Overview of Malawi
Promoted as the 'Warm Heart of Africa', Malawi is a long, thin country renowned for the unequalled friendliness of its people, unspoiled national parks and wildlife reserves, and the beaches and tropical fish population of Lake Malawi, the third largest lake in Africa.
The country's layout is dominated by the vast lake, as well as the Great Rift Valley. It cuts through Malawi from north to south and is made up of fertile valleys, mountains and verdant plateaus.
Lake Malawi is an irresistible attraction for travellers with its beaches, resorts, watersports, and aquatic life proving a magnet for divers and snorkelers. The lake is home to a bigger variety of fish species than any other freshwater lake on earth, most of them protected within the Lake Malawi National Park at its southern tip.
Most visitors head for the small, restful village at Cape Maclear, which along with its offshore islands, is part of the park. Equally popular, Nkhata Bay to the north offers bays, beaches, and various water activities.
Spread along the length of the lakeshore are numerous traditional fishing villages, and the fishermen in their dugout canoes form a quintessential postcard silhouette against the spectacular golden sunsets.
Malawi is also blessed with numerous game reserves and national parks that are uncrowded, filled with animals and a renowned variety of birdlife, and offer a unique wilderness experience. The northern Nyika Plateau, at around 7,500 feet (2,300m), is one of the world's highest game reserves and is a remote area located in the most unspoiled and least visited part of the country.
It has beautiful grasslands and waterfalls, the highest concentration of leopard in Central Africa, and reputation for its abundant orchid species. To the south, the best-known reserve is Liwonde National Park, home to thousands of hippos and crocodiles on the banks of the Shire River, as well as large numbers of elephants, zebra, and antelope.
The southern part of the country is the most developed and the most populated. Although Lilongwe is the capital, the region is home to Malawi's largest city and main commercial centre, Blantyre, which is a good base for visiting two of the area's attractions: the vast massif of Mount Mulanje, offering some of the finest hiking trails in the country, and Zomba Plateau.
Malawi has remained largely peaceful for over a century, unaffected by the war and internal strife that has torn many other southern African countries apart. Although poor and densely populated, the country offers visitors a wealth of scenic highlights, culture, and activities.
Key Facts
- Language:
- English is the official language and widely spoken and understood, but Chichewa is the home language of the majority.
- Passport/Visa:
-
Those passengers who attain a visa on arrival and who want to extend this visa beyond the 60 day extension option must apply for a residence permit. All foreign passengers to Malawi must hold return/onward tickets and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Malawi, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
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The official currency is the Malawian Kwacha (MWK), which is divided into 100 tambalas. Foreign currencies are accepted by banks, authorised hotels and other institutions in the main town centres. Bureaux de change are also available. The US Dollar is the easiest currency to exchange. ATMs are widely available and credit cards are accepted. It's wise to keep a reserve supply of cash as power cuts can affect the use of ATMs and credit cards.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin, rectangular blade plugs are standard.
Travel to Malawi
Overview
The beautiful landscapes of Malawi are diverse and offer a wide variety of things to see and do. Attractions in Malawi range from the highs of the Nyika Plateau to the lows of the majestic Rift Valley and Lake Malawi, keeping most travellers out in nature for the majority of their trip.
Safaris are a popular activity in Malawi, and the game reserves are teeming with wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, elephants, zebras, baboons, lions and leopards. Visitors can enjoy the outdoors in a number of ways, including trekking and mountain biking. Avid hikers can ascend Mount Mulanje, where steep mountain paths break into spectacular vistas.
However, the most popular attraction in the country is far and away the long and narrow Lake Malawi. Situated in the Rift Valley, the lake (and the national park around it) provides visitors ample game viewing opportunities near luxury lodges and campsites.
These lodges offer activities like canoeing, yachting, snorkelling, and other watersports, and are often framed by soft, sandy beaches. Cape Maclear, Salima, and Monkey Bay are some of the more popular sites along the lake.
Climate in Malawi
Winter is the best time to visit Malawi, coinciding with the dry season, and lasting from May to October. The dry season is the best time for game viewing and hiking, and getting around the country is easier.
June and July are the coolest months, with average daytime temperatures of 70ºF (21ºC), and colder nights, especially in the highlands. November to April is the hot, humid, rainy season, with more rain falling on the higher plateaus than around the lake, and with average temperatures reaching up to 90ºF (32ºC). Some roads may become impassable during heavy rains.
