The capital
Most international trips begin in Lilongwe, a spread out, green capital with the main airport, a lively Old Town market, a wildlife sanctuary and easy day trips to Dedza's pottery and rock art.
The lake
Lake Malawi fills much of the country's eastern edge. Cape Maclear, inside Lake Malawi National Park, is the classic stop for snorkelling, kayaking and island camps. Further north, Nkhata Bay and Likoma Island offer a quieter, rockier lakeshore.
Safari country
Liwonde National Park on the Shire River is Malawi's best known safari park, with boat trips past hippos and elephants and a rising population of lions, cheetahs and rhinos. Majete Wildlife Reserve further south holds the Big Five too.
The south
Blantyre is the commercial city, founded by Scottish missionaries, and a good base for tea estates, Zomba Plateau and the south. Mount Mulanje rises above the tea fields with the highest peak in the region and some of the best hiking in southern Africa.
Putting it together
A ten day loop usually runs Lilongwe, Cape Maclear, Liwonde and Blantyre, with Mulanje or Zomba added when you have more time. Roads are slow, so allow a full day for most transfers. The free trip planner can help you shape a route.