Malawi is the
ideal destination for families looking for an introduction to an African
ecotourism adventure. Known as “the warm heart of Africa,” this safe and
friendly country in the southeastern region of the continent offers authentic
wilderness and beach holidays without the crowds and hefty price tag usually
associated with “regular” safari holidays.
Malawi also has
excellent tourist infrastructure. Getting around the country is easy, as it is
small by African standards and there are good roads and inexpensive flights.
Families can be swathed in culture in the morning and be eye to eye with game in
the afternoon. Two hours later they can be relaxing on golden sandy beaches.
Pretty much all
of Malawi's tourist industry is involved in ecotourism to one degree or
another, according to Kelly White, spokesman for the Malawi Travel Marketing
Consortium. He explains every tourism establishment in the country is working
to assist local communities or working on wildlife and environmental
conservation in protected areas.
The biggest
development happening in Malawi at the moment is the African Parks initiative,
according to tour operators. The Majete Wildlife Reserve was transformed from a
poached-out reserve into a thriving Big 5 park by African Parks, a nonprofit organization that partners with local communities and the government to rehaibilitate and manage national parks. It now has also
taken over the Nkhotakota and Liwonde reserves. “The conservation work they
will be doing in those parks will be phenomenal, and it stands to transform the
whole country,” said White, adding that tourists are able to witness
conservation work in action in these reserves, including animal translocations.
Also, the
Responsible Safari Co. (http://www.responsiblesafaricompany.com/) has a number of initiatives that are sure to be a hit with
families wanting a true ecotourism adventure. The company has partnered with
the local communities to offer truly unique experiences. Travelers can, for
example, learn about the healthcare work of a local, nongovernmental
organization based on the shores of Lake Malawi. Or, they can meet local guides
and environmental campaigners to learn more about the effects of deforestation
on Mulanje Mountain. Another option is to spend the morning at Malawi’s oldest
fair trade tea estate and learn about the fair trade process and sustainable
practices used. The options are limitless.
The Responsible
Safari Co. is not the only company offering these kind of activities. Over the
past few years, Malawi operators seem to have woken up to the potential ecotourism
can bring to the country with numerous operators starting to offer more
authentic experiences. An example is Fisherman’s Rest (http://www.fishermansrest.net/site/), which has specialized in running projects to the
benefit of the local communities.
For those
wanting to tour the country without leaving any footprints behind, Tremendous
Horse Trails, a company offering horseback-riding experiences, has recently set
up business close to the Luwawa Forest Lodge in the Southern Viphya; they will
be open for day rides starting May 1. This will be a wonderful way for visitors to
explore a relatively undiscovered but very beautiful part of Malawi’s northern
highlands. From day rides through self-catered trails to fully catered safaris,
all options will be provided. The intention is to create a trail about 46 miles
in length with simple log cabins placed a little more than 15 miles apart. The
emphasis will be on slow, careful riding that enables the rider to take in the
beauty of the flora and fauna.
When it comes to accommodations,
Malawi’s ecotourism is also booming. Family-run Norman Carr Cottage, an
established and highly regarded lodge
on the southern lakeshore, recently built a new lodge on
the shores of Lake Malawi. Called Chikulu, this exclusive wilderness lodge is
located on a very remote and secluded area and is powered only by solar and
gas.
Also, Ntchisi Forest Lodge
(www.ntchisiforestlodge.com), located in the rainforested highlands a
couple of hours north of Lilongwe, is an absolute gem. Ntchisi
Forest Lodge sits at the edge of one of the last remaining indigenous
rainforests in an isolated spot near Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital. The lodge
opened a separate forest cabin in 2015 hidden in the trees just in front of the
lodge. Glass walls mean guests are fully immersed in the forest and can enjoy
the wonderful views even when sitting inside by the fire.
With its warm
climate and unparalleled ecotourism initiatives, Malawi is truly an amazing
destination. But above all, Malawi is the perfect place to introduce the best
of Africa to young children, and mom and dad will have just as great an
experience, too.
Need to know: As of Oct. 1, U.S. nationals need a visa to enter Malawi.
Visas can be obtained on arrival in Malawi, and although there have been delays
as the new policy has been introduced, the process is expected simplify and
quicken in time. An online visa application process is planned, and there are
also on-going discussions between the tourist industry and the government of
Malawi to reduce the fee levels and to further simplify the process for
tourists.