MALAWI

Malawi, “The Warm Heart of Africa,” is a landlocked nation dominated by the spectacular Lake Malawi, a freshwater inland sea. Its rich history includes ancient kingdoms and British colonial rule, gaining independence in 1964.

Region: Southeastern Africa

Capital: Lilongwe

Official Language: English (Chichewa is the national language)

Level of Travel Safety: Exercise a high degree of caution due to crime, including petty theft and violent crime. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in urban areas, and be vigilant about your surroundings.

A map of Africa with Malawi highlighted in green.

Why Visit Malawi?

Lake Malawi’s Crystal Waters: Swim, snorkel, or kayak in one of Africa’s most biodiverse freshwater lakes.

Warm Hospitality: Malawi’s nickname isn’t for nothing—locals are famously welcoming and curious about visitors.

Authentic Safaris: Majete and Liwonde National Parks offer uncrowded wildlife experiences, with Big Five sightings now possible.

Two zebras stand in a misty, grassy landscape with trees in the background

Hiking Paradise: Trek the granite slopes of Mount Mulanje or the rolling grasslands of the Nyika Plateau.

Cultural Richness: Discover traditional dances, Gule Wamkulu ceremonies, and vibrant local markets.

Island Escape: Visit Likoma Island, a remote gem in Lake Malawi with colonial history and laid-back charm.

Rolling green hills covered in vegetation, possibly tea plantations, under a cloudy sky.

Essential Trip Information

Most visitors need a visa, but many nationalities can obtain one on arrival (US$50–100, valid 30–90 days).

Check official requirements: Malawi Department of Immigration

Passport validity: Must extend 6 months beyond stay.

Yellow fever certificate: Required if arriving from an endemic country.

  • Malawi uses the Malawian Kwacha (MWK).

Best Ways to Handle Currency

  • Before Your Trip: Bring some US$ cash (new bills only; older ones may be rejected).

  • During Your Trip: Use ATMs in major cities (e.g., Lilongwe, Blantyre) or withdraw MWK. Credit cards are accepted in upscale hotels and restaurants, but cash is essential elsewhere.

  • What to Avoid: Don’t rely on cards in rural areas. Avoid unofficial money changers.

English is the official language; Chichewa is widely spoken.

Helpful phrases: “Zikomo” (Thank you), “Moni” (Hello), “Kodi mungandithandize?” (Can you help me?)

Malawi is generally safe, especially compared to neighboring countries.

Petty theft can occur—watch bags in crowded areas and don’t display valuables.

Avoid isolated areas at night.

Emergency services are limited. In major cities, dial 199 for police and 998 for medical emergencies.

Yellow fever vaccine required if coming from an endemic country.

Malaria is prevalent—use mosquito nets and take anti-malarial medication.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Tap water is not safe to drink—use bottled or boiled water.

Minibuses are cheap but cramped and unpredictable.

Private taxis and drivers are recommended for comfort and safety.

Domestic flights link Lilongwe, Blantyre, Mzuzu, and Likoma Island.

Car rental is possible, but roads can be challenging (especially in rainy season).

Lake ferries (e.g., MV Ilala) offer scenic journeys along Lake Malawi.

Malawi is relatively affordable compared to other African destinations.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Guesthouses/backpackers (US$15–30/night)

  • Mid-range: Lodges, boutique hotels (US$40–80/night)

  • Luxury: Lakeside resorts, safari lodges (US$120+/night)

Food

  • Local meals: US$3–7 (e.g., nsima with relish)

  • Mid-range restaurants: US$10–20/person

  • High-end dining: US$30+/person

Drinks

  • Beer: US$1.50–3

  • Cocktails: US$4–8

Transport

  • Minibuses: US$0.50–3 (local routes)

  • Private taxis: US$10–30 for city rides

  • Intercity buses: US$10–25 depending on route

  • Domestic flights: US$100–200 one-way (e.g., Lilongwe to Mzuzu)

Money-Saving Tips

  • Eat at local markets and roadside kitchens.

