© Alice Péretié
Leading global travel publisher Lonely Planet have released their hotly anticipated Best in Travel list for 2022 and rising African star Malawi has been include in the Top Ten Countries once again – making its second appearance in 8 years on this most respected of travel inspiration lists.
The destinations chosen by Lonely Planet span the world and are intended to inspire and excite travellers as they plan their trips in 2022 and beyond. The countries were judged on their topicality, unique experiences and ‘wow’ factor, plus a particular emphasis this year on sustainability – ensuring these are destinations in which travellers can make a positive impact. With the world still emerging from the COVID pandemic and international travel still under restrictions, the 2022 list is intended as a bucket list for the future as well as a to-visit list for right now.
© Alice Péretié
Malawi is certainly full of wonderful experiences and is fast becoming one of the most complete destinations in Africa, offering its visitors a unique combination of thrilling safaris, stunning landscapes, amazing beaches and warm & friendly people. The country has always taken a considered and sustainable approach to its tourism, is fully open and can be easily visited by all nationalities straight away!
According to Lonely Planet’s VP of Experience Tom Hall the release of Lonely Planet’s 17th annual “hot list” of destinations and travel experiences could not be more timely. “After an enforced hiatus, it’s time to take those long-postponed travel plans off the shelf and make them a reality. These lists celebrate the world in all its wonderful enticing variety.” Hall said.
The Best in Travel lists are very carefully compiled, beginning with ALL members of the Lonely Planet staff, over 200 travel writers, bloggers and more sharing their passion and experience of places they believe should be hot in the year ahead. The long list of thousands is whittled down to a shortlist for an expert panel to make final decision upon, taking into account:
There have been just 14 appearances on Best in Travel by countries on the African continent during the last 10 years, and two of those are for Malawi, so it’s clearly a country that continues to stand out and excite the Lonely Planet community of travel experts!
© James Muir
With Sustainability, Community and Diversity at the heart of the selection criteria, it’s no surprise that Malawi scored highly again. The country is in the middle of a conservation revolution, with the approach of African Parks to the management of a number of Malawi’s National Parks and Wildlife Reserves proving hugely successful and shining as an example to the world. Hailed as the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’, Malawi has long been recognised as having the friendliest people in the world and offers unrivalled opportunities for natural cultural interaction with welcoming local communities. And you would be hard pushed to find a Malawi lodge that isn’t actively helping its local communities through not only employment and secondary enterprises but active projects that are supported by tourism.
Malawi’s tourist industry, and all the people and environments that it supports, have suffered badly during the pandemic but this boost for the country going in to 2022 gives great hope that the trajectory of tourism growth established pre-COVID will be quickly recovered next year as more and more international visitors appreciate its attractions and delights.
© JLindsay
African Parks, responsible for the management of 3 of Malawi's major national parks and wildlife reserves, have released their latest annual report. In this article, we look at their work in Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve.
Kumbali Country Lodge is especially pleased to invite you to experience the two new features of the property. The Summer House, an enchanting sunlit conservatory, and the new English gardens.
Wine and Wings, the very successful side project by Crafted Africa, in which they provide delicious South African wines right to the mouths of locals and tourists spending time in Malawi, see the return of their Wine Tasting Festival.
African Parks, responsible for the management of 3 of Malawi's major national parks and wildlife reserves, have released their latest annual report. In this article, we look at their work in Majete Wildlife Reserve.
For the first time on record, Lilongwe Wildlife Trust has reported a sighting of an Egyptian vulture, an endangered species that has never before been seen in Malawi.
African Parks, responsible for the management of 3 of Malawi's major national parks and wildlife reserves, have released their latest annual report. In this article, we look at their work in Liwonde National Park
In this blog from Robin Pope Safaris, we hear from Jenn over at Pumulani Lodge as she and her partner Mike, along with the rest of the Pumulani team, prepare for a fantastic season ahead.
Orbis DMC, previously known as The Responsible Safari Company, have released their latest newsletter with plenty of updates on a very busy month for the Malawi based tour operation.