Known as "The Warm Heart of Africa",Malawi is a tiny, landlocked country just south of Tanzania, east of Zambia and north-west of Mozambique. Although small by African standards, the country has an immense diversity of scenery and wildlife. Although little known and upstaged by its more famous northern neighbours, Malawi offers the visitor unparalleled African beauty - unspoilt wilderness coupled with its warm and friendly people and varying landscapes makes this a beautiful holiday destination like no other.

The main attraction is its inland sea, the freshwater Lake Malawi, Africa's third largest lake and unique habitat to the worlds greatest collection of fish, including the famous Malawian cichlids (known to those who have aquariums at home).

However Malawi also has its shares of beautiful highlands, with a series of escarpments in the Central African plateau, and the Shire River which is in the Great East African Rift Valley. The Nyika plateau, Dowa Highlands and teh great massifs of Zomba and Mulanje (central Africa's highest peak) are all part of Malawi's beautiful landscape. Then there are the tranquil forest, streams and waterfalls which add to the natural beauty and are home to diverse wildlife and plants.

ACTIVITY & ADVENTURE
Culture and History - Malawi is steeped in history, from pre-historical sites in the Karonga district and the Stone Age rock paintings near Dedza to the more recent colonial history preserved in buildings dating from David Livingstone's era (hence the strong connection between Malawi and Scotland) and the defeat of the Arab slave trade documented in the museums at Blantyre.

The country is rich in culture and the people warm, friendly and welcoming. There is plenty of opportunity to visit local villages and learn about tradition and culture and first-hand experience of daily life in a typical Malawian home.

WILDLIFE SAFARIS
unlike their more famous northern neighbours, Malawi boasts large areas of unspoilt wilderness where one can get up close to hippo, elephant and other animals and birds. Malawi is fabulous for bird watching as its unique and diverse landscapes are home to more than 500 endemic and migratory species of birds. Apart from traditional safaris in 4-wheel drive vehicles, one can observe wildlife via boating safaris particularly on the Shire river, where one can observe a whole range of wildlife coming to drink - from hippo and elephant to a variety of antelope and birds. There are also walking and cycling safaris which allow you to explore areas off the beaten track.

WATER SPORTS
Lake Malawi provides the opportunity for many different kinds of water-based activity - the lake boasts the best freshwater snorkelling and scuba diving sites in the world. Most of the lodges and hotels along the lakeshore are equipped for different water-based activities and there are several PADI dive centres dotted around the lake. The lake is home to the biggest collection of freshwater fish and visibility in the clear waters of the lake is up to 30 metres particularly during the months between June and December. Kayaking and sailing are other water based activities that are available, and if one wants to sample the more traditional way of getting across the lake, then take a trip on the famous MV ILALA, the local water-bus!

SPECIALIST ACTIVITIES
Mountain biking and Horse riding safaris are amongst the most popular outdoor adventures and wonderful ways of exploring Malawi's diverse landscapes. There are also trekking and walking activities to be enjoyed. Rock climbing is also available on Mount Mulanje. Other specialist activities include yoga holidays and art safaris. Pottery classes are also available. For keen botanists,Malawi offers visitors unique displays of tropical plants and endemic orchid species.