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.

Map of Malawi.

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

Department of immigration portal

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).

Airlines available in Malawi

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.

A Malawi airlines plane parked at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe.

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.

Kwezy coach

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.

Minibuses at Mibawa bus terminals in Blantyre.

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.

Telecom operators in Malawi

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.

Malawi kwacha bank notes

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.

Visa and Mastercard cards

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.

Rolled bank notes

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.

Sunbird capital Hotel in Lilongwe.

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.

Malaria is common and occurs year-round. Consider taking anti-malarial medication. Other insect-borne diseases include filariasis, plague and African sleeping sickness. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent. For those that have travelled to Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Zambia, etc ensure you have your yellow card. Its strongly recommended to sleep under a mosquito net every night or switch on the air conditioning or fan.

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

Malawian cuisine is known for its simplicity, reliance on fresh, local ingredients, and its emphasis on communal meals.

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.

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  3. Whether you believe in God or not, this is a must-read message!!!
    Throughout time, we can see how we have been slowly conditioned to come to this point where we are on the verge of a cashless society. Did you know that the Bible foretold of this event almost 2,000 years ago?
    In Revelation 13:16-18, we read,
    “He (the false prophet who decieves many by his miracles) causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
    Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.”
    Referring to the last generation, this could only be speaking of a cashless society. Why? Revelation 13:17 tells us that we cannot buy or sell unless we receive the mark of the beast. If physical money was still in use, we could buy or sell with one another without receiving the mark. This would contradict scripture that states we need the mark to buy or sell!
    These verses could not be referring to something purely spiritual as scripture references two physical locations (our right hand or forehead) stating the mark will be on one “OR” the other. If this mark was purely spiritual, it would indicate only in one place.
    This is where it really starts to come together. It is shocking how accurate the Bible is concerning the implatnable RFID microchip. These are notes from a man named Carl Sanders who worked with a team of engineers to help develop this RFID chip
    “Carl Sanders sat in seventeen New World Order meetings with heads-of-state officials such as Henry Kissinger and Bob Gates of the C.I.A. to discuss plans on how to bring about this one-world system. The government commissioned Carl Sanders to design a microchip for identifying and controlling the peoples of the world—a microchip that could be inserted under the skin with a hypodermic needle (a quick, convenient method that would be gradually accepted by society).
    Carl Sanders, with a team of engineers behind him, with U.S. grant monies supplied by tax dollars, took on this project and designed a microchip that is powered by a lithium battery, rechargeable through the temperature changes in our skin. Without the knowledge of the Bible (Brother Sanders was not a Christian at the time), these engineers spent one-and-a-half-million dollars doing research on the best and most convenient place to have the microchip inserted.
    Guess what? These researchers found that the forehead and the back of the hand (the two places the Bible says the mark will go) are not just the most convenient places, but are also the only viable places for rapid, consistent temperature changes in the skin to recharge the lithium battery. The microchip is approximately seven millimeters in length, .75 millimeters in diameter, about the size of a grain of rice. It is capable of storing pages upon pages of information about you. All your general history, work history, crime record, health history, and financial data can be stored on this chip.
    Brother Sanders believes that this microchip, which he regretfully helped design, is the “mark” spoken about in Revelation 13:16–18. The original Greek word for “mark” is “charagma,” which means a “scratch or etching.” It is also interesting to note that the number 666 is actually a word in the original Greek. The word is “chi xi stigma,” with the last part, “stigma,” also meaning “to stick or prick.” Carl believes this is referring to a hypodermic needle when they poke into the skin to inject the microchip.”
    Mr. Sanders asked a doctor what would happen if the lithium contained within the RFID microchip leaked into the body. The doctor replied by saying a terrible sore would appear in that location. This is what the book of Revelation says:
    “And the first (angel) went, and poured out his vial on the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore on the men which had the mark of the beast, and on them which worshipped his image” (Revelation 16:2).
    You can read more about it here–and to also understand the mystery behind the number 666: https://2ruth.org/rfid-mark-of-the-beast-666-revealed/
    The third angel’s warning in Revelation 14:9-11 states,
    “Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, ‘If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.’”
    Who is Barack Obama, and why is he still in the public scene?
    So what’s in the name? The meaning of someone’s name can say a lot about a person. God throughout history has given names to people that have a specific meaning tied to their lives. How about the name Barack Obama? Let us take a look at what may be hiding beneath the surface.
    Jesus says in Luke 10:18, “…I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”
