Chikwawa, Malawi

Capital City

With just 6,114 residents, this tiny town is hardly a bustling metropolis. The Shire River runs along its western edge, but the surrounding region was long ravaged by Portuguese slave traders. Hippos and crocodiles still inhabit the waterways, a stark reminder of the area's rugged, isolated nature. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as Chikwawa was the first Malawian town to host European explorers like David Livingstone back in the 1800s. Those seeking a remote, authentic African experience may find Chikwawa an intriguing option, but most expats will likely find it too small and underdeveloped to be a practical long-term home.