Visiting Malawi? What You Need To Know

Malawi is a prefect destination with plenty of opportunities for enjoying nature and outdoor activities. Planning your vacations to Malawi is truly an unregretable decision. It’s famously known as the warm heart of Africa. Not necessarily the heart but because of its warm and friendly people. Malawians are highly ranked among the kindest, loving and hospitable citizens globally.

Reasons to visit Malawi

Malawi is a year-round destination with parks and reserves staying open in all seasons and only a handful of lodges choosing to have short annual periods of closure for re-furbishment.

Lake Malawi: The third largest lake in Africa, offers a unique inland beach experience with crystal-clear waters, sandy shores, and abundant marine life of over 1,000 species of fish.

Diverse Landscapes: Explore the dramatic peaks of Mount Mulanje, the vast grasslands of Nyika Plateau, and the tea plantations and waterfalls of Zomba Plateau, each offering unique natural beauty and outdoor activities.

Wildlife Encounters: Malawi’s national parks, including Majete and Liwonde, offer incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, including the “Big Five” and a wide variety of bird species.

Warm Hospitality: Malawi’s reputation as the “Warm Heart of Africa” is well-deserved, with locals known for their genuine friendliness and welcoming nature.

Adventure Activities: From hiking and mountain biking on the plateaus to water sports on Lake Malawi, there are plenty of opportunities for adventure and exploration.

Cultural Experiences: Explore local markets, learn about traditional arts and crafts, and experience the rich cultural heritage of Malawi’s villages and festivals.

Undiscovered Charm: While Malawi is becoming an increasingly popular destination, it still offers a sense of discovery and authenticity, with fewer crowds than some other African safari destinations.

Easy Logistics: Malawi is a relatively small country, making it easy to travel between different attractions and enjoy a variety of experiences within a shorter time frame.

Visa Application

You can easily apply for an e-visa online seamlessly. Firstly verify through the Malawi Immigration website if your passport requires a prior visa, visa on arrival or its visa free.

The e-Visa system will inform you through email after your visa application is submitted. Once your visa is approved, you will receive an email and approval letter. The Visa approval letter must be shown to the Passport control counter at ports of entry for verification. A copy of e-Visa approval letter is mandatory before travelling to Malawi

Transportation

It’s wise to have a plan for your transportation needs, whether you opt for public transport, taxis, or rental cars. For a more comfortable experience, private taxis/cabs are readily available at the international airports and can be hailed on the street or booked through local services. Just remember to agree on the fare before starting your journey to avoid any surprises. Car rental services are available across all major airports and cities. Car rental companies in Malawi there is Avis, Diplomats car hire, SS rent a car, etc.

For Flights options are very limited to Malawi. The main international airport is Kamuzu International Airport located in Lilongwe the capital city and in Blantyre they is Chileka airport. There are daily direct flights to Addis ababa (Ethiopia), Nairobi (Kenya), Dar es salaam (Tanzania), Lusaka (Zambia), Harare (Zimbabwe) and Johannesburg (South Africa).

Domestic flights there is Malawi airlines the national carrier and privately owned Nyasa Express. Domestic flights from Lilongwe to Blantyre, Mzuzu, Mangochi and Likoma island.

For local inter-city buses you can board them across the various bus depots/stations in Malawi. For luxury coaches across the main cities of Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu you can board them at their designated departure points. The main luxury coach service providers are sososo coaches, kwezy buses and Machawi coaches.

The main mode of transport within the urban areas are small minibuses which carries between 12 to 15 passengers depending on size. Be advised there only depart after their full. If you’re in a hurry its best you book a taxi.

Calls and Internet

For Communications purposes no need to worry at all Malawi has the cheapest data tariffs in Africa. We know keeping in touch with your loved ones is so important. There are three mobile service providers namely Access, Airtel and Tnm. For sim cards Airtel and Tnm have shops at both main airports all you need is your passport for registration.

Immediately you can purchase credit and select data bundles. Internet connectivity 3G and 4G is available nationwide. Free wifi is available at the airport and some hotels.

The best bundles on Tnm (mixit-mixit) for USD2.85 you get 10GB, 280 sms & 250 minutes for local voice calls for 30 days. On Airtel (chezafaya) for USD5.30 you get 12GB, 500 sms & 400 minutes for local voice calls for 30 days.