Health Notes when travelling to Malawi
Malaria is a health risk in Malawi throughout the year, especially on the coast. Cases of dengue fever and chikungunya fever have been reported and are also transmitted by mosquitoes. Precautionary measures against being bitten should be taken at all times. Vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid. All travellers coming from a country with yellow fever require inoculation against the disease. Tap water should not be drunk unless it has been boiled or chemically treated. Medical facilities are limited and, outside of the capital and other urban areas, medical care may be difficult to find. Limited medications are available but it is advisable to bring along a medical kit for private use. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised.
Safety Notes when travelling to Malawi
Malawi is considered a relatively safe country in which to travel and the vast majority of visits are trouble-free, but sensible precautions should be taken with regards to personal possessions and security, particularly after dark. There have been reports of robberies, money scams involving tourists, muggings and 4x4 vehicles being hijacked.
Most crime is petty and opportunistic and much of it occurs around bus stations and in other crowded public areas. A photocopy of your passport and visa should be carried at all times, but original documents should be stashed in a hotel safe when possible. Travellers are advised to avoid street protests and political rallies, which can become violent.
Customs in Malawi
It is customarily expected by most Malawians to be greeted with a friendly 'Hello, how are you?' and a handshake. It is courteous to ask permission before taking photographs of people. Homosexual acts are sadly illegal.
Women may generally dress as they please but should take local custom and religion into account when travelling outside of the main tourist areas and consider covering legs and shoulders to avoid giving offense.
Duty Free in Malawi
Travellers to Malawi do not have to pay customs duty on 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco. For travellers over 18 years of age 1 litre of spirits, and 1 litre of alcohol like beer or wine, can be brought into the country without incurring duty fees.
Doing Business in Malawi
Business in Malawi is quite formal. Business cards are usually exchanged on meeting, accompanied by a firm handshake. Punctuality is important and dress should be formal; lightweight suits with a tie are acceptable.
English is Malawi's official language and almost all business is conducted in English. Malawians tend to be very polite and thoughtful, and expect the same treatment in return. Business hours usually start fairly early, from about 7.30am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday.
Communication in Malawi
The international dialling code for Malawi is +265. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). Telephone calls within Malawi are cheap, and the network is reliable between major towns and cities. There is good mobile coverage throughout the country and wifi is available in all hotels and lodges. Local SIM cards are readily available from street vendors.
Tipping in Malawi
Service charges are generally not included in hotel and restaurant bills, and tipping is at the client's discretion. It is common practice to tip guides in the national parks.
Passport/Visa Note
Those passengers who attain a visa on arrival and who want to extend this visa beyond the 60 day extension option must apply for a residence permit. All foreign passengers to Malawi must hold return/onward tickets and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Malawi, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
-
US citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Malawi. They can attain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days, and can extend this visa for an additional 60 days.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
-
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Malawi. They can attain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days, and can extend this visa for an additional 60 days.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
-
British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Malawi. They can attain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days, and can extend this visa for an additional 60 days.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
-
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Malawi. They can attain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days, and can extend this visa for an additional 60 days.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
-
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Malawi. They can attain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days and can extend this visa for an additional 60 days.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
-
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Malawi. They can attain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days and can extend this visa for an additional 60 days.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
-
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Malawi. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
Tourist Offices
Official Tourism Website of Malawi: http://www.visitmalawi.mw
Malawi Embassies
- In the United States:
-
Malawi Embassy, Washington DC (also responsible for Canada): +1 202 721 0270
- In Canada:
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Malawi Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 721 0270
- In the United Kingdom:
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Malawi High Commission, London: +44 20 7421 6010
- In Australia:
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Malawi Consulate, Melbourne: +613 9988 7766
- In South Africa:
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Malawi High Commission, Johannesburg: +27 11 234 6424
Foreign Embassies in Malawi
- American Embassy
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United States Embassy, Lilongwe: +265 1 773 166
- Canadian Embassy
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Canadian High Commission, Maputo, Mozambique (also responsible for Malawi): +11258 2149 2623
- British Embassy
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British High Commission, Lilongwe: +265 1 772 400
- Australian Embassy
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Australian Embassy, Harare (also responsible for Malawi): +263 4 8532 3555
- Irish Embassy
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Embassy of Ireland, Lilongwe: +265 1 77 6408
- South African Embassy
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South African High Commission, Lilongwe: +265 1 77 3722
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Malawi
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hide Vaccines and Medicines
Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
| | Find Out Why | Protect Yourself |
All travelers You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. |
| Routine vaccines | Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. |   |
Most travelers Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting. |
| Hepatitis A | CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Malawi, regardless of where you are eating or staying. |  |
| Malaria | You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in Malawi. |   |
| Typhoid | You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Malawi. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater. | |
Some travelers Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US. |
| Cholera | Cholera is a risk in parts of Malawi. CDC recommends this vaccine for adults who are traveling to an area of active cholera transmission. Most people do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission. Avoiding unsafe food and water can also prevent many cholera infections. Cholera is rare in travelers but can be severe. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease (more information). | |
| Hepatitis B | You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. |   |
| Rabies | Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Malawi, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups: - Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to Malawi
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
|  |
| Yellow Fever | There is no risk of yellow fever in Malawi. The government of Malawi requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission. For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Malawi. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. | |
