Discover magical Malawi and embark on the ultimate water safari with Malawian Style

(TRAVPR.COM) MALAWI - March 20th, 2011 - African holidays are all too often attached to big tour operators, big game and big budgets. Not anymore. Taking the idea of shoestring chic onto a whole new level, Malawian Style offers grown up backpackers the chance to experience Lake Malawi sustainably and with plenty of exclusive experiences unavailable from other boutique tour guides.

As the tourism market witnesses a growing trend for responsible, conscientious travellers wanting more from their travel experiences, Malawian Style meets the need for truly authentic, community-based tours that offer up-close-and-personal insights into east African Rift Valley's aquatic trump card: the Lake of Stars.

Established by ex-London dweller and South African native Mike Varndell, Malawian Style strikes the middle ground between luxury retreat and backpacker stop-off. As such, Mike - an expert on the region - has scoured the region for the most sustainable, secretive lodgings where million star views take priority over Egyptian cotton and exported wines. It’s about rustic, localised, pared-down luxury and the priceless chance to stay on private eco-islands that can only be accessed by paddle power (and local knowledge).

Mike takes great pleasure in offering guests the real 'Lake of Stars', Lake Malawi’s nickname and home to the now globally popular festival of the same name. As one of the richest freshwater ecosystems on the planet, each small group tour (maximum eight persons) will be taken to all the hotspots and sail, kayak, swim, snorkel or take a PADI course with over 800 species of endemic tropical fish.

The region provides the perfect guilt-free aquatic safari, where dainty kingfisher and abundant fish eagles are all part and parcel of this scenic adventure that's a combination of paddle power and low horse-power boats. Impressively sustainable, a portion of Mike's profits go straight back into the local communities who ensure visitor's to the region will experience a serene alternative to a gas-guzzling big game safari. Besides rock climbing, aquatic island hopping, kite surfing and snorkelling amidst the highest concentration of fish in any lake on the planet, guests will enjoy unforgettable stays in the solar powered eco-camps of Mumbo and Domwe islands, where footfall is restricted to those in the know.

Malawian Style founder Mike Varndell comments “My time working in London a few years ago, and traveling the world afterwards, only served to cement what I had always known growing up – that there is no place on earth like Lake Malawi. I created Malawian Style out of a sheer passion for the area and its people, and my aim is to share that passion with the guests who stay here. Anyone who visits can see why Malawi is known as ’the warm heart of Africa.’”

Notes to Editors:

Malawian Style was founded in 2010, by SA native Mike Varndell.

Malawian Style offers a range of packages, aimed at the 25-40 year old traveller, including Bachelor packages, Hen holidays, Bush n’ Beach trips and Honeymoons.

Further information, images, tour dates and enquiry forms can be found at www.malawianstyle.com

###