Malawi is one the best tourist destination in Africa. It offers authentic African feel with friendly locals, wildlife, lakeside lodgings and plenty tea. Karl Cushing visited Malawi and was smitten with the warmth of the country.

Karl found the food interesting with a serve of tea accompanying every meal he ordered. At the Huntingdon House, he was served with sticky chicken filled with rice and smoked in tea and a delicious subtle twang pannacotta with oolong flavors. Tea has a cocktail, ‘Mo-tea-to’ and is also usually blended in freshly baked moreish muffins and bread.

The Huntingdon House is the former home for owners of Satemwa tea estate surrounding it. The house offers a tea factory tour with tasting sessions, cycling and walking. The estate is surrounded by idyllic Highlands with about an hour drive from Chileka International Airport. Framed at the middle, the Huntingdon House has impressively manicured grounds with exquisite heritage interiors. The hosts are quite nice and offer inventive menus and stories. Karl described Huntingdon House as a wonderful place to spend time, have long meals and drinks in great company.

Even with lack of a coastline like Tanzania, Zambia, and Mozambique, the landlocked country has Lake Malawi that offers the same coastline experience. The lake has a vast inland sea hosting the Lake of Stars music festival, Cape Maclear Resort and relaxing getaways like Mumbo Island. Karl spent his first night at the Robin Pope Safaris Pumulani property. Pumulani has an infinity pool and offers kayak rides for watching malachite kingfishers, fish eagles, hippos and lakeside birdlife.

Among other properties around Lake Malawi is the Makokola Retreat. This is an older property surrounded by tree cover with a dreamy beach at the front. The retreat is currently constructing 23 more modern styled rooms set to be ready by April this year. The sea line also offers squash courts, a nine-hole golf course, spa, snorkeling and bird-watching activities.

Malawi also has great wildlife parks hosting the Big Five. Plans are underway to add more big cats in the Big Five Park making it the second park to host such wildlife in Lilongwe after Majete Wildlife Reserve. New market products like Robin Pope Safaris’ Kuthengo four-tent camp in Lilongwe set to open in April will add towards improved wildlife.

Cooperation between Malawi Travel Marketing Consortium and UK agents will further boost tourism. Additionally, South African Airways flies through Johannesburg to Lilongwe from London daily and thrice weekly to Blantyre from London.

Malawi is unique with diverse sceneries from Mount Mulanje and country tea Highlands to the vast lake and lowlands.  Malawi locals are warm and welcoming giving pleasurable experience to visiting tourists.

Rainbow Tours are offering a 10-day Beach and Malawi Safari tour from £3,930pp. The tour features four nights at Mkulumadzi Lodge in Majete Wildlife Reserve and four nights at Pumulani Lodge. Flight by South African Airways and light aircraft transfer will also be provided. Rainbowtours.co.uk