  • Travel via shared minibuses for budget transport.

  • Many natural attractions are free or low-cost.

Explore Malawi

Dominating the eastern border, this vast freshwater lake is a UNESCO World Heritage site and Africa’s third-largest. Known for its crystal-clear waters and diverse cichlid fish, it offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and relaxing on sandy beaches.

Situated in southern Malawi, along the Shire River, this park is one of the country’s premier wildlife destinations. It boasts the “Big Five” and is renowned for its boat safaris, offering close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and a rich array of birdlife.

Located in the Lower Shire Valley in southern Malawi, Majete has undergone a remarkable transformation through conservation efforts. It now offers excellent opportunities to see the Big Five, making it a key safari destination in the country.

Found in northern Malawi, this high-altitude park offers a unique landscape of rolling grasslands, forested valleys, and stunning views. It’s ideal for trekking, mountain biking, and horse riding safaris, with abundant antelope species and diverse birdlife.

Rising dramatically in southern Malawi, this massive granite massif is the country’s highest peak. A haven for hikers, it features challenging trails, lush cedar forests, and numerous waterfalls, with Sapitwa being its summit at over 9,800 feet (3,000m).

Located in southern Malawi, this elevated plateau is a popular escape from the heat. It offers panoramic views, a network of hiking trails through forests, and opportunities for birdwatching. Its cool climate makes it a refreshing destination.

The capital city, situated in the central region of Malawi, is divided into a bustling Old Town with vibrant markets and a more modern New City with government buildings. The Lilongwe Wildlife Centre within the city offers a chance to see rescued animals.

A small Malawian island in the northern waters of Lake Malawi, close to the Mozambican border. It’s famous for the impressive St. Peter’s Cathedral and offers pristine beaches, clear waters for snorkeling, and a relaxed island atmosphere.

Malawi’s oldest and largest wildlife reserve, located in the central region, is characterized by dense woodlands and riverine forests. It’s gaining recognition for its conservation successes and offers walking safaris and canoeing on the Bua River.

Found in the picturesque Thyolo district in southern Malawi, these sprawling tea plantations offer scenic landscapes and insights into the country’s agricultural heritage. Visitors can take guided tours, learn about tea production, and sample various blends.

Smart Travel

Key Advantages:

  • Lowest Prices
  • Fewer Crowds
  • Lush, Green Landscapes
  • Exceptional Birdwatching
  • Waterfalls are at their fullest

Main Drawbacks:

  • Hot and Humid Temperatures (up to 84°F / 29°C)
  • Torrential Afternoon Downpours
  • Limited Outdoor Activities (some roads may become impassable)
  • Increased Mosquito Activity
  • Some closures of smaller lodges or facilities

Key Regions:

  • Nyika National Park: Terrestrial orchids bloom, and birdlife is spectacular, especially for migratory species.
  • Liwonde National Park: While wet, boat safaris can still offer good wildlife viewing as animals gather near the Shire River.
  • Lake Malawi: The lake is warm, but water activities might be limited by rain; however, it offers a peaceful experience.
  • Thyolo Region: The tea estates are vibrant and green during this time.

Key Advantages:

  • Ideal Weather (decreasing rains, rising temperatures)
  • Manageable Crowds
  • Reasonable Prices
  • Good for Wildlife Viewing (as water sources diminish)
  • Green but drying landscapes

Main Drawbacks:

  • Weather can be unpredictable (transition period)
  • Some roads might still be recovering from the wet season
  • Wildlife viewing might not be as concentrated as the peak dry season

Key Regions:

  • Lake Malawi: Excellent for swimming and water sports as temperatures are pleasant and humidity drops.
  • Liwonde National Park: Wildlife starts to congregate more as water dries up, improving game viewing.
  • Zomba Plateau: Lush and green with pleasant temperatures for hiking.
  • Majete Wildlife Reserve: Good time to spot the Big Five as vegetation thins.
  • Dry Season (June – October)
  • July and August (highest visitor numbers)
  • Major Holidays: Christmas and New Year (though this overlaps with the start of the wet season)

Planning Your Trip

Greetings: Handshakes are customary and often prolonged; show respect to elders with slight bows.

