Clean, green and ordered, Blantyre might not be quite what you expect from an economic hub of West Africa. But this city loves to flout the expectations of all who come its way, offering manicured streets, leafy neighbourhoods and plenty of creative, hip, happening cafes and restaurants. 

The city sits in a basin of rugged hills in the southern depths of Malawi. It was founded by Scottish Missionaries – hence the namesake in South Lanarkshire – back in 1876, quickly becoming the hub of the British consulate and an important trading post for the sale of ivory and other African wares. These days, Blantyre's economy takes on a modern edge, with big banks and multinational corporations dotting the blocks of the centre. Blantyre tour guides are at hand to reveal the exciting history of the city. That's visible at colonial-era Mandala House – the oldest building in town – and the 1891 St Michael and All Angels Church – a mix of Gothic and Moorish styles constructed from local clays. Malawian safaris are also only a stone's throw away. You can make for the elephant-trampled forests and riparian plains of Majete Wildlife Reserve for visions of zebra, waterbuck, impala and more.