Culture & sports

Culture

The diverse ethnic groups of Malawi contributes to the richness of its culture. Many different ethnic groups live in the country including the Chewa, Lomwe, Yao, Ngoni, Tumbuka, Sena, Tonga, Nkhonde, and others. Despite the existence of many ethnic communities, there is hardly any tension between these communities. English is the official language of Malawi. The distinct ethnic groups of the nation also speak their own indigenous languages.

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The different tribes of Malawi have their own individual styles of music and representational dances. Common musical instruments include drums, rattles, shakers, mambilira, etc. The Gule Wamkulu is one of the most famous folk dances of the country. It is a ritual dance performed during special ceremonies like weddings, initiation ceremonies of boys into adulthood, etc. Vimbuza is an important dance for the Tumbuka people. It is used for healing and cleansing rituals and summoning spirits. Ingoma is a war dance of the Ngoni people and is performed on special occasions.

Malawi has a rich heritage of oral literature. It includes folktales and legends, myths, poetry, war stories, religious chants, etc., that have been passed from one generation to next by word of mouth. Written literature developed in the country much later.

A number of art and craft products are produced by Malawian artists and either sold to the tourists or utilized for other needs. Wood carving and pottery are two of the most common crafts produced in the country. Malawi’s indigenous ethnic groups also have a rich tradition of mask carving and basketry which are often used in traditional ceremonies. (Oil) paintings are also produced in urban centers.

Malawian society tends to be patriarchal in nature. Men rule society and usually head the households. Men are regarded as the breadwinners. Many households in Malawi tend to be of the extended nature. Several generations often live together. In general man and woman meet at church. After marriage the bride usually moves in with the groom’s family. Children are highly valued and the average woman bears five children. Infant mortality rates are high in the country due to widespread poverty and poor access to healthcare facilities. However the numbers declined rapidly from 62 to 37 of the 1000 babies the last decade due to better healthcare (aid). Primary school is mandated and 90% of the children attend (2018). However children are still taught to assist their parents in work from an early age.10 % of the primary school students go to high school..The literacy rate is lower among girls than boys.

Sports

You can play your own sports in Malawi. Golf (9-hole in Blantyre and one 18 hole in Lilongwe) swimming (hotel pools and Lake Malawi), kayaking, snorkling, diving, sailing (Lake Malawi), walking and running (anywhere) and (mountain)biking, climbing and hiking and tennis.

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Dzalanyama Forest Reserve

Dzalanyama Forest Reserve, 60 km south-west of Lilongwe, is almost entirely covered with Brachystegia–Julbernardia woodland. It forms part of the Dzalanyama Range, a series of rocky hills running
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Gwirize Cultural Village

Gwirize Cultural Village is a true rural village where you can experience traditional dances like Gule Wamkulu, Chisamba and Chitelera which are most popular amongst the Chewa people.Then we also offer other traditional
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Kasungu National Park

Kasungu National Park is Malawi’s second largest and least-visited protected areas, located in the central region near the Zambian border, 184 km from Lilongwe. Covering roughly 2,100 square kilometre and lying at
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Kingfisher Inn

Kingfisher pride ourselves on a friendly and accommodating environment. Our aim is to make our guests feel at home, so please relax and let us make your stay an unforgettable one.
Kungoni Center of Culture and Arts

The Kungoni Centre of Culture & Art, located at Mua Mission in Malawi’s Central region, was established in 1976. It is recognized as a place where the richness of Malawi’s cultural heritage can be encountered and
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Kuti Wildlife Reserve

Kuti is an ideal getaway for peace and quiet and only a 1 hour drive from Lilongwe on the way to the lake – just before Salima Town – great for families – we have no predators so it is very safe to walk, run or
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Lake Chilwa

Lake Chilwa is the second-largest lake in Malawi after Lake Malawi. It is in eastern Zomba District, near the border with Mozambique. Approximately 60 km long and 40 km
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Lake Malawi National Park

Lake Malawi National Park is a 29.600 km2 national park at the southern end of Lake Malawi in Malawi. It is the only national park in Malawi that was created with the purpose of protecting fish and aquatic
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Liwonde National Park

Liwonde Narional Park is located in the south of Malawi bordered by the Shire River and is a must see Big 5 destination. The park was in total decline in 2015 when ...
Ng'ona Lodge

Ng’ona Lodge is an oasis in the African bush. It is in a tranquil environment on the banks of the Shire River which flows out of Lake Malawi, south to join the Zambezi River in Mozambique.
Nkhoma Mountain

Many visitors come to hike up Nkhoma Mountain for a panoramic view of Malawi. Nkhoma Mountain is located behind Nkhoma Mission Hospital 50 kilometres south-east of Lilongwe. It is often clearly visible from
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Nyika National Park

Nyika National Park is the first (1965) and largest Park in Malawi. Most parts lie about 2 000 metres above sea level. The plateau is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, unconventional 4 x 4 drives, game drives and
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Safari Beach Lodge

Safari Beach Lodge is located in the secluded and beautiful Senga Hills Forest Reserve near Salima and is situated directly on the shore of Lake Malawi.
Senga Hills Forest Reserve

Senga Hills Forest Reserve, also known as Senga Bay Forest Reserve, is a beautiful hilly forest reserve in Central Malawi directly on the lakeshore in Senga Bay, Salima.

The reserve has 7 hills,
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Soche Forest Reserve

Soche Forest Reserve was established in 1922, and covers 388 hectares.Mount Soche is a mountain near Blantyre, Malawi. Soche Forest Reserve is next to Soche Hill and is located in
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South Viphya Forest Reserve

Established in 1948, has an area of approx. 1150 km², covering much of the southern range of the Viphya Mountains,

The range runs north-northeast along the west shore of Lake Malawi. The South
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The Adventures Feet Malawi

The Adventures Feet Malawi is a Tour Company for local and international travelers. We provide a well-planned itinerary and have experienced Guides to ensure delight on the trip of a life time to
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The Norman Carr Cottage

Follow the history of Norman Carr as he started his journey in Malawi as elephant control officer in Zomba and see where he wrote his books.

We follow his tradition of keeping things quiet and simple. A place to get
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Vwaza Marsh

Vwaza Marsh Game Reserve is a national game reserve in Malawi. Vwaza is managed by Peace Parks Foundation and is located in Malawi’s
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Zomba Forest Lodge

Zomba Forest Lodge has been a rest house/lodge for the past 30 years or so but it is now not just a lodge, it is our home. It is not just a business, it is a lifestyle we choose. If you would like to visit us, we will treat
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Zomba Plateau

The Zomba Plateau, also called the Zomba Massif, is a mountain of the Shire Highlands in southern Malawi. It occupies total area of about 130 square km. Its highest peak is 2,087 metres.
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Services Central region / Lilongwe

We present business in the Central Region & cities by type of business. When you click on a tile below you will be presented with participating businesses on the site.