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Places to Visit in Likoma Island, Lake Malawi, Northern Africa, Africa

Places to Visit in Likoma Island, Lake Malawi, Northern Africa, Africa

Likoma Island is a beautiful island within Lake Malawi in the Northern Region of Malawi, covering an area of 18 sq. km. It is the larger of two islands in the lake, another being Chizumulu and these two islands form Likoma District. Chintheche is the closest city to Likoma Island in Malawian side. Although having a great population density, Likoma Island is good in condition, attracting a group of tourists for sandy bays, swamps and rocky slopes. Likoma Island is also home to a substantial of amphibian, reptile and bird species. Likoma Island is geographically positioned between 12°04′ S latitude and 34°44′ E longitude.

How to reach Likoma Island?

There is no road link from the mainland Malawi to Likoma Island but it can be reached by ferry services MV Ilala steamer boat and dhows.

International tourists are suggested to take flights to Lilongwe International Airport first and then take bus or taxi from there to Nkotakhota, where ferry can be arranged to reach Likoma Island. Also sometimes flights fly between Lilongwe and Likoma, served by Nyassa Air Taxi that costs around $280 per way.

Due to its smaller size, the island of Likoma can easily be explored by walk.

Shopping and Food in Likoma Island:

There are food corners and shops are limited in number, so it is advised for visitors to bring daily usable items and other necessities from the city where they start journey.

Things to do in Likoma Island:

Bird watching
Walking
Island tours
Snorkeling
Diving

Places of interest in Likoma Island:

St Peter’s Church:

The St Peter’s Church is one of the identities of Likoma Island, which was founded by the Universities’ Mission to Central Africa in the end of the 19^th century. It is considered as one of the largest churches in Africa.

Chizumulu Island:

Chizumulu Island is an island situated in the Lake Malawi in the vicinity of the larger Likoma Island. The island is rich in vegetation, home to two large hills that are used by tourists as a trekking point. It can be accessed from Likoma Island by boat.

Mbamba:

Mbamba is a town on Likoma Island, known for its bustling market and Anglican cathedral of St. Peter. Visitors can purchase a verity of local specialties including fruits, handicraft products, and handmade clothes at traditional market in Mbamba.

Nkhata Bay:

Nkhata Bay is a city on the mainland of Malawi, holding a title of the 2^nd busiest resort on Lake Malawi. It is a popular ecotourism destination, holding many famous natural tourist attractions on the shore of the lake. There is also a dive shop, named Aqua Africa.

List of other places of interest in Likoma Island includes:

Kaningina Forest Reserve
Nkotakhota Wildlife Reserve
Kasungu National Park
Viphya Forest
Chichiri Museum
Nyika National Park
Mount Soche
Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve
Lake Chilwa
Liwonde National Park
Chongoni Rock Art Area
Lake Malawi National Park

Best time to visit Likoma Island:

Throughout the year is best, especially from May to November is the ideal time to visit Likoma Island in Malawi.

Accommodation options in Likoma Island:

Likoma Island houses around 10 standard accommodation centres including vacation rentals, hotels, BB and inns with upgraded features. Visitors can also find some camp sites on the island that are cheaper and provide all basic facilities. Some nice hotels in Likoma Island and Nkhata Bay are as follows:

Kaya Mawa
Khaiko Lodge
Ulisa Bay Lodge
Mango Drift
Mayoka Village
Njaya Lodge
Aqua Africa
Ngala Beach Lodge
Zulunkhuni River Lodge
Butterfly Lodge
Kande Horse
Big Blue Backpackers
Ilala Crest Lodge
Sunbird Mzuzu Hotel

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Kasungu, Malawian, Central Africa, Africa

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Kasungu, Malawian, Central Africa, Africa

Kasungu is a Malawian town belonging to the Kasungu District in Central Region, lying at an altitude of 1,342 meters. It is located around 130 km northwest of Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi. Kasungu experiences a humid subtropical climate with a rainy season from November to December and from March to April and the rainy season covers the rest of the year. Its average annual rainfall oscillates between 500 millimeters and 1,200 millimeters.

