Discover Malawi: The Warm Heart of Africa's Natural Wonders
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 or 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 visitors are arriving from or transiting through an infected area. It is highly recommended that visitors’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- 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.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin, rectangular blade plugs are standard.
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 eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. 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 4×4 vehicles being hijacked.
Most crime is petty and opportunistic and much of it occurs around bus stations and in other crowded public areas. Visitors should carry a photocopy of their passport and visa 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 or 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 visitors are arriving from or transiting through an infected area. It is highly recommended that visitors’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their 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:
Malawi Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 721 0270
- In the United Kingdom:
Malawi High Commission, London: +44 20 7421 6010
- In Australia:
Malawi Consulate, Melbourne: +613 9988 7766
- In South Africa:
Malawi High Commission, Johannesburg: +27 11 234 6424
Foreign Embassies in Malawi
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Lilongwe: +265 1 773 166
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian High Commission, Maputo, Mozambique (also responsible for Malawi): +11258 2149 2623
- British Embassy
British High Commission, Lilongwe: +265 1 772 400
- Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy, Harare (also responsible for Malawi): +263 4 8532 3555
- Irish Embassy
Embassy of Ireland, Lilongwe: +265 1 77 6408
- South African Embassy
South African High Commission, Lilongwe: +265 1 77 3722
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