Protea Hotel Ryalls

With two restaurants on the premises, you can enjoy the "dine out" experience without the schlep. The Ryalls Restaurant is perfect for those looking for a little local flavour, but if it's a hearty, flamed-grilled steak or bourbon-coated ribs you're looking for, pop into the 21 Grill on Hannover. After a tasty lunchtime spread, there's nothing better than dangling your feet in the cool depths of the hotel's pool, and soaking up the Malawian sun. Lovely.

The 120 rooms are serene, elegant and stylish, and have huge beds, fluffy carpets, and air conditioning. Bathrooms are all en-suite, with both bath and shower, and some of the rooms have a little outside area too. Delve into the in-room movie library and settle down with a DVD, before using the complimentary WiFi for last minute edits to any presentation or holiday blog you might be working on. Night owls and early birds can use the room's coffee and tea making facilities for that extra boost of energy, and it has a minibar to boot!

An hour's drive from Blantyre's bustling city centre are the Shire Highlands and impressive Zomba Plateau. Adventure seekers will enjoy a hike around the criss-crossing top of the plateau where the contrast of the tumbling waterfalls and the stillness of the lakes is breathtaking. If that's not your cup of tea, drive around the top instead and marvel at the unbeatable views of Lake Chilwa, Mount Mulanje and the Shire River. Take your binos and try your hand at spotting the local wildlife - giant butterflies, baboons, various bird species and even rare leopard can all be found.