Best things to do in Malawi

Participate in the conservation of Malawi's wildlife while you tour the habitat at Majete Wildlife Reserve. As you explore the reserve with a guide, you'll learn how the endangered and threatened species that are cared for here get rescued and rehabilitated. Once a prolific wildlife refuge, the reserve's resources were all but used up by the end of the 20th. Thankfully, in 2003 a project to reintroduce animals into the wild commenced, and has since transformed the reserve into a haven for elephants, zebras, hippos, and many other rare animal species.

Witness the 3,000 m (10,000 ft) high monadnock of Mount Mulanje, covered with undulating grasslands and wooded gorges. Drive around the foot of the massif, or hike and camp in the mountains. Arrange a guide and participate in challenging climbs, which require a certain amount of previous experience. See the endangered Mulanje cypress, and look for birds such as buzzards, black eagles, and white-necked ravens. Fishing is possible in a river on the southern slopes of the mountain.

See the rehabilitation center for Malawi’s injured, orphaned, and rescued wildlife at Lilongwe Wildlife Centre. Malawi’s only accredited wildlife sanctuary, the complex provides a home for around 200 wild animals annually. Encounter reptiles, primates, and carnivores, many of which were rescued as orphans and victims of the illegal pet and bushmeat trade. Take an organized tour and listen to a professional guide, who will explain how one of the world's poorest nations goes about its efforts to conserve its natural resources.

Witness and participate in the effort to conserve animal life and natural habitats at Kuti Wildlife Reserve. Run by a non-profit organization, all the revenue generated by the reserve goes back into the project and the local community. Admire a diverse collection of animals residing here, including baboons, zebras, and kudu. If you want to extend your stay, you can reserve accommodations ranging from camping to luxurious bush villas. The reserve also has a restaurant, a shop, and a bar known for its sunset views.

An area encompassing the city that was Malawi’s capital until the 1970s, Zomba Plateau serves as an ideal spot to go for a hike. The plateau's highest point reaches an altitude of more than 1,800 m (5,905 ft), allowing for excellent panoramic views of the surrounding environment. Interesting vegetation, such as African juniper and Widdringtonia, line many of the paths in the area, with watefalls and dams serving as other interesting landmarks. Consider hiring a guide to help you navigate the network of hiking trails.

Admire a church in the middle of an island, surrounded by baobabs and mango trees, tropical houses, and dirt streets at St. Peter's Cathedral. Seeming almost out of place, the cathedral is made of sturdy blocks of rock and materials shipped from far away. See the stained glass windows and European architectural influences reflecting in the features of the building. You'll get a sense of the cathedral's strategic value since its construction in the colonial days of the early 20th century.

A World Heritage Site, Chongoni Rock Art Area stands as the largest cluster of ancient rock paintings in Central Africa. While the site contains 127 artworks, the guided tour starts with the three that are open to the public, surrounded by massive granite hills and untouched nature. Admire the rock art sites depicting animals, rituals, and symbols, made mostly by BaTwa hunter-gatherers who lived during the Late Stone Age, and Chewa clan folk from the Early Iron Age.

Stroll The Way of the Cross/ Njira ya Mtanda, a pathway with references to the life and resurrection of Jesus Christ that culminate at the mountain with a cross monument. Locals make pilgrimages here through the dense eucalyptus forests. From the top, the view stretches into a panorama of the distant city. Directions are easily noticeable and clear, and the walk is not too strenuous.

View the local artistic creations of Blantyre at La Caverna Art Gallery, a blend between art exhibition and relaxing cafe. A quaint building in a scenic setting surrounded by trees and nature, the gallery houses a range of locally produced artworks, including landscape paintings, wood carvings of animals, rock carvings, ceramics, and traditional musical instruments. After appreciating the art, enjoy a smooth coffee around the corner from the building in the Mandela cafe. Consider purchasing one of the artworks on display; profits from the gallery go back into the artists' pockets.

Rescuing and taking care of orphaned and injured wild animals, Nature Sanctuary features the world's first accredited People and Wildlife center, teaching locals how to conserve their natural heritage. When the sanctuary opened in 2008, its first residents were animals rescued from poachers and illegal wildlife traders. Take a guided tour or follow one of the wilderness trails running through the woodlands and alongside the riverbank. Healed animals are released back into the wilderness, but you can still expect to see monkeys, lions, bushbucks, crocodiles, and even monitor lizards. The restaurant offers traditional cuisine and live entertainment in form of Malawian dancing and drumming.

Head to The Society of Malawi Library, a treasure trove of books related to history, culture, and science. The library is free to use and staffed by volunteers. However, for a small fee you can become a member, providing funds that help the library greatly. Open between 9 am and 12 pm, the library serves as the perfect place for research, reading, and contemplation. Contact the library before your visit and ask to join one of the many educational events that take place throughout the year.

The second-largest lake in Malawi, the World Heritage Site of Lake Chilwa thrives with an exuberant bird population and expansive wetlands. Observe birds and explore marshes and floodplains that hide rich populations of fish and insects. In the center of the lake and on the northern shore lie two small islands--Chisi and Thongwe--inhabited by one of the country's most remote fishing communities, who still live like their ancestors. Even though it's possible to visit the communities, the prevalence of diseases like cholera often discourages visitors.

Get a feeling for traditional Malawian culture and live a typical village life at Kumbali Cultural Village. As you amble around the village, try your hand at an array of crafts and recreational activities, such as pottery, painting, and bike riding. Adults and children alike will love the experience, with plenty of activities suitable for visitors of all ages. Sample the delicious range of traditional African delicacies as you enjoy the authentic experience of living life in a Malawian village.