands on the shores of Lake Malawi and along the Shire River - plateaus, mountains, lakes and wetlands all coexist in a relatively small area of land, providing for all kinds of bird habitat requirements. No particular bird species is often limited to a single habitat, and they can all be seen almost anywhere if the conditions are right. However, the majority of natural habitats are found within national parks, wildlife reserves and forest reserves and are the first choice of birders wishing to experience the richness of Malawi‘s birdlife. Nyika National Park, Liwonde National Park, Lengwe National Park, the Lake Malawi which is the waterfowl sanctuary and the Miombo Forest in the Dzalanyama Forest Reserve are particularly popular with birders. Expert guides are also available in the parks. More than 80% of Malawi’s species have been recorded as breeding in Malawi, so bird-watching in Malawi is possible at any time of year. However, if you want to see many species, including migratory birds from Europe, Asia and North Africa, the most suitable time for birding is from late September near the end of the dry season to April at the end of the rainy season. November and December are the best times for birding before the rains because this is when bird numbers are at their highest and the plum - age of many birds is at its most colorful.

Scuba Diving 

With dramatic rock formations, caves and cliffs creating an attractive terrain for underwater diving, Lake Malawi is known as one of the world's premier freshwater diving destinations. You can dive all year round, but the best time to dive is during the dry season from August to December, when the lake is at its calmest, the clarity is 20-30m, there is little wind and the water temperature is as high as 30°C. This is also the breeding season for cichlids and their mouth-breeding phenomenon is one of the most fascinating phenomena seen on Lake Malawi dives. Mothers protect their eggs in their mouths until they are large enough to fend for themselves. Also, night diving in Lake Malawi is considered one of the most unique diving experiences as schools of fish use your torchlight to catch cichlids, their prey. You can also see catfish as large as two meters in length coming up from their burrows in search of food. Catfish are very curios and will approach divers who enter their territory, especially during the breeding season.

Kayaking 

The clear turquoise waters of Lake Malawi are ideal for kayaking, as the tides are slower than those of the sea.  Most lodges and hotels on the shores of Lake Malawi rent kayaks to their guests.  Watch the colorful cichlids and majestic fish eagle as you glide through the calm waters of Lake Malawi, or go on an adventurous island hoping trip. Kayaking is becoming increasingly popular especially in Lake Malawi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The two uninhabited islands in the park, Mumbo and Domwe, are stunningly unique and have never been inhabited and remain unspoiled. Paddling your own kayak through the 8km separating these two islands can be an exciting experience. Soak up the sun and embark on a great adventure on the water.

Kayaks on Lake Malawi

Sailing  

Go on a sailing safari on the magnificent Lake Malawi. Since the waters of Lake Malawi have no currents, this makes them suitable for sailing. Although the wind is not very strong, there is always a breeze for sailboats. Many lakeside lodges offer sailboats for hire, so you can experience the freedom of sailing with the wind in your face. A sailing highlight in Malawi is the Lake Malawi Sailing Marathon (LMSM), held annually in July/August. The Marathon falls in the season of the Mwera winds, a strong south-easterly wind, which can blow up without any warning and provide very exciting sailing for even the most skilled and experienced sailor.  This is one event to look up to. The LMSM is not just a race, it is a challenge, an adventure, an opportunity to experience the beautiful country of Malawi and to enjoy the fellowship that is shared on this sailing safari.

Yachts ready to sail on Lake Malawi

Water skiing 

Feel the exhilarating breeze as you ski gracefully across the water on the sparkling Lake Malawi. Water skiing is available on Lake Malawi at several lodges and hotels. Apart from skiing, there are also a variety of rides available where guests can stand or sit while being pulled behind a boat. You will be drawn to this fun water sport activity once you have experienced the speed.

Rafting 

One of the best places to experience rafting in Malawi is on the Bua River in the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve. Enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of the Bua River while looking out for diverse bird activity, riverside waterfalls and thirsty wildlife. With your adrenaline flowing, a rafting adventure will make your trip to Malawi even more thrilling.

Angling 

Malawi has an amazing variety of rivers, lakes and reservoirs, as well as Lake Malawi which is the third largest lake in Africa as is known to have the largest number of freshwater fish species in the world, making the country a rewarding angling destination. Fishing rods and some equipment can be hired from lakeside hotels and lodges, and boats can be arranged in advance. It is also possible to obtain locally made flies, but it is advisable to bring your own equipment. Angling is possible all year round, but is most suitable from November to April during the rainy season, when there is an increase in fish population  in the various waters. The lake is home to many species of game fish. The central and Northern areas are rich in ferocious tigerfish and lake salmon which offer the most exciting sport. River fishing is best along banks with thick reeds and weeds; the Bua River through the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve and the Shire River through Majete Wildlife Reserve are excellent angling spots. Trout fishing is also a popular sport in the streams and dams of the Zomba Plateau, Nyika Plateau and Mulanje Massif, where only fly fishing is permitted.

Swimming 

Lake Malawi's sparkling turquoise waters, rich and colorful fish and beautiful golden sandy beaches make it a tourist gem. Lake Malawi has clear, salt-free freshwater, and the warmth of its waters means that swimming can be enjoyed all year round. Once you dive into the waters of Lake Malawi, you can see the colorful cichlids in the clear water, or simply relax on the idyllic beaches and rocky islands. Swimming in Lake Malawi is generally safe, but if you don't feel comfortable swimming in the lake, most of Malawi's lakeside lodges and hotels have swimming pools large enough to accommodate you.

Snorkeling 

Lake Malawi perfectly combines all the elements required for snorkeling, opening up a kaleidoscope of underwater worlds for an amazing experience. Swimming with thousands of dazzling colored fish within arm’s reach, is one of the most popular activities in Lake Malawi and will become an unforgettable memory of your life. Snorkeling can be enjoyed on any lakeshore and most lodges and hotels have equipment available for guests to use at affordable prices. Lake Malawi has very little vegetation and organic matter, so the sandy and rocky tops of the lake bottom are exceptionally clear. Snorkeling is possible all year round, but the best season is from August to December when the lake is particularly clear and the water temperature rises to nearly 30°C, making the lake very calm and perfect for snorkeling. Float your body above the water, get lost in this crystal-clear paradise and let all your worries go.

Boat Trips 

Cruise Lake Malawi, with its golden sandy beaches and sparkling clear blue waters. Lake Malawi offers a variety of options for boat trips, from a few hours' boat trip on a traditional wooden boat or modern speedboat, to a multi-day cruise on a large cruise ship sailing around Lake Malawi. Take a few hours’ boat trip and visit several snorkeling spots, explore uninhabited islands, enjoy fishing, watch the African Fish Eagle stalk its underwater prey, test your mettle at cliff jumping, or sip wine while watching the sun set over Lake Malawi. For those wishing to sail around Lake Malawi by ship, the MV Ilala Ferry is a popular choice. Boat safaris are also offered in Liwonde National Park and on the Shire River, which flows through Majete Wildlife Reserve. The boat safaris are a beloved activity that allows visitors to view a variety of wildlife from the water, including hippos and crocodiles while elephants and giraffes take a leisurely stroll and birds rest at the water's edge.