Mangochi
Mangochi actually lies between Lakes Malawi and Malombe, at the first bridging point of the River Shire. But it is especially associated with Lake Malawi since it is the town that marks the southern end of that vast body of water. Previously called Fort Johnston, it was established to limit the slave traffic moving northwards towards the Lake and on to Zanzibar.
Today, Mangochi has a number of historical monuments dating back to the beginning of the twentieth century. These include a clock tower erected in memory of Queen Victoria and a Hotchkiss gun taken from the Gwendolen, a gun boat which patrolled Lake Malawi from 1889 to 1940. Alongside the clocktower is a simple stone memorial to the 145 lives lost when the mv Viphya sank in 1946. There is also a museum and modern Catholic Cathedral in the town. Although just off the main M3 road, Mangochi is worth a visit and also acts asa a very useful service centre for those coming from the south and heading on to the lakeshore. The greatest concentration of hotels and lodges on Lake Malawi are found just to the north, between Mangochi and Monkey Bay – on what is known as the Mangochi Lakeshore.
Accommodation in or near Mangochi
Norman Carr Cottage
Norman Carr Cottage situated alongside the sandy beaches on the southern shores of Lake Malawi, nestles under a canopy of large indigenous trees.
Chimwala Bush Camp
Chimwala Bush Camp at Liwonde National Park is an excellent opportunity to experience the beauty of Malawi’s Wildlife in a small and safe place.
The Makokola Retreat
The Makokola Retreat a large resort with stunning gardens and lakeside villas on the white sands of the Mangochi Lakeshore.
Domwe Island
Domwe Island offers visitors a unique combination of island and African bush environments, run by Kayak Africa.
Mvuu Camp
Mvuu Camp is located in Liwonde National Park offering an excellent camp option for guests who want to enjoy the ultimate bush experience in a comfortable and relaxed setting.
The Warm Heart Adventure Lodge
The Warm Heart Adventure Lodge is based in Chembe Village, Cape Maclear and is along side the Lake Malawi National Park.
Kuthengo Camp by Robin Pope Safaris
Kuthengo Camp is a stunning new safari lodge located on a large open plain stretching towards the Shire River in Liwonde National Park.
Mumbo Island
Mumbo Island Camp offers an exclusive escape on an otherwise-deserted island in Lake Malawi National Park.
Pumulani by Robin Pope Safaris
Pumulani is situated on the west side of Nankumba Peninsula at the southern end of Lake Malawi, exclusively nestled within the Lake Malawi National Park.
Mvuu Lodge
Mvuu Lodge offers a luxurious stay and an intimate getaway in a secluded setting in Liwonde National Park, right by the Shire River.
Other Places to Visit in South Malawi
Blantyre & Limbe
The largest urban area in Malawi, the conurbation of Blantyre & Limbe, is the country’s commercial capital.
Chimwenya Game Park
Chimwenya Game Park is a serene, beautiful and privately owned 500 acre game park, in one of the last remaining indigenous forests inteh Shire HIghlands.
Elephant Marsh
Elephant Marsh is part of the flood plain of the River Shire. Though now devoid of elephants it is still home to a fantastic array of birdlife.
Lake Chilwa
Lake Chilwa is Malawi’s second biggest lake, home to unique fishing villages and a designated wetland of international importance because of the huge bird populations it supports.
Lake Malawi National Park
Lake Malawi National Park is the world's first freshwater national park and world heritage site, situated at Cape Maclear.
Lengwe National Park
Lengwe National Park is 350 sq miles of dense vegetation with good birdlife and a number of mammal species to be seen. It is only an hour or so from Blantyre.
Liwonde National Park
Liwonde is perhaps the most popular of all of Malawi's game parks. The River Shire flows along its western border, allowing boat safaris to discover the Big 5 and an array of birdlife.
Lower Shire Valley
The Lower Shire Valley is an extension of the Rift Valley and home to no less than three national parks/wildlife reserves.
Majete Wildlife Reserve
Majete Wildlife Reserve is a unique conservation and tourist destination for all visitors. An amazing success story of recovery and restoration, and now home to the Big 5.
Mangochi Lakeshore
The Mangochi Lakeshore is a strip of southern Lake Malawi where many popular hotels and resorts offer beachside accommodation.
Monkey Bay
Monkey Bay is considered to be one of Malawi's main lake ports, and is where the famous Ilala ferry docks and begins its weekly sojourn up and down the Lake
Mount Mulanje
Mount Mulanje is Malawi's highest peak. At 10000ft (3000m), Mulanje dwarfs all that surrounds it. It lies to the east of Blantyre and is easily accessible.
Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve
Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve is little neglected in terms of wildlife but the landscape includes scenic rocky outcrops and rivers cutting through impressive gorges.
Thyolo Tea Estates
Tea has been grown at Thyolo, south-east of Blantyre, since 1908 and the primly trimmed bushes (strictly, trees) give the whole area the appearance of a neatly kept but vast garden.
Zomba Plateau
Known for its views, Zomba Plateau is a great slab of a mountain with vast tracts of cedar, pine and cypress and criss-crossed by streams with tumbling waterfalls and still lakes.
Zomba Town
Zomba Town is in a beautiful setting below the plateau of the same name. This was the original capital of Malawi and the first settlement of the colonial administration.
Other Cultural Places to Visit
Blantyre & Limbe
The largest urban area in Malawi, the conurbation of Blantyre & Limbe, is the country’s commercial capital.
Chintheche
Chintheche offers some of the best beaches on Lake Malawi, with a collection of luxury lodges right by the shore.
Chongoni Rock Art
In the forested granite hills around Dedza is the Chongoni Rock Art Area, a UNESCO World Heritage SIte. this is the densest cluster of ancient rock art found in central Africa.
Dedza
Dedza is a town of interest for a variety of reasons. At 1600m (5300ft) it is the highest town in the country and sits in a beautiful landscape of forests and highlands.
Dwangwa
Thirty miles north of Nkhotakota is the settlement of Dwangwa, a useful place to stock up and refuel when travelling up and down the lakeshore.
Dzalanyama Forest Reserve
Dzalanyama is approximately 40 km from Lilongwe and covers the steep range of hills which bear the same name. It's a beautiful natural environment to explore and enjoy.
Karonga
Karonga is one of Lake Malawi's most northern towns. It is home to a wonderful new museum of cultural history and archeology.
Likoma Island
Likoma Island sits on the far side of the Lake Malawi in Mozambican waters. The island is home to stunning beaches and lodges, with access by boat or aircraft.
Lilongwe
Lilongwe is Malawi’s capital. The Old Town is distinct and has the appearance of a traditional African settlement, whilst the City has much in common with other twentieth century urban developments around the world.
Livingstonia Mission
Livingstonia is a mission station established in 1894 by Robert Laws, a disciple of David Livingstone. Sited at 3000ft above Lake Malawi, there are stunning views across the Lake.
Liwonde National Park
Liwonde is perhaps the most popular of all of Malawi's game parks. The River Shire flows along its western border, allowing boat safaris to discover the Big 5 and an array of birdlife.
Lower Shire Valley
The Lower Shire Valley is an extension of the Rift Valley and home to no less than three national parks/wildlife reserves.
Manda Wilderness (Mozambique)
A massive 100,000 ha area of Mozambique land which runs to the eastern shore of Lake Malawi forms the Manda Wilderness Community Reserve.
Monkey Bay
Monkey Bay is considered to be one of Malawi's main lake ports, and is where the famous Ilala ferry docks and begins its weekly sojourn up and down the Lake
Mua Mission
Mua Mission is famous for the quality of the wood carvings produced and sold there. The standards are superb and the prices very reasonable.
Mzuzu
The capital of the north is Mzuzu, with an interesting bustling market and is growing rapidly, with a selection of lodges close by.
Nkhata Bay
Nkhata Bay is a small sheltered harbour on Lake Malawi's northern shore. It is a focus for the fishing industry but becoming increasingly important as a tourist centre.
Nkhotakota
Often, but confusingly, described as the largest traditional village in Africa, Nkhotakota is rich in history. Visited by Dr Livingstone in 1863, it was then a major centre for the slave trade.
Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve
Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve is one of the two large wildlife areas in Central Malawi. A true wilderness, it has a promising future after recent mass restocking.
Ntchisi Forest Reserve
Ntchisi Forest Reserve contains some of the last remaining indigenous rainforest in Malawi. Some trees tower thirty metres overhead.
Thyolo Tea Estates
Tea has been grown at Thyolo, south-east of Blantyre, since 1908 and the primly trimmed bushes (strictly, trees) give the whole area the appearance of a neatly kept but vast garden.
Viphya Plateau
The forested Viphya is a wonderful area for those seeking a combination of stunning scenery and solitude, with opportunities for trekking, mountain biking and various other activities.
Zomba Town
Zomba Town is in a beautiful setting below the plateau of the same name. This was the original capital of Malawi and the first settlement of the colonial administration.
Where is Mangochi?