Lonely Planet Highlights ‘Top Country’ Malawi

2022 has, thankfully, seen a return for tourism around the world after the preceding 2 years of lockdowns and travel restrictions. For Malawi, there was the added boost of being named as one of Lonely Planet’s Top Countries in its prestigious Best in Travel book for 2022. This accolade has seen a raft of Malawi content produced by the famed travel publisher, helping boost its profile and encourage visitors to sample the delights of the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’.

Prior to the COVID pandemic, Malawi was on track to become one of Africa’s most complete destinations, as the wildlife transformations underway courtesy of African Park brought the country’s safari experiences up to a level to match its stunning beaches, varied landscapes and friendly cultural interactions.  Thankfully, the conservation work has continued unabated, with wild dogs introduced to 2 parks and, most recently, another 250+ elephants translocated!

When all this came to Lonely Planet’s attention, it quickly secured Malawi’s place in the Top Countries list – for the second time in the last 8 years, no less. The popular Best in Travel book includes 6 pages on this African gem and opens with the comments that “Trailblazing conservation work has added wildlife-watching to the appeal of this small African country with a huge lake and hugely likeable locals. Malawi was already popular as a safe and friendly intro to Africa, with multi-coloured cichlid fish in its eponymous lake, reggae-loving beach towns, mountaintop mission stations, hiking trails and tea plantations. Now it’s added safaris to its list of credentials thanks to the pioneering revival of its three major wildlife reserves by the NGO African Parks.”

Recognising that Malawi “has become one of the continent’s most fully rounded wildlife destinations”, Lonely Planet also applauded the tourist industry in Malawi and their commitment to protecting natural environments and supporting local communities. In particular, initiatives undertaken during the pandemic when “myriad lodges, ranging from island hideaways to beachfront hangouts busied themselves with eco-tourist projects.”

With a final word on biodiverse Lake Malawi, “one of the world’s best freshwater diving destinations” where “sunny days can be spent swimming among shoals of cichlids and dozing in a hammock”, Lonely Planet conclude that “whichever adventures you choose, Malawians are ready to show off their multifaceted country”. That’s only too true – so, when are you planning your visit?

Click here to see the Malawi pages in the Best in Travel book below, and click here to buy a copy of this inspirational publication.