imargolin,

I am looking forward to the replies to your question as I am planning a trip to Malawi next year. I am currently waiting on the latest guidebooks from Lonely Planet (due March) and Bradt (due April) for the most recent information.

Most tours seem to centre around the lake, however, I am looking for something different. There is a wide range of accommodation available around the lake, of which the Robin Pope property qualifies as top end http://www.robinpopesafaris.net/beach-getaway/pumulani-on-lake-malawi/

So far, I am very keen on Liwonde NP with a stay at M'vuu Camp, http://www.eyesonafrica.net/african-safari-malawi/mvuu.htm although I'd shop around for rates. Its possible to arrive at the camp by boat - there is a boat station near the barrier on the Shire River. Check Tripadvisor for reviews of this camp.

I also like the look of Vwaza Marsh in the far north, where the best available accommodation seems to be at Kazuni Camp, http://www.malawitourism.com/Pages/Accommodation/North%20Accommodation/kazuni.html

The Africa Guide has some more ideas, http://www.africaguide.com/travel/index.php?cmd=1&type=2&country_id=29 although I've not researched any of these trips myself.

What I've found so far is that Malawi isn't a big cat/predator destination. Liwonde has some re-introduced black rhino, good herds of sable and also some re-introduced roan in addition to elephant, hippo and the usual antelope species. The whole country is a great birding destination, and the landscape is very varied. Malawi's UK heritage is evident in the tea plantations south of Blantyre.

If you are looking for a classic safari experience, maybe try South Luangwa NP over the border in Zambia. I beleive its possible to fly Lilongwe to Mfuwe, or contact a local agent such as Land and Lake safaris, http://www.landlake.net/

Sausage Tree Camp in Lower Zambezi NP are a high end provider and have some good specials eg. stay 6 pay 4 - contact the camp for more details.



Happy planning,


Pol