Malawi is a country of great variety and many influences. Its spectacular lake is like an inland sea and its beaches a tropical paradise. Its scenery is varied from highland heathers to wild savannah. In fact, Malawi has a little bit of everything for everyone, and has a world's worth of attractions within its compact borders. So what are you waiting for? Make 2017 your year to explore this varied and fascinating country.

England

Afternoon tea and croquet on the lawn

Huntington House, a boutique lodge set in the heart of Satemwa Estate, has just 5 suites exuding colonial charm and a unique character. This magnificent house is surrounded by sprawling manicured gardens with secret patios and terraces waiting to be discovered. Afternoon tea is available in the beautiful estate gardens with only in-season and regionally grown produce used, and the milk and cream from the estate's own cows, you know everything you're eating is fresh and local. A spot of croquet can follow afternoon tea on the lawn.

The Far East

Stilted Villages

In huge contrast to the strong Lake Malawi, a visit to Lake Chilwa in Eastern Malawi on the border with Mozambique would have you thinking you're in South East Asia! The lake has stilted and floating villages and the people here live off the lake much the same way as their ancestors did 100 years ago. The lake has an abundance of fish and attracts huge numbers of water birds. In a further nod to its South East Asian feel, its fertile wetlands provide Malawi with 50% of its rice harvest.

Scotland

Highlands

In Malawi's deep south are the dramatic peaks of Mt Mulanje and the mysterious Zomba Plateu; both are a trekker's dream, with mist-shrouded forests and exotic wildlife. Head further north and you'll witness the otherworldly beauty of Niyika Plateau, its high altitude rolling grasslands resembling that of the Scottish Highlands. The Warm Heart of Malawi is often compared to the hospitality the Scots offer, with the friendship between Scots and Malawians starting in 1859 when David Livingstone and his companions entered what is now Malawi for the first time. Today, the Scotland Malawi Partnership exists to co-ordinate, support and represent the huge number of civic links Scotland has with Malawi. Thanks to this partnership Scotland contribute more than £40 million a year to Malawi, making this one of the world's most active bilateral people-to-people links.

Caribbean

Pristine White Beaches

There aren't many places in Africa where you can be tracking down game in the morning, and relaxing on golden sandy beaches with a cocktail in the afternoon.

Dominating this country is the 560km-long, 75km-wide and 705m-deep Lake Malawi, laced with stunning golden, sandy beaches and crystal clear blue waters that are a water sports enthusiast's paradise. There are all manner of lodges and hideaways dotted around the country just waiting to be discovered. As a vibrant port town in the North of Malawi, Nkhata Bay is often referred to as the gateway to the islands. It has a wonderful craft market and a bustling, Caribbean-like feel to it.

Scandinavia

Carlsberg anyone?

Officially opened on 14 December 1968, Carlsberg Malawi Brewery Limited (CMBL) was the first Carlsberg brewery outside Denmark. Carlsberg Malawi is a beverages only company comprising of 5 bottling plants, a distillery and a brewery. They produce world-class brands such as Carlsberg, Coca-Cola, Fanta, and Sprite as well the iconic Malawi Gin. At 35p a pint, it would be rude not to!

India

Tea Plantations

Satemwa Tea and Coffee Estate in the highlands of Malawi have been crafting superior teas and coffees for nearly 100 years. Their produce is made with love, passion and respect for the environment and its surrounding communities. Exported worldwide, their fair trade teas end up in tea bags for PG tips, Lipton Yellow Label, and Tetleys to name a few. Satemwa Tea has been sipped by the Queen in Claridges, provides Sainsbury's with their best selling Red Label tea, and their hand made artisan teas are served at Heston Blumenthal's restaurant, The Fat Duck.

Australia

Fish to Rival the Great Barrier Reef

Crystal clear waters offer fantastic kayaking, sailing, snorkelling, scuba diving and water skiing – and these are just some of the Lake activities available to visitors. More like an inland sea, Lake Malawi is home to the world's first freshwater National Park. Around 1000 specific of tropical fish are believed to live in Lake Malawi - no lake in the world holds such a varied and distinctive community. A veritable aquarium of tropical fish putting on a colourful kaleidoscopic display, it really does rival the Great Barrier Reef!

South America

Columbian Coffee

Malawi is one of the world's best-kept secrets when it comes to coffee. The country produces some amazingly high quality Arabica coffees, which are meticulously processed and graded from harvest to green bean and grown high up in mountains of Northern Malawi and the highlands of Southern Malawi.

Similarly, Colombia is the largest exporter in the world of washed Arabica coffees - third in terms of overall production. Their coffee is generally grown at very high elevations in the Andes. The taste of Malawian coffee has a medium acidity, body and sweetness, similar to that of the coffee grown in the Central region of Colombia.