© 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
In a huge boost for its tourist industry, Malawi has announced that vaccinated travellers will no longer require a PCR test, AND that un-vaccinated travellers can now enter the country – provided they have a negative PCR test.
In this blog from Robin Pope Safaris, we are heading over to Lake Malawi where we will hear from Mike Wendel and his partner Jenn who are managing Pumulani. Get ready for some fabulous photos incoming.
Central African Wilderness Safaris, one of Malawi's long standing tour operators who also run the iconic Mvuu Lodge in Liwonde National Park, have released their latest newsletter.
Lilongwe Wildlife Trust, responsible for running Malawi's only wildlife rehabilitation centre and a key campaigner in Malawi's fight against wildlife crime, have released their latest newsletter.
From 29th April until 2nd May 2022, the green historical town of Zomba in Southern Malawi is the backdrop of the 2nd edition of Zomba City Festival.
The Nyika-Vwaza (UK) Trust, who work in North Malawi and focus on environment and wildlife conservation in have released their Spring 2021 newsletter.
Central African Wilderness Safaris, one of Malawi's long standing tour operators who also run the iconic Mvuu Lodge in Liwonde National Park, have released their latest newsletter.
In this week's blog from Robin Pope Safaris, we get excited for the new season as their lodges are now open! Sarel from the RPS team shares some excellent sightings whilst he's on the ground.