ATM cards, Forex & local currency

The official Currency of Malawi is the kwacha (MWK) and the coins are tambala. 100 tambala = 1 kwacha. The Malawian kwacha’s smallest denomination is MWK20 and the highest note is MWK5000. All coins and notes are issued by the Reserve Bank of Malawi. The Zambian kwacha is totally different from the Malawi Kwacha, its just the name alike.

Foreign debit and credit cards: At the local ATM’s you can easily withdraw local currency using your Visa and Mastercard across all ATM’s. Please note Don’t bring your Unionpay and American express cards there are not acceptable on the local ATM’s.

Forex exchange: In Malawi you can easily exchange your foreign currency for the Malawian Kwacha at local banks and Forex Bureaus aviod using the Black/Parallel markets. Its important to note that they only accept US dollars notes from the 2017 series going forward. Currencies that are easily convertable are the United States Dollar (USD), British Pound (GBP), Euro (€), South African Rand (ZAR). For the British pound aviod carrying the £50 note as it is not easily acceptable.

Language

Malawi’s offical language is English and the national language is Chichewa/Nyanja. Most Malawians know English visitors shouldn’t worry about asking for any assistance.

Nationally there are about a dozen different languages spoken in Malawi i.e Tumbuka, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni, Konde, etc. Malawians are known for their hospitality, and a simple greeting can go a long way. Learning a few phrases in the local language, Chichewa, can also enhance interactions and show respect for the culture.

Where to stay

On Accommodation both local and international hotel chains options are  available for business and leisure travellers. Even traveling on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on comfort when visiting Malawi.

There are plenty of affordable accommodations that provide great value without skimping on quality. It can be stressful to decide from upmarket hotels and resort to budget guest houses and backpackers. Airbnb has been growing across Malawi.

The largest local hotel chain is Sunbird hotels, there is also Marriot, Peermount , crossroads, etc. The best advice is always book in advance to be assured of your accommodation.

What to see in Malawi

There is more to see in terms of Attractions: where do i evening start despite being compact in size Malawi has numerous attractions from historical to natural wonders. Just to name a few there is Lake Malawi, nyika plateau, chingoni rock paints, Lake Malawi National park, Area 18 memorial place, Mandala house, Saint Michaels of all angels Church, etc

Malawi People and Culture the people are friendly feel free to ask them for directions majority can read and write English. Malawi has diverse cultures the most popular being gule wamkulu. A couple of cultural festivals take place different times of the year.

Healthcare and vaccinations

Public medical facilities are limited. Private facilities in Lilongwe, Blantyre and Mzuzu may not meet Western standards. If you’re seriously ill or injured, you’ll need medical evacuation. Ensure your travel insurance covers this. Medical evacuation is expensive and complicated to organise.

Carrying a basic first-aid kit is a good idea, as well as medications for common ailments. Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in warm weather, so keep a water bottle handy.

What to Eat

The cuisine is also known for its hearty and flavorful dishes, with nsima, a thick porridge made from maize flour, being the national staple. It’s typically served with various accompaniments like vegetables, beans, and different meat or fish dishes. Other popular dishes include chambo (a type of tilapia fish), zitumbuwa (banana fritters), and thobwa (a fermented maize drink).

Local souvenirs

Shopping in Malawi is an adventure in itself, offering a treasure trove of unique souvenirs and handcrafted goods that reflect the nations rich culture. Local markets are the heart of the shopping experience, where artisans display their crafts, from intricately carved wooden sculptures to vibrant textiles. These markets not only provide an opportunity to purchase authentic Malawian products but also allow for meaningful interactions with the creators. Engaging with local artisans can offer insights into their techniques and stories, making your purchases even more special.

Important to note

• Don’t use or carry illegal drugs, including cannabis. Penalties include long prison sentences.
• Same-sex relationships are illegal. Avoid public displays of affection.
• Follow local laws. It’s illegal to buy or export uncut precious stones, import ivory or import pornography.
• Take care when taking photos. Photographing government buildings, airports, places of worship, bridges, and military installations is illegal.
• Some areas have conservative dress and behaviour standards. If you’re a woman, wear loose-fitting clothing that covers your legs and shoulders. Take care not to offend.
• Cholera outbreaks occur. Practice safe food and water precautions.