Malawi

Malawi is a sliver of a country dominated by one vast feature: Lake Malawi, which runs almost the length of its eastern border and holds more fish species than any other freshwater lake on earth. Known as the warm heart of Africa for the welcome extended to visitors, it pairs that lake with tea estates climbing into the highlands, granite peaks rising sheer from the plain, and wildlife reserves recovering well after decades of poaching. It remains one of the region's least developed tourist circuits, which keeps prices low and crowds thin.

Highlights

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Snorkel or dive Lake Malawi's clear waters, home to hundreds of brightly coloured cichlid fish found nowhere else
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Track the big five through Majete Wildlife Reserve, rebuilt from near-empty bush over the past two decades
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Hike Mount Mulanje, a granite massif that rises over 3,000 metres above the surrounding tea plantations
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Spend a few days on Cape Maclear, a lakeside village with white sand beaches and easy boat trips to nearby islands

Hidden gems

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Visit Likoma Island, a remote outpost on Lake Malawi with a cathedral built to rival those of Europe
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Explore the Nyika Plateau, rolling montane grassland scattered with wildflowers and roan antelope
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Walk among tea estates on the Zomba Plateau, with views stretching across the Shire Valley below
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Spend time in Liwonde National Park, where boat safaris pass elephant herds drinking at the river's edge