Malawi

Malawi

Dubbed the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ for its good-natured charm, the tiny, landlocked country of Malawi in southeastern Africa is a famously hospitable little nation brimming with touristic abundance. Its exuberant landscape is a breathtaking natural kaleidoscope of verdant countryside, sweeping plateaux, soaring highlands, and river valleys. Malawi’s share of the vast Great Rift Valley encompasses the country’s must-see eco-destination, the emblematic Lake Malawi, several national parks and game reserves, while the Central African Plateau’s undulating terrain is defined by a series of dramatic escarpments, punctuated by lakes, dramatic hills and dense forests. A wealth of outdoor activities is open to outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling, water skiing, sailing, kayaking, parasailing and boating. Game viewing at the reserves offers a chance to see crocodiles, lions, elephants, hippos and leopards. For the more culturally curious, browse the many bustling markets, visit traditional villages and dig into the treasure trove of the country’s history at The Society of Malawi in Blantyre.

Read More: Malawi

Regions


  • Placeholder image
  • Placeholder image
  • Placeholder image

Travel Information


General

Language:English and Chichewa are both official languages. Chichewa is widely spoken but the language of the business community is EnglishNational Emergency…

Electricity

Plug Type: G Voltage (V): 230 V Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 Hz*A Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your…

Banking

Currency: Local currency: Kwacha  Symbol: Mk ISO code: MXK Central bank: Reserve Bank of Malawi Subunit: tambala Banknotes:…

Cuisine

Food and water safety:Can you drink the tap water: NoFresh fruit and veg: Yes, when thoroughly peeled and cookedIce: NoMeat: YesStreet food: NoLocal cuisine:  Malawians…

Climate

Annual rainfall: Varies from 725mm to 2500mm  Average temperature: 27°C   Dry Season Average in highs: 27°C Average in…

Transport

Air: Main airlines: Ulendo Airlink International Airports: Kamuzu International Airport Domestic airline: Ulendo Airlink  Road: Tar…

Dress

Spring and Summer Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes Lightweight warm clothes: Yes  Winter and Autumn Jerseys, cardigans,…

Health

Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations and that the medication has enough…

Safety

Malawai is safe in general. We recommend normal precautions be taken as you would for any city in the world. Be aware of your surroundings and stay in…

Visa

U.S. citizens do not require a visa for stays up to 30 days. Non U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.


Related Tours




  • Dear David Do you remember us? We spent our holyday in Namibia in 2007 following your itinerary. This email is to inform you, that advertising of your agency is now shown in the italian travel web magazine Viaggionelmondo.net In this…

    Carla and Riccardo

  • We just came back from a safari in Botswana, Namibia and Zambia, which was organised by Charlotte at ATI Holidays. We had a truly fantastic time, and would like to thank them for their help in organising it all. The…

    Matthew Haler

General

Language:English and Chichewa are both official languages. Chichewa is widely spoken but the language of the business community is EnglishNational Emergency Numbers:117 - Police124 - Fire118 - AmbulancePublic Holidays:The dates of certain public holidays change from year to year – refer below. If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, then the Monday is also declared a public holiday.Jan. 01 - New Year’s DayJan. 15 - Chilembwe DayMar. 03 - Martyrs’ DayApr. 18 - Good FridayApr. 21 - Easter MondayMay 01 - Labor DayJune 14 - Freedom DayJuly 06 - Republic DayJuly 28 - Eid al-FitrOct. 13 - Mother’s DayDec. 25 - Christmas DayDec. 26 - Boxing DaySocial conventions:Time ZoneCentral Africa Time Zone (UTC+02:00)TippingGenerally not expected, but some employees who are very poorly paid might appreciate a small tip for good service.US EmbassyAddress: Area 40, Plot 24, Kenyatta Drive Box 30016, Lilongwe 3Tel: 265 1773166Hours: Monday - Thursday 07:30 - 12:00, and 13:00 - 17:00 Friday 07:30 - 13:30Website: http://lilongwe.usembassy.gov

Electricity

Plug Type: G 
Voltage (V): 230 V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 Hz

*A Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Banking

Currency: 
Local currency: Kwacha  
Symbol: Mk 
ISO code: MXK 
Central bank: Reserve Bank of Malawi 
Subunit: tambala 
Banknotes: Notes are in denominations of Mk500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 
Coins: Coins are in denominations of Mk1 and 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 tambala 

Banking: 
Card Transactions: Available in hotels in major cities 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s Club: Yes 
 
Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 08:00 – 14:00 
Weekends: Closed 
Sundays: Closed 
Public Holidays: Closed 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

 

Cuisine

Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, when thoroughly peeled and cooked
Ice: No
Meat: Yes
Street food: No

Local cuisine:  
Malawians enjoy traditional and rustic cuisine specialising in starchy carbohydrates sourced from maize flour, fresh local produce, fresh fish from Lake Malawi, and locally grown vegetables.  
 
