Malawi Landmarks and Monuments

(Malawi, MW, South-East Africa)

Whether you choose to head north or south from Lilongwe, the main sights in Malawi include plenty of natural landmarks and monuments. These range from the hiking trails and plentiful outdoor activities presented at Mount Mulanje, to the breathtaking views from the Zomba Plateau.

Add to this some imposing churches and fascinating archaeological sights, such as Chongoni's rock art (a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site), and you will probably wish your stay was longer.

Zomba Plateau

Address: Zomba, Malawi, MW, Africa
Rising to a height of around 1,800 metres / 6,000 feet, the Zomba Plateau is a truly distinctive natural landmark. Once at the top, visitors can explore streams, waterfalls and lakes, either on foot or by car. Wildlife and birdlife are in abundance. Horse riders and fishermen are also well entertained. And if a day trip isn't enough, a hotel perched atop the plateau can offer a room with a quite a view.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Mount Mulanje

Address: Near Blantyre, Malawi, MW, Africa
Also known as the 'Island in the Sky', Mount Mulanje's highest peak rises to over 3,000 m / 9,842 feet above sea level. This most noteworthy of the country's natural wonders is popular with hikers and mountain sport enthusiasts, who come to discover the delights of its natural pools, stunning views and challenging rock faces and mountain routes.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Chongoni Rock Art

Address: Dedza District, Malawi, MW, Africa
This spot is said to be home to the highest concentration of rock art in central Africa. There are no less than 127 well-preserved paintings here, some of which may have been created as long as 3,500 years ago, were reputedly the work of Ba-Twa pygmies who used to live in this area of Malawi. Chongoni rock art can be found at three sites open to the public: Chentchere, Namzeze and Mphunzi.
Open hours: daily (guide recommended)
Admission: free, charge for guided tour

Nkhata Bay

Address: Nkhata Bay, Malawi, MW, Africa
Nkhata Bay is a popular resort among visitors who come variously to enjoy its golden beaches, crystal clear blue water and beautiful shoreline scenery. Among the many aquatic activities on offer are canoeing and diving. And if that sounds too energetic, visitors can settle instead for some gentle exotic fish spotting.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Bembeke Cathedral

Address: Bembeke, Malawi, MW, Africa
Tel: +265 999 291 914
Head off the beaten track in the direction of Bembeke, a small rural community near Dedza, and visitors will discover a long-established Catholic mission station complete with its conspicuous red brick cathedral. Inside are frescoes painted by a local artist, Michael Kapalamula.
Open hours: guided visit by arrangement
Admission: free

St. Michael's and All Angels Church

Address: Blantyre, Malawi, MW, Africa
Built by Scottish missionaries at the end of the 19th century and located within Blantyre, this imposing church is still a place of prayer for local inhabitants. When you consider that the church was designed by a reverend with no actual architectural training, and then built using a workforce of locals with no real construction experience, the church's beautiful facade becomes all the more impressive. Rather than being designed in detail on paper, the shape of the church was decided by simply laying bricks out on the ground, forming a cross shape. Standing next to the church is a small clock tower and a number of historic buildings, as well the Henry Henderson Institute.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free