Full Description
This new ninth edition of Bradt's Malawi remains the only standalone practical guidebook to this magical southeast African destination produced by a mainstream publisher. Long known as the 'warm heart of Africa', thanks to its traditional welcome, Malawi is a small country with a big lake - accounting for around a third of its territory - and, oddly, is the first nation outside Denmark to have a Carlsberg brewery.
The guide takes you from the northern Nyika Plateau with its zebra herds to the long lake shore and the easy charm of baobab-studded Likoma Island. Heading south, you come to the capital Lilongwe and nearby Cape Maclear, a low-key resort town with excellent diving and snorkelling. From here you can travel to Liwonde National Park, famed for its abundant elephant and hippo, and the historic town of Zomba, whose high plateau is criss-crossed by hiking trails. Heading south again brings you to Mount Mulanje, the country's highest peak at 3,002 m.
Malawi offers many outstanding adventure opportunities: kayaking on the vast lake amongst dug-out canoes; walking up the Rift Valley escarpment to Livingstonia; and watching the 'big five' in wonderful natural surroundings. With the reintroduction of sought-after mammals, including elephants to Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve and African wild dogs to Liwonde, plus excellent birdwatching, Malawi is a wildlife destination to savour. Also up for discovery are a resurgent music scene (including the Tumaini Festival), intriguing monuments, ancient rock art at Chongoni and compelling village culture.
Written by Philip Briggs (arguably the world's most experienced guidebook author) and updated by Helena Smith (who partly grew up in Malawi), this ninth edition benefits from a brand new, full-colour guide to wildlife and a thorough update of key practical information. Dedicated chapters on background context and fauna are complemented by a 19-chapter breakdown of the country and 38 maps, making this an ideal companion for backpackers, overlanders, wildlife watchers, birdwatchers and other outdoor enthusiasts. From luxury camps to local guesthouses, from safaris to cycle tours, and from crafts to cultural tourism, Bradt's Malawi covers every aspect of an unforgettable trip to Africa.
Contents
Introduction
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1 Background Information
Geography, Climate , Habitats and conservation, History, Government and politics, Economy, People, Language, Religion and beliefs, Education, Culture
Chapter 2 Malawi Wildlife Guide
Mammals, Reptiles, Birds
Chapter 3 Practical Information
When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tourist information, Tour operators, Red tape, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, Women travellers, LGBTQIA+ travellers, What to take, Money and budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays, Shopping, Arts and entertainments, Opening hours, Media and communications, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively
PART TWO LILONGWE AND SOUTH-CENTRAL MALAWI
Chapter 4 Lilongwe
History, Getting there and away, Orientation, Getting around, Tourist information, Tour operators and safari companies, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Sports and activities, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Short trips from Lilongwe
Chapter 5 Senga Bay and Surrounds
Getting there and around, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do
Chapter 6 Dedza and Surrounds
Dedza, Chongoni Rock Art Area, Mua Mission and surrounds
Chapter 7 Lake Malawi National Park
Monkey Bay, Cape Maclear (Chembe), Inside Lake Malawi National Park
Chapter 8 Mangochi and the Southern Lakeshore
Mangochi, From Mangochi to Monkey Bay
PART THREE SOUTHERN MALAWI
Chapter 9 Liwonde
Liwonde Town, Liwonde National Park
Chapter 10 Zomba and Surrounds
Zomba Town, Zomba Plateau, Lake Chilwa, Chikala Pillars
Chapter 11 Blantyre
History, Getting there and away, Orientation and getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do
Chapter 12 Mulanje and Surrounds
Mulanje Town, The Mulanje ring road, Mulanje Massif, Thyolo
Chapter 13 Lower Shire Valley
Getting around, Chikwawa, Majete Wildlife Reserve, Lengwe National Park, Nchalo Sugar Estate, Thangadzi River Conservancy (TRC), Elephant Marsh, Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve, Bangula, Nsanje
PART FOUR NORTH-CENTRAL MALAWI
Chapter 14 Inland from Lilongwe to Mzuzu
Ntchisi Forest Reserve, Kasungu, Kasungu National Park, Mzimba, South Viphya Forest Reserve
Chapter 15 Nkhotakota and Surrounds
History, Getting there and away, Tourist information, Where to stay and eat, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve
Chapter 16 The Lakeshore from Dwangwa to Chintheche
Dwangwa, Kande, Bandawe, Chintheche
Chapter 17 The Lake Ferry and the Islands
The Lake Ferry, Likoma Island, Chizumulu Island
Chapter 18 Nkhata Bay
Getting there and away, Tour/activity operators, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Shopping, Other practicalities, Around Nkhata Bay
PART FIVE NORTHERN MALAWI
Chapter 19 Mzuzu
History, Getting there and away, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Sports and activities, Other practicalities, What to see and do
Chapter 20 Nyika and Vwaza
Rumphi, Nyika National Park, Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve
Chapter 21 Livingstonia and the Northern Lakeshore Resorts
Kandewe Cultural Heritage Site, The lakeshore from Chiweta to Ngala, Livingstonia
Chapter 22 Karonga and the Far North
Karonga, Chitipa, Misuku Hills
Appendix 1 Language
Appendix 2 Further Information
Index
Index of advertisers
