Showing posts with label Malawi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Malawi. Show all posts

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Is It or Isn't It Lake Malawi?

One of the most popular features of Malawi tours is Lake Malawi. One of the inspiring things about Lake Malawi is that it's easily in three countries: Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. This means, among other things, that the name is something of a sore point. According to Wikipedia, Lake Malawi is called Lake Nyasa (Lake Nyassa, Lake Niassa or Lago Liasso) in most other African countries. It's only easily called Lake Malawi by foreign tourists and Malawi itself.

Mozambique owns at least a quarter of the lake and, just earlier this year, the Mozambican government declared the lake a reserve. Mozambique's share of the lake includes the islands of Likoma and Chizumulu - the only two inhabited islands in the lake.

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Tanzania has also battled for its share of lake ownership. Tanzania would like Malawi to honour the international border as carefully by the Germans and the British before 1914. This divided the lake into two equal halves. Malawi is reluctant to see this point of view - understandably as the branch was ruled by colonialists with no regard for primary borders.

Despite all the controversy, Malawi has turned the lake into quite the traveler attraction. It's also known as the Lake of Stars, as it was poetically called by David Livingstone, and the Lake of Storms. It contains the highest density of cichlids in the world, is rich in catfish and is home to crocodiles, hippos, monkeys, fish eagles and the endangered painted hunting dog, which was opinion to be extinct.

Attractions around Lake Malawi include:

· Chintheche, which is popular because it contains some of the best lakeside beaches. There are many different accommodation options, primarily luxury lodges. In increasing to all the water sports, those with a cultural mien can see the Bandawe Mission, which is of great historical importance.

· Lake Malawi National Park, which is a World legacy Site and includes any islands in the lake as well as a primary area of land around the lake.

· Nkhata Bay, which is one of the biggest villages on the lake. Its primary infer for existence is fishing and it has a sheltered harbour for this purpose, but it also contains many camping sites, lodges and self-catering cottages for tourists.

· Nkhotakota, which is another one of the biggest villages around the lake. It used to be a prime spot for slave trading and is now famed for its pottery.

· Dwangwa, north of Nkhotakota, contains a heavy sugar estate and is driven in large part by the local fishing industry. Its primary attraction is Ngala Beach Lodge.

· Karonga, which is another old slavery town that has since become a cultural haven with a museum dedicated to all things from the turbulent history to archaeology.

· On the Mozambican side of the lake you'll find gorgeous tiny Likoma Island and the Manda Wilderness community Reserve.

Is It or Isn't It Lake Malawi?

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Thursday, August 4, 2011

What to on Your Holidays in Malawi

Commonly known as the warm heart of Africa, Malawi has something to offer to all of its guests. It is one of the most attractive and beautiful countries in Africa, it is well-known among those who seek adventure, eco-tourism and leisure while holidaying.

The scenery of Malawi is diverse and elegant and the people of the country are extremely friendly with the tourists. The national parks, mountain hiking, game reserves and plateau trekking will be highly appreciated by those who love to be in the midst of nature.

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Malawi is a favourite among tourists owing to its unbelievable scenery, great openings that it offers for trekking and hiking in the national parks and an opportunity to see the wildlife of Africa in its various game reserves.

The city of Lilongwe is the capital of Malawi and is well-renowned for the Old Town. It is home to quaint cafes, market stalls, restaurants and New City which is home to decorative shops and offices. The city is nestled in the Central African Mountains, plateau and hills, providing breath-taking panoramic views for the visitors.

The Lilongwe Nature Reserve is built in the area between the old and the new town in order to provide the visitors with an insight into what the area would have been like, before the beginning of the city construction. It is a sanctuary, not a city zoo, and people have to be as alert as in a forest, you may encounter a leopard or a hyena much to your shock.

Several small animals such as porcupine, serval, bushbabies, civet and squirrels and some larger animals such as bushbuck, bushpig and duicker can usually be spotted here. Around 165 km north of the city lies Kasungu National Park and 115 km north-east of the city lies the Nkhotokota Game Reserve.

Livingstonia Mission is one of the main tourist attractions located in the northern lakeshore region. It is situated in Khondowe, a small village, situated on the top of west Rift Valley. The scenery is spell-bounding, and the Manchewe Waterfall surrounded by the lush rain forest is the highest in Malawi.

Lake Malawi also known as Livingstone's Lake or Lake Nyassa, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Malawi. It is the most southern lake situated in the Great Africa Rift Valley and is about 560 km long and has a total area of about 30,000km. The lake is bordered by Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania and is a subject of dispute between Tanzania and Malawi.

The lake has the greatest number of indigenous fish species, more than any other lake in the world, thus making it popular among snorkellers and scuba divers. The beautiful blue waters and golden sandy beaches of the lake give retreat to those in need of a rest and a little relaxation. Kayaking, wind-sailing, water skiing and canoeing are water sports that are available for people who seek some fun and excitement.

Mulanje is a premier rock climbing and hiking destination which offers some of the most spectacular scenic beauties in the country. It rises up to a height of 3000 meters, the highest peak being the Sapitwa. It has an impressive waterfall, deep gorges and trout streams are seen in the midway, while tea plantations add to its beauty in the lush foothills.

The Zomba plateau is situated 900 meters above the Zomba city and is covered by verdant grasslands and evergreen forests. It inhabits blue monkeys, epiphytic orchids and rare montane forest birds. The Mulunguzi Dam is ideal for fishing and hiking, and the botanical gardens and the traditional market of Africa are the major points of interest in the Zomba city.

What to on Your Holidays in Malawi

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