Malawi,
with its population of 20.41 million (2022), is a small
country located in south-east Africa with Zambia to its
north-west, Tanzania to its north-east, separated by
Africa's third largest lake, Lake Malawi, and Mozambique
to its east, south and west again separated by the lake.
The country is set within the Great Rift Valley, with the
country's highest point being marked by Mt Mulanje at
10,000ft ~ the peak of Ben Nevis is just 4409 feet above sea level by comparison.
The
countryside in Malawi is far from the stereotypical image
of a dry, desertified land being in the main a lush, green country with
forests, mountains, river valleys as well as highlands
and plateaus.
Malawi has three main rivers, the Dwangwa,
which flows from the plateau in the north-east of the
country for a hundred miles into Lake Malawi; the Shire
river which flows for 250 miles through both Malawi and
Mozambique originating in Lake Malawi and the South
Rukuru river which is the main river in the north of
Malawi flowing though the Nyika Plateau.
The weather in Malawi is warm all the year round with a rainy season between December to May, and a dry season from May to December. The climate is best described as sub tropical and the country boasts many different landscapes from an inland lake to forests, mountains and grasslands.
If visiting the Malawi countryside the many
places worth a visit are obviously going to include Lake
Malaw which is not only great for swimming, snorkelling and diving, but is best seen on a trip on its steamer the
MV Ilala which travels from from Monkey Bay to Chilumba.
Whilst there, try and stop over at Likoma Island, the
largest of the two inhabited islands on the lake which
can be accessed by the steamer or by air where you'll
find St Peter's Cathedral - the third largest cathedral
in Central Africa built in 1903.
Although Malawi is not known as a big game
destination, Kasungu National Park ~ about 108 miles
north of Lilongwe, bordering Zambia, is worth a visit to
see its leopards, buffalos and hippos as well as its
birdlife. The Dwanga and the Lingadzi rivers flow through
the park. If you have time, take in the Culture and
Museum Center at Karonga on the western shore of Lake
Nyasa where you can meet the so-called 'Malawisaurus'
dinosaur skeleton as well as learning about the history
and mythology of the area.
Explore images of Malawi in more
detail in the video above and see pictures of Malawi in
the slideshow above opposite.
Explore the beauty of the Malawi countryside in this video, packed with pictures and images of the stunning Malawi scenery, it will make you want to pay Malawi a visit!
The country is set within the Great Rift Valley, with the
country's highest point being marked by Mt Mulanje at
10,000ft ~ the peak of Ben Nevis is just 4409 feet above sea level by comparison. 
