Discovering the delights of magnificent Malawi

With manager African Parks planning to introduce more big cats this year to make Liwonde Malawi’s second Big Five park after Majete Wildlife Reserve, and new products such as Kuthengo, Robin Pope Safaris’ new four-tent camp in Liwonde, opening in April, the wildlife proposition is improving steadily.

Understandably, the Malawi Travel Marketing Consortium is keen to work closer with UK agents to capitalise on such efforts. As is South African Airways, which flies daily from London to Lilongwe and thrice-weekly from London to Blantyre both via Johannesburg.

That said, Malawi’s real strengths lie elsewhere, working best for clients who’ve developed a taste for Africa having previously ticked off the Big Five in a more accessible destination such as South Africa or Kenya.

Ideally they’ll crave an “authentic’ experience and be non-plussed by factors such as the erratic power supply rather than seeking the kind of slick, high-end offering that destinations such as Botswana excel in.

Malawi’s strengths include the diverse scenery, from Mount Mulanje and the Highlands tea country to the lowlands and the vast lake.

Then there’s the incredible locals who elevate so many experiences. A guided bike ride from Makokola is accompanied by shouts of “hello, how are you? I’m fine!” from the beaming local kids who engulf me in an excitable scrum when I stop, while a visit to a local school supported by Tongole Lodge proves a real hoot.

Then there’s the simple sunset walk down the beach to watch the local fishermen preparing to go out. Within minutes they’re striking poses on their boats as kids dart about busting acrobatics in front of my lens.

Simply watching life unfurl by the roadside while driving around the compact country proves a pleasure. Alongside the slow-pedalling guys on old bikes, excitable kids play with improvised toys and colourfully clad women balance improbable loads.

Goats totter on hind legs to nibble low-hanging treats and expectant sellers nurse piles of mangoes while radios pump out upbeat tunes.

Even the climate delivers. Despite arriving in late November at the start of the rainy season, the temperature tips the 30C mark on occasion, ensuring a ready supply of customers seeking shade under the roadside red flowering flame trees and purple jacaranda.

With ever more of us scrabbling for experiential travel, surely Malawi has never been so on-trend. Indeed, as David Nangoma from African Parks tells me: “We have the potential — we just have to play our cards right!”

Book it: Rainbow Tours’ 10-day Malawi Safari and Beach features four nights at Mkulumadzi Lodge in Majete Wildlife Reserve and four nights at Pumulani Lodge from £3,930pp, including South African Airways flights and a light aircraft transfer. rainbowtours.co.uk