Colloquially known as "The Warm Heart of Africa", supposedly reflecting both climate and character in this landlocked nation, Malawi is known for the kindness of its hospitality and its sprawling Lake.

Dominated by its eponymous lake – a vast inland sea stretching 365 miles along the Great Rift Valley – Malawi offers aquatic experiences unlike anywhere else in Africa. Lake Malawi's crystal-clear waters harbour more species of cichlid fish than any lake on earth, creating underwater landscapes of extraordinary colour and diversity for snorkelers and divers. The lake's shores transition between golden beaches, dramatic rocky outcrops, and fishing villages where colourful wooden boats are still crafted by hand.

In contrast to these lowland scenes, the Mulanje Massif rises dramatically to create Central Africa's highest peak, where hiking trails wind through cedar forests to panoramic viewpoints. Liwonde National Park offers intimate wildlife encounters along the Shire River, where elephants and hippos gather in significant numbers. Throughout these diverse landscapes, Malawi's people justify the country's reputation for exceptional hospitality – from impromptu village dances to the warm greetings that welcome visitors at every turn.

Set between the meandering Lilongwe River and patches of indigenous forest, Malawi’s capital feels less like a conventional city and more like a series of villages linked by tree-lined roads. The memory of Malawi’s founding leader, Hastings Banda, still lingers in Lilongwe’s ceremonial heart, a reminder of the nation’s peaceful path to independence through its colonial past. Private experiences reveal a gentler rhythm than other African capitals - Lilongwe is full of curated craft markets where artisans weave baskets and carve wood by hand and conservation projects working to rewild the surrounding plains. With Conte, sit down with a local for a dining experience that introduces the humble, delicious staples of Malawian cuisine with personal anecdotes of the country' progression.