Photography: Always ask permission, especially in rural areas or when photographing people.

Dress Code: Modest attire recommended, especially away from beach areas; cover shoulders and knees in villages.

Tipping: Appreciated but not mandatory. Round up taxi fares; ~10% at restaurants; US$1–2/day for lodge staff.

Religion: Malawi is conservative (predominantly Christian with Muslim minority); avoid public displays of affection.

Language: English is official, but basic Chichewa phrases (like Zikomo = Thank you) are appreciated.

Accommodation:

  • Budget: US$15–40 (hostels, simple guesthouses).
  • Mid-range: US$60–120 (lakeside lodges, park chalets).
  • Luxury: US$250+ (private island resorts, safari lodges).

Food:

  • Local eateries (nsima, grilled fish): US$3–7.
  • Mid-range restaurants: US$10–25 per meal.
  • Lodge dining (set menus): US$30–50.

Transport:

  • Minibuses: US$1–5 per leg.
  • Car hire: US$60+/day.
  • Domestic flights: ~US$100–150.

Activities:

  • Park entry fees: ~US$10–25/day.
  • Safari drives: ~US$40–80 per activity.
  • Lake activities (kayaking, snorkeling): ~US$10–30.

Daily Budget:

  • Budget: US$60–90 (guesthouses, local food, public transport).
  • Mid-range: US$120–200 (lakeside stays, safaris, private car).
  • Luxury: US$350+ (safari lodges, private transfers, gourmet meals).

SIM Cards: Widely available at airports and towns (Airtel, TNM); US$5–10 for 5–10GB prepaid data.

Coverage: Stronger in cities and lakeside areas; limited in parks and highlands.

Wi-Fi: Patchy outside lodges and urban cafes; bring offline maps and backups.

eSIMs: Not yet reliable in Malawi—prefer physical SIMs for better network access.

Highly recommended due to basic healthcare infrastructure and road conditions.

Medical evacuation coverage is essential if visiting remote regions or engaging in safaris.

Adventure activities: Check for coverage on hiking, kayaking, or diving in Lake Malawi.

Trip delays: Less common but still worth covering, especially for multi-leg itineraries or domestic flights.

Malawi offers a mix of lakeside retreats, eco-lodges, and basic guesthouses catering to all budgets.

Luxury:

  • Lake Resorts: Kaya Mawa (Likoma Island), Blue Zebra Island Lodge (Nankoma Island).
  • Safari lodges: Mkulumadzi (Majete), Tongole Wilderness Lodge (Nkhotakota).

Mid-range:

  • Charming guesthouses: Mgoza Lodge (Cape Maclear), Safari Beach Lodge (Senga Bay).
  • National Park camps: Thawale Camp (Majete), Kachere Kastle (Chintheche).

Budget:

  • Hostels and backpacker lodges: Mayoka Village (Nkhata Bay), Doogles (Blantyre).
  • Basic guesthouses: ~US$15–40/night in towns and villages.

Unique stays:

  • Island escapes: Domwe Island (rustic adventure tents).
  • Eco-lodges in highlands: Mushroom Farm (Livingstonia), perfect for hiking lovers.

Tip: Book well ahead for Lake Malawi lodges during dry season (June–September), especially on weekends.

Transport in Malawi is basic but manageable with some planning. Local infrastructure is improving, but distances and road conditions vary.

Minibuses:

  • Widely used, cheap (US$1–5), but often overcrowded and slow.
  • Not ideal for long distances or tight schedules.