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Malawi, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in Malawi.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Malawi. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Cholera is a risk in parts of Malawi. CDC recommends this vaccine for adults who are traveling to an area of active cholera transmission. Most people do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission. Avoiding unsafe food and water can also prevent many cholera infections. Cholera is rare in travelers but can be severe. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease (more information).
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Malawi, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
- Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to Malawi
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Malawi. The government of Malawi requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Malawi. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.
Key
- Get vaccinated
- Take antimalarial meds
- Eat and drink safely
- Prevent bug bites
- Keep away from animals
- Reduce your exposure to germs
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
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Hide Stay Healthy and Safe
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Malawi, so your behaviors are important.
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
- Food that is cooked and served hot
- Hard-cooked eggs
- Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
- Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
- Food served at room temperature
- Food from street vendors
- Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
- Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
- Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
- Bottled water that is sealed
- Water that has been disinfected
- Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
- Carbonated drinks
- Hot coffee or tea
- Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
- Tap or well water
- Ice made with tap or well water
- Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
- Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Hide Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Malawi. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
- Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
- Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
- DEET
- Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
- IR3535
- Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
- Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
- Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?
Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.
For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.
Hide If your travel plans in Malawi include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
- Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
- Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
- Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
- Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
- If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
- Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
- Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
- Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
- Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
- Do not dive into shallow water.
- Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
- To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Malawi. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.
Hide Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
- Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
- Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
- Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
- If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
- Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
- Go to a doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Hide Reduce your exposure to germs
Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
- If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
Hide Avoid sharing body fluids
Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.
Protect yourself:
- Use latex condoms correctly.
- Do not inject drugs.
- Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
- Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
- If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
Hide Know how to get medical care while traveling
Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:
- Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
- Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
- Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
- Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Malawi’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
- Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Malaria is a risk in Malawi. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.
Hide Select safe transportation
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
- Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
- Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
- Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
- Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
- Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
- Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
- Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
- Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
- Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
- Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
- Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
- Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
- Wear a seatbelt at all times.
- Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
- When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
- Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Malawi may be poor.
- Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
- Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
- If you choose to drive a vehicle in Malawi, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
- Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
- Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
- Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
- If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
- Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.
Traffic flows on the left side of the road in Malawi.
- Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
- LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.
Hide Maintain personal security
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Before you leave
- Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
- Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
- Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
- Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
- Follow all local laws and social customs.
- Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
- Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
- If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
Hide Top
Hide Healthy Travel Packing List
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Malawi for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
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Hide Travel Health Notices
There are no notices currently in effect for Malawi.
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If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.
For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.
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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The official currency is the Malawian Kwacha (MWK), which is divided into 100 tambalas. Foreign currencies are accepted by banks, authorised hotels and other institutions in the main town centres. Bureaux de change are also available. The US Dollar is the easiest currency to exchange. ATMs are widely available and credit cards are accepted. It's wise to keep a reserve supply of cash as power cuts can affect the use of ATMs and credit cards.
Kamuzu International Airport (LLW)
Kamuzu International Airport
Location: Lilongwe The airport is situated 16 miles (25km) from Lilongwe.
Time: Local time is GMT +2.
Contacts:
Tel: +265 1 700 899
Getting to the city:
Minibuses are available to the city. However, those travelling with luggage may find them too cramped and choose to hire a private taxi.