Although there are no major tourist attractions, Kasungu draws tourists those who visit the Kasungu National Park, which is around 35 km west of Kasungu. Tobacco production is the main industrial activity in Kasungu. Kasungu coordinates with 13°02′ S latitude and 33°29′ E longitude.

History of Kasungu:

The history of Kasungu is noted as the town was the birth place of Hastings Banda, who was the first President of Malawi, who was born in a farm in the proximity of Kasungu.

How to reach Kasungu?

There is an airport in Kasungu but flights are not regular. So it is advised international tourists to reach the Lilongwe International Airport in Lumbadzi first and then take bus or airport taxi from there to Kasungu.

Buses are regular between Kasungu and Lilongwe and this also extends to Mzuzu, the capital of northern Malawi.

To move within Kasungu, visitors can wait until the arrival of buses or hire cars for a long period.

Culture, Shopping and Food in Kasungu:

As like the most parts of Malawi, Chichewa is a widely communicated language in Kasungu.

Kasungu houses a supermarket, many smaller shops and both traditional and modern food corners.

Things to do in Kasungu:

Walking Safaris
Walking & Trekking
Fishing
Bird watching

Places of interest in Kasungu:

Kasungu National Park:

Situated around 35 km west of the town of Kasungu, the Kasungu National Park is the 2^nd largest national park of Malawi of five. The park is spread over an area of 2,316 km², home to a large population of elephants and also houses Sable antelope, roan antelope, hartebeest, zebra and many other typical species. Bird watching is also a popular activity here.

Nkotakhota Wildlife Reserve:

Situated to the east of Kasungu, the Nkotakhota Wildlife Reserve is spread over an area of 1800 sq km and well known for activities like safari, fishing and climbing. Bua River Lodge and Tongole Wilderness Lodge are the two lodges serving the reserve. The reserve can be explored best through a guided tour.

Lilongwe:

Lilongwe is the capital city of Malawi, situated around 130 km away from Lilongwe. The city is home to many natural as well as manmade tourist attractions like Nature Sanctuary, Old Town Mall, Parliament Building and Lilongwe Play Centre. Buses are frequent between Lilongwe and Kasungu.

List of other places of interest near Kasungu includes:

Lake Chilwa
Liwonde National Park
Chongoni Rock Art Area
Lake Malawi National Park
Nyika National Park
Mount Soche
Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve
Kasungu National Park
Viphya Forest
Chichiri Museum

Best time to visit Kasungu:

The best time to visit Kasungu depends on visitors’ interest, although for outdoor activities from August to November is best.

Accommodation options in Kasungu:

Due to its nearness with the Kasungu National Park, Kasungu is visited by a larger number of tourists during dry season and in order to serve them, the town hosts many guesthouses with all basic and some modern facilities. The prominent hotels in Kasungu and Lilongwe (around 130 km) are as follows:

Korea Garden Lodge
Riverside Hotel & Conference Centre
Kiboko Town Hotel
Ufulu Gardens
Crossroads Hotel
Sunbird Capital
Sunbird Lilongwe
Pacific Hotel
Kalikuti Hotel
Cluny Lodge
Africa House Malawi
Heuglin’s Lodge Lilongwe
Burley House
Wendels Guest House
Golden Peacock Hotel

Tourist Places to Visit in Karonga, Malawi, Southeastern Africa, Africa

Tourist Places to Visit in Karonga, Malawi, Southeastern Africa, Africa

Karonga is a town situated in the Karonga District in the Northern Region of the southeastern African country, Malawi. It lies on the western shore of Lake Nyasa, around 560 km north of Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi. Karonga is famous among visitors for its museum, the Culture and Museum Center Karonga. Karonga also hosts an airport. The economy of Karonga is concentrated on its agricultural activities, specifically on cotton, rice and maize production. Karonga is geographically positioned between 09°56′00″ S latitude and 33°56′00″ E longitude, at an elevation of 478 meters.