Buses:

  • AXA and Sososo buses connect major cities like Lilongwe, Blantyre, and Mzuzu (~US$8–15).
  • Pre-booking is recommended for long-haul routes.

Taxis:

  • Found in cities; negotiate fares (US$2–10 for short distances).
  • No meters—agree on price before departure.

Car Rentals:

  • Reliable for flexibility; 4WD recommended for national parks or rural areas.
  • ~US$60–90/day including insurance. Driver hire adds ~US$20–30/day.

Domestic Flights:

  • Limited routes (Lilongwe–Mzuzu, ~US$100), used mainly for time-saving or remote lodge transfers.

Bold Recommendation: Rent a car or hire a driver if exploring multiple regions—public transport is limited and slow for long trips.

Handy Tips

Malawi uses the Malawian Kwacha (MWK). Bills come in denominations from MWK 20 to MWK 2,000. Coins are used less frequently and may include MWK 1, 5, 10, and 20.

  • Exchanging Currency: Avoid airport exchange desks. Use ATMs in major cities like Lilongwe or Blantyre for better rates. Bring some US$ in case ATMs are down in rural areas.

  • Using Cards: Visa is more widely accepted than Mastercard, mostly at high-end hotels and restaurants. In rural areas, expect cash-only payments.

  • Tipping Etiquette:

    • Restaurants/Bars: 10% is appreciated if not included.

    • Taxis/Drivers: Round up the fare or tip ~US$1–2.

    • Hotel Staff: US$1–2 per bag for porters; US$2–3 per day for housekeeping.

    • Tour Guides: US$5–10 per day per person (more for private tours).

English is the official language and is used in education and formal settings, but most locals speak Chichewa in daily life.

Helpful phrases:

  • “Moni” – Hello

  • “Zikomo” – Thank you

  • “Kodi mungandithandize?” – Can you help me?

  • “Ili kuti?” – Where is it?

Pro Tip: A few words in Chichewa go a long way in building rapport, especially in villages.

Malawi is considered safe for travelers, but exercise caution, especially at night or in isolated areas.

Emergency Contacts:

  • 997: Police
  • 998: Fire
  • 990: Medical emergencies

Avoid displaying valuables in public and be cautious on Lake Malawi beaches at night.

Travel with a guide when hiking in remote areas like Mulanje Mountain

  • Malawi uses 230V/50Hz with Type G plugs (UK-style three square pins). Bring a universal adapter and a power bank, as power outages are frequent, even in cities.

Tap water is not safe to drink.

  • Use bottled water (widely available and affordable).

  • Avoid ice in rural areas unless you’re sure it’s from treated water.

  • Most upscale lodges provide filtered water for free.

Most businesses and government offices close on these days:

  • 1 Jan: New Year’s Day

  • 3 Mar: Martyrs’ Day

  • Easter (dates vary): Good Friday & Easter Monday

  • 14 May: Kamuzu Day

  • 6 Jul: Independence Day

  • 15 Oct: Mother’s Day

  • 25 Dec: Christmas Day

  • 26 Dec: Boxing Day

Note: Travel and shopping options may be limited during these dates, especially in rural towns.

Shops: Typically open 08:00–18:00 (Mon–Sat). Some urban stores open on Sunday mornings.

Supermarkets: Game, Shoprite (in Lilongwe/Blantyre) open daily till 20:00.

Markets: Local markets start early (6:00am) and are great for crafts and produce.

Nsima: Malawi’s staple—thick maize porridge served with stews or greens.

Chambo Fish: Lake Malawi’s iconic tilapia—best grilled or fried.

Kachumbari: Fresh tomato-onion salad with chili and lime—bright and spicy.

Goat Meat Curry: Slow-cooked, richly spiced goat stew often served with rice or nsima.

Beans in Coconut Sauce: A coastal-inspired comfort food—fragrant and filling.

Zitumbuwa: Sweet banana fritters fried till golden—perfect as a snack or dessert.

Mandasi: Deep-fried dough balls, often eaten with tea.