Car rental:
Major car rental companies are represented at the airport and in the city nearby.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available to the city.
Facilities:
Facilities are limited, but include currency exchange, a restaurant, a bar, duty-free shopping, a tourist information centre, and a VIP lounge.
Parking:
Parking is available at the airport.
Chileka International Airport (BLZ)
Chileka International Airport
Location: Blantyre The airport is situated nine miles (16km) from Blantyre.
Time: Local time is GMT +2.
Contacts:
Tel: +265 1 694 244
Getting to the city:
A bus service is available to the city centre.
Car rental:
Car rental is available.
Airport Taxis:
Facilities:
A restaurant and bar are situated in the terminal building.
Parking:
Overview of the Attractions in Malawi
The beautiful landscapes of Malawi are diverse and offer a wide variety of things to see and do. Attractions in Malawi range from the highs of the Nyika Plateau to the lows of the majestic Rift Valley and Lake Malawi, keeping most travellers out in nature for the majority of their trip.
Safaris are a popular activity in Malawi, and the game reserves are teeming with wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, elephants, zebras, baboons, lions and leopards. Visitors can enjoy the outdoors in a number of ways, including trekking and mountain biking. Avid hikers can ascend Mount Mulanje, where steep mountain paths break into spectacular vistas.
However, the most popular attraction in the country is far and away the long and narrow Lake Malawi. Situated in the Rift Valley, the lake (and the national park around it) provides visitors ample game viewing opportunities near luxury lodges and campsites.
These lodges offer activities like canoeing, yachting, snorkelling, and other watersports, and are often framed by soft, sandy beaches. Cape Maclear, Salima, and Monkey Bay are some of the more popular sites along the lake.
Lake Malawi National Park
Lake Malawi
Established in 1980, Lake Malawi National Park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its importance in the study of evolution. The lake is said to contain the largest number of fish species, nearly all endemic, of any lake in the world.
4th-century Iron Age sites have been found in the area, while mammals found in the region include baboons, vervet monkeys, spotted hyenas, leopards, and the occasional elephant. The varied bird life includes black eagles, fish eagles, and many waders. Reptiles include the African python, crocodiles, and abundant water monitor lizards, especially on Boadzulu Island.
At Cape Maclear, within Lake Malawi National Park, there are a variety of upmarket operations combining accommodation with lake activities. Danforth Yachting has a lakeside lodge and a 38ft catamaran available to visitors.
Mumbo Island and Domwe Island camps offer pleasant island retreats, while Cape Mac Lodge also offers accommodation and activities out of Chembe village. Pumulani is also considered one of the lake's finest lodge destinations.
The National Park is on the scenic northern tip of the Nankhumba Peninsula, which divides the southern end of Lake Malawi, with a number of sandy bays including a fine beach near Chembe and Otter Point. There are marked seasonal variations in wind, temperature, and rainfall.
Cape Maclear
Lake Malawi
This unassuming tourist hub is the gateway to some of Lake Malawi's most popular upmarket lodges and camps, and therefore a very common entry point for those visiting the region. Located on Lake Malawi, the small fishing village has an unusual layout, with the majority of the local fishermen living in the centre of the settlement. For travellers, this means that the everyday lives of rural Malawians are refreshingly on display in Cape Maclear, giving it a very authentic feel. Car rentals and bus services are available to get travellers to and from the town, although some roads are badly potholed, making 4x4 vehicles the most popular option.
Salima
Lake Malawi
Salima, the most convenient entry point to Lake Malawi, is a one- to two-hour drive from Lilongwe. The town is home to some great holiday resorts, such as Sunbird Livingstonia Beach Resort, and boasts some picturesque beaches. Senga Beach, in Salima, is a popular weekend getaway for Lilongwe locals. Signposted just before Salima is Kuti Wildlife Park, which offers travellers campsites, A-frame chalets and a small restaurant, as well as bar and barbeque facilities. Animals found in the park include sable, nyala, zebra, wildebeest, ostrich, giraffe and waterbuck. If you plan to visit during the rainy season, be sure to take a 4x4 as the roads can become tricky, even during the dry season (May to October).
Mount Mulanje
Mount Mulanje rises from the plains of southern Malawi with steep cliffs protecting a vast wilderness of granite peaks, dense forest, grassy meadows, and trickling streams. Hiking is the most popular activity here and few people visit for any other purpose.