History of Karonga:

Karonga originated as a slaving centre as a part of the prominent Arab slaver, Mlozi. After two years of becoming a British trading post in 1883, Karonga was purchased by the British explorer Sir Harry Johnston in 1985 and he ended the slave trade in the region. That Arab influence is still alive among local people.

How to reach Karonga?

Karonga hosts an airport but flights are not regular, so getting Karonga through airway is not recommended.

The major nearest airport to Karonga is Lilongwe International Airport, which is located around 530 km north of Karonga, receiving flights from Nairobi, Johannesburg, Blantyre, Likoma, Mfuwe, Lusaka, Harare, Addis Ababa, Lusaka and many other African cities.

By bus, Karonga is linked to Mzuzu and Nkhata Bay, which are situated around 220 km and 260 km away from Karonga respectively.

Culture, Shopping and Food in Karonga:

The culture of Karonga is focused on the Culture and Museum Center Karonga, which is the famous cultural centre exhibiting the local culture and history with well preserved objects.

The town of Karonga houses many nice modernized shops and restaurants that are spread up all around the town.

Things to do in Karonga:

Village tours
Fishing
Hiking

Places of interest in Karonga:

Culture and Museum Center Karonga:

The Culture and Museum Center Karonga is a prominent tourist attraction in Karonga. The museum is mainly noted for 150 million year old fossil, called Malawisaurus, a dinosaur species which was discovered in the area, around 45 km from Karonga and is placed at division, named “From Dinosaurs to Democracy”, which describes the complete prehistory and history of Karonga.

Mzuzu Airport:

The Mzuzu Airport is a nicely constructed modern airport, situated at an elevation of 538 meters. Although receiving few flights, the airport draws a large number of visitors for its grand construction and surrounding environment.

Lake Malawi:

The Lake Malawi sprawls over an area of 29,600 sq. km, is shared between three African countries Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania while its largest portion in Malawi. The lake is especially noted for cichlid fish, around 1000 species. Karonga is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Malawi.

Nyika National Park:

Situated around 150 km south of Karonga, the Nyika National Park is the largest national park of Malawi, covering an area of 3200 km². It is home to around 400 bird species, dozens of animal species including elephants and buffalos and trout pools and a neolithic rock shelter.

List of other places of interest in Karonga includes:

Ulisa Gardens
Old Bandawe Mission Station
Nature Sanctuary in Lilongwe
Gems and Jewellery Lanka
Kumbali Cultural Village
Parliament Building in Lilongwe
Old Town Mall in Lilongwe
Lilongwe Play Centre

Best time to visit Karonga:

Probably from May to October is the best time to visit Karonga while the weather remains pleasant and supportive for outdoor activities.

Accommodation options in Karonga:

It is difficult to find standard hotels in Karonga but visitors can consider lodges for their accommodation in Karonga. The main lodges are Mikoma Beach Lodge and FloJa Malawi Lodge and other than these, Karonga houses some camping options as well. Here are some standard hotels in Karonga, Mzuzu (around 220 km) and Nkhata Bay (around 260 km):

Mikoma Beach Lodge
FloJa Malawi Lodge
Sunbird Mzuzu Hotel
Mimosa Court Hotel
Ilala Crest Lodge
Flame Tree Guest House
Mzoozoozoo Lodge
Pine Tree B & B
CCAP William Koyi Guest House
Moni Lodge
Mayoka Village
Njaya Lodge
Aqua Africa
Ngala Beach Lodge
Zulunkhuni River Lodge

