Takulandilani!
It is not lightly that the sobriquet "The warm heart of Africa" is
used to describe Malawi. Lying within the tropics, Malawi offers the
visitor all the climatic delights pulsating from Africa's heart. Not
only is the climate warm - Malawi's people are some of the warmest on
the continent. They are unerringly polite, pleasant and gentle people
who contribute to making a visit to Malawi so much more memorable.
But these are mere jewels in Malawi's crown, the stunning centre piece of
which is her lake. Stretching north to south (in miles) for as long as
there are days in the year and east to west as wide as there are weeks
in the year, Lake Malawi offers one the opportunity to forget about the
hurried passing of time. Still relatively untouched by the modern world,
the lake is a vast embodiment of a thousand picture postcards.
Visitors' Guide to Malawi, Martine Maurel, 1990
Malawi, the warm heart of Africa. With it's centrepiece, the lake of
stars. Malawi (previously known as Nyasaland) is a country you would visit for a couple of reasons -
mountains, plateaus, people, and of course the lake. Another reason
would be if you do not tire of the words "thank you - zikomo" and
"you're welcome - takulandilani" easily - as you will hear it regularly.
There are plenty to do for the leisure and adventure traveler alike. If
you are energetically impaired, we suggest you laze around a pool at one
of the various resorts on the lakeshore. Club Makokola (or Club Mak for
short) is probably the most popular lakeside resort in Malawi. Plenty to see and do from the
comfort of your deck chair, soaking up the sun. It is imperative you try
Malawi Gin at least once (beware, you may become addicted), as goes for
a "Green".
But it is the adventurer that would enjoy Malawi to the max, with
virtually any kind of adventure you can think of catered for - kayaking
on the lake, mountain biking on Zomba or Nyika plateau, horseback
safaris on the Nyika plateau, hiking on the Mulanje Massif, trout
fishing on Zomba. But for those not in the know, Malawi is also one of
the world's premier scuba diving destinations! With no sea or coral
reefs. This is thanks to the mbuna, or better known as cichlids by those
who owns aquariums, which occur in their thousands in the lake. Just the
exercise of snorkeling will leave you with a feeling that you just swam
in a giant fish tank.
Also hard to imagine, when one talk about a country without any sea
front, is deserted islands Robinson Crusoe style. One of the highlights
of visiting the Cape Maclear area will certainly be an overnight visit
to Mumbo Island, some 10km of the coast of Cape Maclear. On this truly
deserted island, you will feel spoilt absolutely rotten.
Wherever you go in Malawi, you will be left with a feeling of awe and
admiration. The friendly people will give meaning to "Takulandilani".
You will feel welcome!
Malawi 101 -
printable version
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