Nkhotakota, Malawi

Capital City

This traditional African town on the shores of Lake Malawi boasts a population of just 28,350, though the wider district is home to 301,000 people. With a strong Swahili-Arab influence, Nkhotakota bears the scars of its history as a former slave-trading hub. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the town was hit hard by devastating floods in 2001. However, the area's natural beauty, including the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, draws both domestic and international tourists. For those seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path African experience, Nkhotakota may fit the bill - but the challenges of living in a remote, developing region should not be underestimated.