Malawi Tourist Places to Visit in Malawi, Southern Africa, Africa

Malawi Tourist Places to Visit in Malawi, Southern Africa, Africa

Malawi is a small African country situated in the southeastern part of the continent, blessed with a rich diversity of flora and fauna. It shares its borders with Mozambique towards the west, east and south, Tanzania towards the northeast and Zambia towards the northwest. Lilongwe is the capital and largest city of Malawi. Malawi covers a total area of 118,000 sq. km while its population crosses 16,777,500 (as of the 2013 census). Malawi is popularly called “The Warm Heart of Africa”. Although its economy is not on the floor, Malawi is home to many scenic natural attractions like eye-catching landscape, epris lakes, winsome hills and fascinating wildlife sanctuaries.

History of Malawi:

Malawi takes its name from the Nyanja people, who are native to Malawi and were earlier called the Maravi. According to the archeological findings, Bantu-speaking people were the first known settlers of Malawi, who migrated to Malawi around the 10th century. As like the most African countries, Malawi had also seen the reign of the European powers and the British occupied the region Nyasaland what is today’s Malawi in 1891 and ruled until 1964 when the Malawi’s independence was proclaimed and renamed to its present name.

How to reach Malawi?

The Lilongwe International Airport is the gateway for Malawi, situated around 30 km north of the heart of Lilongwe. The airport handles flights from Addis Ababa, Lusaka, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Blantyre, Likoma, Mfuwe, Lusaka, Harare and many other African destinations.

The road transportation of Malawi is expanded to all over the country, served by buses, minibuses and rental vehicles.

By train, Malawi is linked to the cities of Cuamba and Nampula in Mozambique, departing from the 2^nd largest city of the country, Blantyre.

Culture, Shopping and Food in Malawi:

Chichewa is the official as well as a widely spoken language in Malawi while Chewa people cover the great percentage of the country’s population, nearly 33%.

Kwacha is the currency used in Malawi. Wood and soapstone carvings, textiles and potteries are the purchasable items in Malawi. When comes to food, Nsima is a popular fish in Malawi.

Places of interest in Malawi:

Lake Malawi National Park:

UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lake Malawi National Park is situated at the southern tip of the Lake Malawi, having a status of the only national park of Malawi established with the purpose of protecting fish and aquatic habitats and it also features many small islands in Lake Malawi, around 800 years old huge baobab tree and typical animal species, Baboons.

Chongoni Rock Art Area:

The Chongoni Rock Art Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, comprising around 127 sites that are dotted in the forested hills of the Malawi plateau showcasing the Late Stone Age and the Iron Age periods’ rock art and paintings. This distinct site is located in Dedza District in the Central region of Malwai.

Liwonde National Park:

Founded in the year 1973, the Liwonde National Park is located in the southern portion of Malawi, covering a total area of 548 km². Other than 400 species of bird, the park is home to a wide range of animals, including elephants, buffalos and crocodiles.

Lake Chilwa:

The Lake Chilwa spans over a surface area of 600 km², making it the Malawi’s second largest lake. It is situated in the Zomba District, measuring a length of 60 km and width of 40 km. It is home to around 1.5 million of water bird population.

Kasungu National Park:

Situated around 170 km from Lilongwe, the Kasungu National Park is the Malawi’s second largest national park with an area of 2,316 km². It is very well known for bird watching, which can be enjoyed between June and September.

List of other places of interest in Malawi includes:

Nyika National Park
Kasungu National Park
Viphya Forest
Chichiri Museum
Mount Soche
Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve
Nkhotakota Game Reserve

Best time to visit Malawi:

Malawi generally experiences a tropical climate with rainy season from November to April while the rest of the year relatively receives no rainfall. The best time visit Malawi to explore its natural beauties from May to October.

Accommodation options in Malawi:

Although star rated hotels limited in number, Malawi houses many typical traditional accommodation options like lodges, guest houses and camping sites that serve visitors with the blend of traditional and modern facilities and services to make visitors’ tour memorable. List of the prominent hotels in Lilongwe in Malawi include: