Malawi

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Malawi

Dubbed the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ for its good-natured charm, the tiny, landlocked country of Malawi in southeastern Africa is a famously hospitable little nation that boasts a remarkable diversity of landscapes given the size of the country. Whether you want to explore the rolling hills of Nyika Plateau in the north, kayak the shores and picturesque islands of Lake Malawi or search for the Big 5 in Majete Game Reserve, Malawi has much to offer.

Without doubt the main attraction is Lake Malawi – the third largest lake in Africa – with a wealth of outdoor activities available to outdoor enthusiasts, including swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling, water skiing, kayaking and boating. Alternatively you can spend time game viewing in Liwonde National Park or Majete Game Reserve where you have a good chance to see crocodiles, lions, elephants, hippos and numerous antelope species. Explore the tea plantations around Thyolo, hike the highlands of Zomba, Mulanje and Viphya or look for birding specials in Nyika, Luwawa and Dzalanyama.

Regions:

Blantyre, Lake Malawi, Lilongwe, Liwonde National Park, Majete Wildlife Reserve, Nyika National Park, Thyolo, Viphya Mountains, Zomba

Travel Styles:

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Regions

  • Blantyre

    Blantyre

    Located in southern Malawi, Blantyre is a pleasant, lively yet laid back city. It was a key trading post during the 1800s and today remains the country’s economic capital, with many banks and businesses. The city’s architectural highlight is the…

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  • Lake Malawi

    Lake Malawi

    Lake Malawi is the crowning jewel of this beautiful country. It is one of the largest, longest and deepest freshwater lakes in the world. Numerous fishing villages are scattered along its length but there are still vast stretches of uninhabited…

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  • Lilongwe

    Lilongwe

    At 1,050 metres above sea level in Malawi’s central region, Lilongwe bridges traditional and modern Africa within its dual cityscape. The Old Town, characterised by bustling markets, small shops, and historic golf clubs, contrasts sharply with the organised structure of…

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  • Liwonde National Park

    Liwonde National Park

    Liwonde National Park is situated at the southern tip of Lake Malombe in southern Malawi. Although Liwonde is a smaller park, it is arguably the most popular of all the game parks in the country. Malawi’s main river, the Shire,…

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  • Majete Wildlife Reserve

    Majete Wildlife Reserve

    Sprawling across 700 square kilometres of the Great African Rift Valley, Majete Wildlife Reserve’s undulating terrain incorporates grassy plains, riverside groves and forests of marula, acacia and leadwood interspersed with palms and the occasional baobab tree. The park provides a…

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  • Nyika National Park

    Nyika National Park

    Located along the Zambian border in northern Malawi, the Nyika National Park features forested valleys, lush woodlands, and vast grasslands. It is Malawi’s largest park extending across the great plateau which rises up to 1800 metres. Aside from conventional safaris,…

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  • Thyolo

    Thyolo

    Located between Blantyre and Mount Mulanje in what is arguably the most beautiful region of Malawi, the town of Thyolo serves as the administrative capital of the Thyolo District. The area is best known for its historical tea and coffee…

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  • Viphya Mountains

    Viphya Mountains

    The Viphya Plateau is a large area of high grassland and forested rolling hills located in Northern Malawi. The mountains have an average height of 1,700m above sea level and are abundant in bird life and beautiful wild flowers. Viphya…

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  • Zomba

    Zomba

    Situated in southern Malawi, the city of Zomba formerly served as the colonial capital of the country. It is known for its architecture and its location on the southern slopes of the scenic Zomba Plateau. It serves as an excellent…

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Travel Information

Electricity

Plug Type: Type GVoltage (V): 230 *Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.

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Banking

The local currency is known as Kwacha (MWK) which is equal to 100 tambala although coins are no longer in circulation.Acceptance of credit and debit cards…

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Cuisine

Hotels, lodges and restaurants in the cities are of a good standard. They offer a wide choice of dishes including European, Indian and Chinese as well…

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Climate

Varies from cool in the highlands to warm around Lake Malawi. Winter (May to July) is dry and nights can be chilly, particularly in the highlands. The…

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Transport

Malawi Airlines operate a number of flights in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines into Lilongwe and Blantyre while Kenya Airways and Airlink also offer…

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Dress

It is recommended to travel as light as possible as space is limited in the rear of the rental vehicles. Soft sided bags are easier to pack away than hard…

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Electricity

Plug Type: Type G
Voltage (V): 230 

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

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Banking

The local currency is known as Kwacha (MWK) which is equal to 100 tambala although coins are no longer in circulation.

Acceptance of credit and debit cards is limited, although in Lilongwe and Blantyre and in main hotels, MasterCard and Visa can be used.

There are ATMs available in most larger towns but ATM services in more rural areas is more limited so plan accordingly.

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Cuisine

Hotels, lodges and restaurants in the cities are of a good standard. They offer a wide choice of dishes including European, Indian and Chinese as well as authentic Malawi dishes and haute cuisine.

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated especially along the Lake. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised - most lodges will provide filtered or bottled water for drinking.

Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cleaned, cooked and fruit peeled. Poultry and dairy produce are plentiful and tropical fruits are abundant in season.

Typical Malawian specialities include fresh fish from Lake Malawi - chambo (Tilapia fish) being the main lake delicacy. White maize is commonly eaten with vegetables and sometimes meat or fish. Nthochi bread (made with banana) is very popular with locals and travellers alike as are Mbatata cookies (made with sweet potato and cinnamon).

Tipping: Tipping is accepted and indeed encouraged (where the service warrants it!) for game guides and camp staff. In restaurants whilst not mandatory it is expected that you will give a gratuity. The preferred currency for tips is Malawi Kwacha or US dollars.

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Climate

Varies from cool in the highlands to warm around Lake Malawi. Winter (May to July) is dry and nights can be chilly, particularly in the highlands. The rainy season runs from November to March. Around Lake Malawi, in winter, the climate is particularly dry with pleasant cooling breezes.

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Transport

Malawi Airlines operate a number of flights in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines into Lilongwe and Blantyre while Kenya Airways and Airlink also offer regular flights.

Self-driving is relatively easy due to the size of the country although low speed limits and poorly maintained roads result in slower than expected progress. The major roads between the main centres are tarmac but roads in the more rural areas are often in poor condition especially after the rains. Malawians drive on the left side of the road.

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Dress

It is recommended to travel as light as possible as space is limited in the rear of the rental vehicles. Soft sided bags are easier to pack away than hard suitcases. Pack some clothing in your hand luggage just in case your suitcases are delayed.

Clothing
The summer months call for loose, cotton (or similar) clothing to keep cool. At night to protect against insect bites it is advisable to wear long sleeves and trousers, especially during the rainy season when insects are more active. Remember to bring your swim wear as many lodges have swimming pools.

Don't forget to bring adequate protection from the sun with a squashable sun hat and sunglasses essential as well as suncream and lip balm.

In winter the days are warm, often exceeding 20°C, but at night the temperatures drop, especially in the desert areas, occasionally dipping below 0°C so make sure you pack some warm jumpers for the cold mornings and evenings.

When in wildlife areas try to avoid wearing bright clothing - khaki or similar colours are preferred although avoid wearing military camouflage.

Footwear
For camping it is advisable to wear adequate footwear and socks, especially at night, because of scorpions and insects. Open sandals or flip-flops are useful for wearing at other times. If you are doing any walking safaris or hiking remember to bring a pair of comfortable walking boots as well.