For a sand-and-safari experience, few African nations are able to outshine Malawi. Its stunning Lake Malawi boasts countless bays, beaches and islands to explore, particularly as a bookend to a safari in one of the country’s wildlife parks.

But Malawi is more than its diverse natural landscapes. Travelers could spend weeks here exploring its tea and coffee farms and laid-back cities, all while sampling regional foods and experiencing cultural heritage sites. Here are the top places to visit in Malawi.