It's essential for trekkers to hire a guide and porters from Mulanje village, and buy any provisions they may need before setting off into this picturesque but challenging wilderness. The first day's hike is gruelling as you climb steep mountain paths.
Once you reach the top, you enter an enchanting landscape. There are wood huts in which you can sleep and enough trails for days of walking. Climbers can scale some of the peaks and the prominent granite crags also provide a challenge.
The best time to hike is in the early dry season from May to July, when temperatures are moderate. On the plateau, it can still get reasonably cold at night and travellers should be prepared for rain whenever they visit.
Likoma Island
Lake Malawi
Likoma Island is an isolated enclave of Malawi, completely surrounded by Mozambican waters, and was colonised by Anglican missionaries in the late 1800s. This island is a popular holiday destination, with beautiful beaches and iconic African scenery featuring baobab trees and open grasslands.
One of the main man-made attractions on the island is the Anglican Cathedral, a large structure in the main town of Mbamba that was built out of stone by the missionaries in 1903. The beautiful, upmarket Kaya Mawa Hotel dominates the tourist trade on the island.
The more budget-friendly Mango Drift Backpackers is also a popular choice, with a couple of guesthouses available. There are very basic dirt roads spanning Likoma Island, but most places can be reached on foot. The island's electricity, supplied by generators, is usually switched off at about 10pm each night.
Monkey Bay
Lake Malawi
A small port town on the southern end of Lake Malawi, Monkey Bay (Lusumbwe) gets its name from the large monkey population in the area, and spotting them can be great fun. Though perhaps Malawi's best-known resort area, the facilities are minimal, with only a handful of shops, markets, and banking amenities catering to tourists. Popular with tourists headed to Cape Maclear, Monkey Bay offers sandy beaches with some diving opportunities and a few diving schools. Other popular activities in Monkey Bay include kayaking and cruises to Cape Maclear and Liwonde National Park.
Nkhotakota
Lake Malawi
A small and basic town on the shores of Lake Malawi, Nkhotakota has a traditional market and a few hotels and bars, but the main attractions for travellers are in the surrounding region. The Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve has hot springs and hippo pools.
The beaches of Lake Malawi offer activities like kayaking, snorkelling, and cruises, making Nkhotakota a good base for tourists wanting to explore the area. For those wanting to brush up on their handicap, the Kasasa Club in Nkhotakota has a golf course.
Nkhotakota played an important part in Malawi's history as the place where David Livingstone met with slave traders in an attempt to end the slave trade in Malawi, and knowledgeable guides conduct walking tours of historical points of interest.
Nkhata Bay
Lake Malawi
Nkhata Bay is a busy fishing village on the shores of Lake Malawi, near Mzuzu. The town is well-placed for tourists to take advantage of the beaches at Chikale, where they can kayak, take day cruises, or dive and snorkel.
The diving schools in Nkhata Bay are famously cheap but quality varies so it is best to get recommendations beforehand. Other attractions in Nkhata Bay include tours of the Kawalazi coffee plantation and Chombe rubber and tea plantations, or hiking up the cliff faces to watch the fish eagles feeding.
There are a few craft markets in Nkhata Bay, and some bars and restaurants serving Malawian pizza and freshly caught fish. Nkhata Bay is the second busiest resort area on the lake, easily accessible by Malawian standards, and well-equipped for travellers, with a variety of accommodation being available.
Public Holidays in Malawi
| |
2020 |
2021 |
| Kamuzu Day |
Wed. May 14 |
Wed. May 14 |
| New Year's Day |
Wed. January 1 |
Wed. January 1 |
| Chilembwe Day |
Wed. January 15 |
Wed. January 15 |
| Martyrs' Day |
Mon. March 3 |
Mon. March 3 |
| Good Friday |
Thu. April 10 |
Wed. April 2 |
| Easter Monday |
Sun. April 13 |
Sat. April 5 |
| Labour Day |
Thu. May 1 |
Thu. May 1 |
| Republic Day |
Sun. July 6 |
Sun. July 6 |
| Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) |
Sat. May 24 to Sun. May 25 |
Tue. May 13 |
| Christmas Day |
Thu. December 25 |
Thu. December 25 |
| Boxing Day |
Fri. December 26 |
Fri. December 26 |