Drinks:   

Mawehu- Refreshing unsweetened non-alcoholic drink made from maize meal 

Chibuku- Served in a milk carton, this beer is made from fermented maize and has the consistency of porridge. 

Kuche kuche– A light local beer 

Malawi Gin – Serve with tonic and a slice of lemon 
 
Tipping: No 

Climate

Annual rainfall: Varies from 725mm to 2500mm  
Average temperature: 27°C  
 
Dry Season 
Average in highs: 27°C 
Average in lows: 20°C 
 
Wet Season
 
Average in highs: 29°C 
Average in lows: 17°C 
 
Best time to visit:  
Early May to late October is the best time to visit Malawi and make the most of game viewing and trips to the beach in sunny weather on the shore of Lake Malawi.   

Transport

Air: 
Main airlines: Ulendo Airlink 
International Airports: Kamuzu International Airport 
Domestic airline: Ulendo Airlink 
 
Road: 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: No 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
Uber available: No 
 
Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 
 
Rail: 
Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No 
 
Water:
 
Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Dress

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 
 
Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 
 
General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Health

Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations and that the medication has enough time to take effect. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance with medical benefits and that you bring any personal medication with you. Please also check with your health department prior to departure for any changes in health regulations.

Medical facilities are rudimentary. While all health workers have some degree of English proficiency, communication can be difficult. Diarrhea and other food borne illnesses are a common problem. You should avoid tap water, ice cubes, and raw fruits and vegetables. Bottled water is recommended for drinking and food preparation. Consume only food that is well-cooked and served hot.

Many medications are not available. You should bring adequate quantities of medications to last the duration of your stay. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. We encourage you to check with your primary healthcare provider or local travel clinic regarding malaria prophylaxis medications. Check with the government of Malawi to ensure the medication is legal in Malawi. 

For major medical problems, you should consider obtaining medical treatment in South Africa, where advanced medical care is available.

Required Immunizations/Vaccinations:

Yellow Fever - all travelers coming from a yellow fever infected country will be required to show a valid Yellow Fever certificate on arrival. It is otherwise not required or recommended. You should be vaccinated at least 10 days before you travel, as this will allow enough time for your body to develop protection against the yellow fever infection. Your proof of vaccination certificate will only become valid after this time.

Recommended Immunizations/Vaccinations:

Malaria prophylaxis - recommended for all travelers

Malaria

Expert opinion differs regarding the best approach to malaria prophylaxis. It is important to bear in mind that malaria may be contracted despite chemoprophylaxis, especially in areas where chloroquine resistance has been reported. 

We strongly recommend you take the following preventative measures:

Use plenty of mosquito repellent. Some camps provide a locally made repellent but please bring your own as there may be skin sensitivity.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers/slacks in the evenings.
Please use the mosquito net over your bed where supplied/available.
If staying in a bungalow or tent, spray with a suitable insecticide to kill any mosquitoes that may have flown into your room.
Mosquito coils are also effective.

There is a six to seven day minimum incubation period before symptoms present themselves. If you become ill on your return, while still on prophylaxis or even once you have stopped taking them, ensure that your doctor does everything to establish that your illness is not malaria. Please remember the best precaution is the preventative kind. 

It is inadvisable for pregnant women to visit malarial areas as malaria infection during pregnancy can be detrimental to both mother and child.

Safety

Malawai is safe in general. We recommend normal precautions be taken as you would for any city in the world. Be aware of your surroundings and stay in well-lit areas. Don’t flash wealth. If you have items of sentimental value, leave it at home. Visitors should avoid all political gatherings and demonstrations.

Visa

U.S. citizens do not require a visa for stays up to 30 days. Non U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.