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):