The islands of Chizumulu and Likoma are both fairly low-key places to unwind and take in the spare beauty of the surroundings. Likoma is the larger of the two. It's not exactly an island paradise, but it does have some excellent beaches and snorkelling, with baobab trees scattered about. It's a densely populated place, with 6000 people packed into 17 sq km (7 sq mi). Unless you've got the resources to charter a plane, steamer schedules mean you'll be here at least three days. The impressive Anglican Cathedral of St Peter shouldn't be missed (it's kept locked unless services are on). The market is unusually neat. Chizumulu is less populated and the snorkelling's better. It makes a good getaway, though the dhow ferry between the islands is a very choppy ride when the wind is blowing.

In the southernmost tip of Malawi, Mwabvi is the country's smallest (under 350 sq km/135 sq mi) and least-visited reserve. It's virtually a wilderness, with a hilly landscape of sandstone ridges, rocky gorges, fast-flowing streams and mopane woodland. The scenery is unlike any other part of Malawi, and there are spectacular views over the Shire and Zambezi Rivers. Sadly, the place has been neglected and has suffered from poaching. Getting there and away generally takes a car and great determination. The gate is reached from the main road between Chikwawa and Nsanje.

The rolling hills of the Nyika Plateau, averaging about 2000m (6560ft) above sea level, are covered with a mix of mopane grassland and mimbo woodland. Other areas are covered in dense evergreen forests, and there are pockets of damp grassy bog. The park is famous for its wildflowers (including 120 species of orchid), which grow like mad after the rains (November to April), and attract a broad array of wildlife. Most common are the large roan antelope and the smaller reedbuck; you'll also see zebra, warthog, blue monkey (in the woodlands) and over 250 species of bird.Many people see the park from a car. Although you're not allowed to enter the park on foot, once you're inside you can stroll as much as you like - though you'll have to be accompanied by a park ranger for hikes of more than a few kilometres. It's also possible to ride a horse across the grasslands, allowing you to get closer to the game than in a car or on foot.The main entrance to the park is at the Thazima Gate, in the southwestern corner, which is connected by dirt road to the nearest town, Rumphi. Rumphi is a few kilometres from the main north-south highway, and about 55km (35mi) north of Mzuzu. The easiest way to get there is by car, but there's a daily bus between Mzuzu and Chitipa that runs through the park.