    The Hebrew Strongs word (H1299) for “lightning”: “bârâq” (baw-rawk)
    In Isaiah chapter 14, verse 14, we read about Lucifer (Satan) saying in his heart:
    “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.”
    In the verses in Isaiah that refer directly to Lucifer, several times it mentions him falling from the heights or the heavens. The Hebrew word for the heights or heavens used here is Hebrew Strongs 1116: “bamah”–Pronounced (bam-maw’)
    In Hebrew, the letter “Waw” or “Vav” is often transliterated as a “U” or “O,” and it is primarily used as a conjunction to join concepts together. So to join in Hebrew poetry the concept of lightning (Baraq) and a high place like heaven or the heights of heaven (Bam-Maw), the letter “U” or “O” would be used. So, Baraq “O” Bam-Maw or Baraq “U” Bam-Maw in Hebrew poetry similar to the style written in Isaiah, would translate literally to “Lightning from the heights.” The word “Satan” in Hebrew is a direct translation, therefore “Satan.”
    So when Jesus told His disciples in Luke 10:18 that He beheld Satan fall like lightning from heaven, if this were to be spoken by a Jewish Rabbi today influenced by the poetry in the book of Isaiah, he would say these words in Hebrew–the words of Jesus in Luke 10:18 as, And I saw Satan as Baraq O Bam-Maw.
    The names of both of Obama’s daughters are Malia and Natasha. If we were to write those names backward (the devil does things in reverse) we would get “ailam ahsatan”. Now if we remove the letters that spell “Alah” (Allah being the false god of Islam), we get “I am Satan”. Coincidence? I don’t think so.
    Obama’s campaign logo when he ran in 2008 was a sun over the horizon in the west, with the landscape as the flag of the United States. In Islam, they have their own messiah that they are waiting for called the 12th Imam, or the Mahdi (the Antichrist of the Bible), and one prophecy concerning this man’s appearance is the sun rising in the west.
    “Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.’” (Revelation 14:6-7)
    Why have the word’s of Jesus in His Gospel accounts regarding His death, burial, and resurrection, been translated into over 3,000 languages, and nothing comes close? The same God who formed the heavens and earth that draws all people to Him through His creation, likewise has sent His Word to the ends of the earth so that we may come to personally know Him to be saved in spirit and in truth through His Son Jesus Christ.
    Jesus stands alone among the other religions that say to rightly weigh the scales of good and evil and to make sure you have done more good than bad in this life. Is this how we conduct ourselves justly in a court of law? Bearing the image of God, is this how we project this image into reality?
    Our good works cannot save us. If we step before a judge, being guilty of a crime, the judge will not judge us by the good that we have done, but rather by the crimes we have committed. If we as fallen humanity, created in God’s image, pose this type of justice, how much more a perfect, righteous, and Holy God?
    God has brought down His moral laws through the 10 commandments given to Moses at Mt. Siani. These laws were not given so we may be justified, but rather that we may see the need for a savior. They are the mirror of God’s character of what He has put in each and every one of us, with our conscious bearing witness that we know that it is wrong to steal, lie, dishonor our parents, murder, and so forth.
    We can try and follow the moral laws of the 10 commandments, but we will never catch up to them to be justified before a Holy God. That same word of the law given to Moses became flesh about 2,000 years ago in the body of Jesus Christ. He came to be our justification by fulfilling the law, living a sinless perfect life that only God could fulfill.
    The gap between us and the law can never be reconciled by our own merit, but the arm of Jesus is stretched out by the grace and mercy of God. And if we are to grab on, through faith in Him, He will pull us up being the one to justify us. As in the court of law, if someone steps in and pays our fine, even though we are guilty, the judge can do what is legal and just and let us go free. That is what Jesus did almost 2,000 years ago on the cross. It was a legal transaction being fulfilled in the spiritual realm by the shedding of His blood.
    For God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:23). This is why in Isaiah chapter 53, where it speaks of the coming Messiah and His soul being a sacrifice for our sins, why it says it pleased God to crush His only begotten Son.
    This is because the wrath that we deserve was justified by being poured out upon His Son. If that wrath was poured out on us, we would all perish to hell forever. God created a way of escape by pouring it out on His Son whose soul could not be left in Hades but was raised and seated at the right hand of God in power.
    So now when we put on the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:14), God no longer sees the person who deserves His wrath, but rather the glorious image of His perfect Son dwelling in us, justifying us as if we received the wrath we deserve, making a way of escape from the curse of death–now being conformed into the image of the heavenly man in a new nature, and no longer in the image of the fallen man Adam.
    Now what we must do is repent and put our trust and faith in the savior, confessing and forsaking our sins, and to receive His Holy Spirit that we may be born again (for Jesus says we must be born again to enter the Kingdom of God–John chapter 3). This is not just head knowledge of believing in Jesus, but rather receiving His words, taking them to heart, so that we may truly be transformed into the image of God. Where we no longer live to practice sin, but rather turn from our sins and practice righteousness through faith in Him in obedience to His Word by reading the Bible.
    Our works cannot save us, but they can condemn us; it is not that we earn our way into everlasting life, but that we obey our Lord Jesus Christ:
    “And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” (Hebrews 5:9)
    “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’
    Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’
    And He said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.’” (Revelation 21:1-8).

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