Between Blantyre and Mount Mulanje are the Thyolo (pronounced "Cho’lo") tea estates. Tea has been grown here since 1908 and the primly trimmed bushes (strictly trees) give the whole area the appearance of a neatly kept but vast garden. By arrangement it is possible to tour some of the estates and see something of the work of these plantations. The Thyolo Forest Reserve offers a haven for walkers and birdwatchers.

Accommodation is available in recently rennovated guest houses/bungalows on the Satemwa Estate: Huntingdon House and Chawani Bungalow as well as at the recently established Game Haven Lodge, closer to Blantyre.