Sweet Potato with Groundnut Sauce: Earthy-sweet with a creamy peanut topping.

Mbatata Cookies: Malawian sweet potato biscuits—soft and mildly spiced.

Sugarcane Sticks: Sold by the roadside—peel and chew for a burst of sweetness.

Alcoholic:

  • Kuche Kuche Lager: Malawi’s most popular beer—light and refreshing.

  • Carlsberg Green: Locally brewed Danish lager—widely loved since the 1960s.

  • Premier Brandy: Locally distilled—strong and often mixed with soft drinks.

  • Malawi Gin: Herbal, citrusy gin produced in Blantyre—iconic in gin & tonics.

  • Chibuku: Traditional sorghum beer—fermented and mildly alcoholic.

Non-Alcoholic:

  • Maheu: Thick fermented maize drink—nutritious and slightly tangy.

  • Bottled Mango Juice: Rich and sweet—common at roadside stalls and supermarkets.

  • Sugarcane Juice: Freshly pressed and served cold, especially in rural markets.

  • Ginger Tea: Strong and spicy—usually homemade and served in the morning.

  • Sobo Orange Drink: Artificial but beloved citrus soda—ubiquitous across Malawi.

Livingstonia: Missionary town with colonial architecture and epic views.

Kungoni Centre of Culture and Art: Learn about Malawi’s ethnic traditions and mask dances.

Mzuzu: Gateway to the north with cultural markets and regional cuisine.

Mangochi: Historic lakeside town with Arab-influenced architecture.

St. Michael and All Angels Church (Blantyre): Stunning 19th-century hand-built brick church.

Local Chiefs’ Villages: Cultural tours can be arranged through lodges or NGOs.

Chongoni Rock Art: UNESCO-listed site with ancient cave paintings.

Malawi Museums: In Blantyre and Lilongwe, showcasing history and crafts.

Cultural Festivals: Lake of Stars and Sand Music Festival highlight Malawi’s music scene.

Language & Tribal Identity: Malawi is ethnically diverse—Chewa, Yao, Tumbuka, and others co-exist peacefully.

Lake Malawi: Snorkeling, kayaking, and beach lounging at Cape Maclear or Nkhata Bay.

Liwonde National Park: Game drives with elephants, hippos, and birdwatching.

Zomba Plateau: Horse riding, hiking, and waterfalls with stunning views.

Mount Mulanje: Trekking through one of southern Africa’s highest peaks.

Lilongwe Wildlife Centre: Rescue center for injured wildlife in the capital.

Cultural Performances: Traditional dances and drumming at local festivals.

Island Getaways: Domwe and Mumbo Island for rustic-luxury ecolodges.

Blantyre’s Mandala House: Historic home with a café, library, and art gallery.

Vwaza Marsh & Nyika Plateau: Remote, untouched wilderness with zebra and antelope.

Fishing Villages: Visit Nkope or Senga Bay for cultural immersion.

Cockpit Lounge (Lilongwe): Trendy bar with DJs and cocktails—popular with expats and locals.

Blue Elephant (Blantyre): Swanky lounge with occasional live jazz nights.

Kaya Club (Lilongwe): Late-night dancefloor for afrobeats, amapiano, and hip hop.

Mufasa Eco Lodge Bar (Cape Maclear): Chill beachside vibes with bonfires and lake views.

Zomba Gymkhana Club: Colonial-era club with billiards, drinks, and an old-world feel.

Chameleon Bar (Lilongwe): Classic spot for sundowners and local brews.

Mabuya Camp (Lilongwe): Backpacker hub with affordable drinks and a lively social scene.

La Caverna Café (Blantyre): Art gallery meets café-bar—serene by day, buzzing by night.

Makokola Retreat (Mangochi): Resort bar with lake cocktails and live band weekends.

Nkhata Bay Sundowners: Informal beach bars with reggae music and fresh fish BBQs.