{"id":3792,"date":"2019-03-08T07:00:05","date_gmt":"2019-03-08T07:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/seeker.io\/?p=3792"},"modified":"2019-03-08T07:00:05","modified_gmt":"2019-03-08T07:00:05","slug":"malawi-travel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/seeker.io\/article\/malawi-travel\/","title":{"rendered":"Travel Malawi: The Best Backpacking Destination You\u2019ve Never Even Heard Of"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Malawi is one of those countries that a perfectly educated and worldly person can get through their entire life having never thought about. It\u2019s fair to say that this landlocked African nation hasn\u2019t exactly got a lead role on the global stage. If anything, it\u2019s the kid in class who has to play background tree #1<\/em> because the teacher forgot to cast them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the 195 nations of earth are ranked from richest to poorest, Malawi is inevitably found in the bottom 3<\/a>. But, unlike the war-torn dictatorships that surround it on such lists, Malawi is perfectly safe and enjoys a stable government. It\u2019s also blessed with stunning nature, super interesting people, and sights, sounds and experiences that you won\u2019t find anywhere else, making Malawi travel some of the best around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Malawi deserves more than its current role of background shrubbery. So allow me to place it firmly in the limelight and tell you why this modest, humble, and understated country is one of the best I\u2019ve ever backpacked in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s got a big old lake<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Fishing boats, Lake Malawi, Malawi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Malawi is most famous for its namesake stretch of water. Making up between a third and a fifth of the country\u2019s landmass (depending on where you draw the ever-disputed borders), Lake Malawi is the fourth-largest in the world by volume, and is home to more species of fish than any other lake on the planet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018So it\u2019s got a big lake,\u2019 I hear you say, \u2018but what\u2019s so good about that?\u2019 Well, doubting Thomas, sort of everything<\/em>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Snorkeler exploring underwater world of Lake Malawi, Malawi.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

One of the reasons that Malawi is so low on the GDP is because the bulk of the population is rural and have one of two jobs: farmer or fisherman. Watching the hordes of anglers jump in their rustic boats and head off for a day on the water is spectacular, and the fish they bring back is the freshest of the fresh. Then you\u2019ve got the more recreational side of the lake \u2014 a place like Cape Maclear<\/a> gives you the opportunity to swim, water ski, and dive in this gorgeously warm patch of water, and even enjoy a stunning sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s got oddly amazing hostels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Deck at Mushroom Farm hostel, Livingstonia, Malawi. instagram.com\/antjesoasis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hostels aren\u2019t much of a thing in Africa. Sure, there\u2019s always a sprinkling in the tourist hot spots of the more developed nations, but away from the well-trodden tourist trail, a backpacker must choose between distinctly local hotels and a night under the stars. It\u2019s slightly odd then that the world\u2019s third poorest country, in the middle of a continent that isn\u2019t entirely aware that hostels exist, is home to some of the best shared accommodation I\u2019ve ever experienced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Beach huts by Lake Malawi, Malawi.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In fact, the Malawi travel hostel situation is so good that I\u2019d suggest it\u2019s perhaps the number one reason to visit. Check out the following establishments if you\u2019re that rare type of person who enjoys an awesome time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n