Malawi: The Warm Heart of Africa

Malawi is a small country slightly smaller than Pennsylvania in south central Africa. It has a large lake that covers most of the eastern border of the country. Lake Malawi is the third largest lake in Africa reaching as deep as 3,000 feet in some areas. The climate is sub-tropical with a rainy season and a dry season. Malawi is usually separated into three different sections when discussing the country. The three different sections are north Malawi, central Malawi, which is where the capital of Lilongwe is located. The third section is called south Malawi. The south part of the country has land on both east and west borders unlike central and northern Malawi. Malawi is known as the “warm heart of Africa”. The reason it is known as the “warm heart of Africa” is because the country is relatively peaceful compared to the civil unrest that is happening in many African countries. It is also knows as the “warm heart of Africa” because how nice the native people are to everyone. Malawi has recently become a popular tourist area. Malawi has beautiful lakes, amazing safaris as well as peace of mind in regards to safety and security. Malawi has a rich history and culture, they have beautiful art, theater, music as well as architecture which can be seen while walking through any of Malawi’s large cities.

Malawi is thought to be the home of ancient human ancestors. In 1991, a jawbone was found the carbon dates back two million years. During the 16th century was a very busy time for the region that would later become Malawi. The Portuguese, the Arabs as well as other tribes from central Africa held power in that region for a period of time. The Chewa, a prominent tribe in the region traded ivory, iron and slaves with the Portuguese and th...

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... tea, without using a large percentage of tea from Malawi. Since a large percentage of Malawi is Lake Malawi, it is not surprising that one of their main dishes is fish. Two popular fishes that you can see in markets are usipa and utaka, which are similar to sardines. Another two popular mpasa and kampango which are similar to salmon. The most popular fish for tourists and visitors in Malawi is the chambo, a bream like fish. Many of the fish that can be found in Lake Malawi are unique to the region. Malawians courtesy and friendliness extends to food as well. Malawians will go out of their way for to feed their guest, even if it is an early or late meal they will make you a maize patty and vegetables. It is normal for guests to be served first and served constantly. “Custom dictates that a guest be served so much food that he can’t finish everything on his plate”.