Malawi- Top Ten Highlights.
‘We want to just say everything?!’ Kate and Dom Webb, owners of Orbis, chat about their top ten things to do in Malawi…
Tea Estates- Huntingdon House
When we were living in Malawi we would love to escape the hustle and bustle of Blantyre city and head out to the rolling tea estates. We would roll down the windows of our car and soak up the beautiful views, maren red tracks and the stunning colours of the vast acres of tea fields. Huntingdon House, on Satemwa Fairtrade Tea Estate, was our second home and such a brilliant first or last night on a trip as it is close enough to the city and airport but far enough away to feel like you are hidden in the quiet tranquil backwaters of Malawi. We love it!
2. City Markets
We love the hustle and bustle of Malawi markets. The way you can buy everything anything you might need and usually a whole array of different colours too. Some stalls sell a real mix from chickens, to plugs to potatoes, while others are strictly sticking to one particular niche item, for example their might be a whole stall of mops. We always tried not to be in a rush when we went to the market as part of the joy is exchanging greetings, having a good nose around and trying to buy as much from as many different people as possible! #tradenotaid
Our Orbis Impact Expeditions weave visits to local businesses into the expedition for that local taste.
3. Domwe and Mumbo Island
Perfect weekend away for us was Domwe or Mumbo Island. If we wanted Robinson Crusoe style adventure then Domwe’s self catering basic style living ticked the box. Finding a rock to read and watch the lake or sitting on the kayaking around the island and coming back for supper on the beach. Mumbo was our treat- barefoot luxury, hammock, book, incredible snorkelling, hikes, enough space to have your own time but intimate enough to have a good catch up and just enjoy the perfect Lake Malawi sunset.
Kate has included a 2 night stay on Mumbo Island at the end of The Women’s Partnership Expedition for 2021.
4. Mulanje Mountain Hike
When we lived in Malawi we only hiked to the plateau of Mulanje Mountain once. Since then Kate has returned to take part in an Orbis Impact Expedition and the overnight trek was a highlight. Mulanje is such an incredible place to hike, with so many trial options, overnighting in basic mountain huts, incredible milkyway night skies and evenings spent around the camp fire. We really can’t wait to run The Orbis Hiking Challenge and spend the whole week traversing the mountain taking in 4 of the peak climbs.
5. Village Homestay
We wanted to make tourism really benefit local communities and provide an income generating business for local families. Our Village Homestay initiatives aims to do just that. Not only is the impact incredible financially for the family involved for you as participants it is often a highlight of your trip. Spending the afternoon with your host family, learning about their routine, preparing the evening meal, cooking over the fire, the early night under your mosquito net listening to the village unwind and then waking at dawn to the sounds the cockerels and chit chat of the family as they prepare for the day. A fantastic local travel experience.
Find out more about Our Purpose here.
6. River Boat Safari: Mvuu Camp
There is something magical about put-putting down a river and watching the wildlife undisturbed at they come to the banks to drink and cool off. Some of our very best African wildlife sightings have been with Mvuu Camp guides on The Shire River. Just us and large herds of elephants, little ones playing in the shallows and sometimes getting stuck and the elders pulling them out! The guides are so knowledgeable and we learnt a real appreciation for the incredibly diverse bird life too.
7. Nyika Plateau
One of our very best road trips was driving up North and discovering the beautifully remote Nyika Plateau. It feels like you are in Scotland on a sunny day! The moors and tundra goes on for miles and whether you are camping or staying at the lodge it is really unlikely you will see any one else during your stay. The wildlife is hard to see but capturing a roan antelope with this incredible backdrop was a treat! We would recommend taking a local guide for their knowledge but probably heading up there on a self drive adventure as transfers or flights to Nyika can be pricey (we can help you arrange this!)
8. Zambia- South Luangwa
When we first lived in Malawi travelling to Zambia was a real mission. Miles and miles of dirt tracks in very poor condition, now it is a relative breeze with regular flights over from Lilongwe to Mfuwe or a 2-4 hr journey or very passable roads- most tarmac. The wildlife in South Luangwa in incredible. This is a part of your trip we would always recommend spending more on. Safari’s are expensive but sleeping under canvas to the sounds of lions in the distance, experiencing the sounds and smells on a walking safari or simply sitting at camp and watching a herd of elephant playing in the waterhole nearby while you eat lunch- priceless. Our favourite camps have always been Bushcamp Company or Robin Pope Safaris but even if you just take a tent and choose a cheaper option make sure you hire a local guide both for their incredible knowledge but also to support employment in the area.
9. Norman Carr Cottage on Lake Malawi
A home away from home. This little owner run lodge sits on the southern shores of Lake Malawi. With all activities and food included in the rate it is a little slice of heaven at a great price. Morning and afternoon boat trips take you out to great snorkelling spots and the staff entertain by throwing fish off the lodge boat ‘Alfie’ for the fish eagles to show off their amazing display. The small beach has hammocks and swinging chairs ready for an afternoon siesta and each room has that luxury feel with enormous poster beds! Supper was always a highlight and sometimes the local village band would come and earn some money by playing on the beach as we ate under the stars.
