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Practical Considerations for Visitors to
Malawi
GETTING TO MALAWI
For intercontinental flights from Europe, British Airways has a
weekly direct service, as well as operating in conjunction with
Air Malawi via the regional hubs of Johannesburg, Nairobi, Lusaka,
Dar es Salaam and Harare. Kenya Airways, KLM, South African Airways,
Air Zimbabwe, Ethiopian Airlines offer similar connecting services.
Regional links between Malawi and Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa
and Zimbabwe are provided by Air Malawi and the various national
airlines.
There are road routes into Malawi from Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique.
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
For most people the dry (winter) season is most attractive (i.e.
April/May to October/November). However, some of the best birdwatching
can be had from November to April and the orchids of Nyika are best
seen from December to March/April.
PASSPORT
A full valid passport is required for entry into Malawi.
VISA
For tourist visits, visas are NOT required by citizens of the Commonwealth,
the USA, Japan, most of the European Union and certain other countries.
DIPLOMATIC
The British High Commission in Malawi is at:
PO Box 30042, Lilongwe 3, Malawi (tel: 00 265 772 400)
The Malawi High Commission in London is at:
33 Grosvenor Street, London W1X ODE (tel. 020 7491 4172)
CURRENCY
The Malawi unit of currency is the kwacha (abbreviated to MK internationally;
K locally). The kwacha is divided into 100 tambala. Practically
speaking, only the kwacha is used. Banks in the towns are open weekdays
from 0800 to 1300. Mobile banks operate along the Lakeshore and
in more remote areas (check days/times locally). Travellers Cheques
or foreign (hard) currency notes are widely accepted. Avoid black
market currency traders. There is no limit to the amount of foreign
currency brought into Malawi but it must be declared and accounted
for on departure. Only MK200 may be exported.
DEPARTURE TAX
There is a US$30 departure tax. Vouchers can be purchased at the
Airport, payment must be in US dollars.
DUTY FREE
International travellers over the age of 18 may import, duty free:
200 cigarettes or 225gm of tobacco; 1 litre of spirits; 1 litre
of beer; 1 litre of wine; plus a “reasonable” quantity
of consumable goods to meet the traveller’s immediate need
while in Malawi.HEALTH
Immunisation against polio, tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis A is
recommended. Yellow fever immunisation is required only by visitors
entering from a yellow fever zone. There is a risk of malaria and
prophylactics should be taken. Seek up to date advice from your
doctor. There is a risk of contracting bilharzia (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/schistosomiasis/factsht_schistosomiasis.htm)
(http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=55375) if
bathing in Lake Malawi but the risk is negligible near the main
beach hotels. The infection is relatively easily treated once diagnosed.
Malawi is a high risk area for AIDS
HEALTH
Immunisation against polio, tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis A is
recommended. Yellow fever immunisation is required only by visitors
entering from a yellow fever zone. There is a risk of malaria and
prophylactics should be taken. Seek up to date advice from your
doctor. There is a risk of contracting bilharzia (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/schistosomiasis/factsht_schistosomiasis.htm)
(http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=55375) if
bathing in Lake Malawi but the risk is negligible near the main
beach hotels. The infection is relatively easily treated once diagnosed.
Malawi is a high risk area for AIDS
LUGGAGE
If using light aircraft for internal transport, it is important
to remember that there will probably be a limit of 10 kg per person.
SAFETY
Malawi is considered a safe country for tourists and Malawians are
rightfully known for their friendliness. However, the usual precautions
should be taken as would be advised for any tourist anywhere.
ACCOMMODATION
There are good hotels in all the main centres, along the shore of
Lake Malawi and at such attractions as the Zomba Plateau. Throughout
the country there is a range of accommodation from the simple to
the luxury. In the main game parks/reserves, there are excellent
camps with permanent accommodation. Booking ahead is advised especially
in the game parks and during the high season (June-September).
DRIVING
Car hire is possible from most centres and at the airports, but
standards of vehicles vary and hiring may seem expensive. A reliable
company is Sputnik Car Hire. Most of the main roads are tarred but
narrow. Potholes may be expected in any road and speeds should be
kept low. Driving is on the left of the road. Expect to find people
and animals on any road. Driving at night is to be avoided. Breakdowns
are usually indicted by placing bush or tree branches at the side
of the road behind the vehicle. Petrol is widely available but tanks
should be filled when the opportunity occurs as soon as the indicator
falls below half. An International Driving License is required although
national driving licences may be accepted.
DOMESTIC AIR TRAVEL
Air Malawi’s domestic network provides regular links between
Lilongwe, Blantyre, Mzuzu and Club Makokola (southern lakeshore).
A number of air charter companies also serve the main tourist destinations
in the country.
LOCAL TOUR OPERATORS
There are a number of companies in Malawi which will organise tours
and/or safaris. These include Central African Wilderness Safaris,
Land & Lake Safaris, Ulendo Safaris and Soche Tours & Travel.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
There is a good network of very inexpensive public buses throughout
the country.
SAFARIS
There are five National Parks and four Wildlife Reserves, including
one Freshwater National Park (at Cape Maclear). All types of safari
are available, not only 4x4 driving but also walking, by boat, and
horse riding. Most game viewing is in small groups
ACTIVITIES
Organised activities for travellers to Malawi include:
On Lake Malawi - kayaking, scuba diving, sailboarding, parasailing,
diving, snorkelling, sailing and cruises.
Elsewhere - climbing, hiking, cycle tours, birdwatching, angling,
game viewing, horse riding, mountain biking.
Many of the larger hotels and larger towns offer the usual range
of sports from tennis to golf.
TV & RADIO
A Malawian TV service was set up for the first time in 1999. In
addition, many city centre hotels receive international satellite
channels. There are English language radio broadcasts but little
of interest to the foreign traveller.
SHOPPING
Small supermarkets are found in towns and larger villages. Large
supermarkets and European style shops are almost exclusively found
in Blantyre and Lilongwe. Markets and roadside vendors are popular
with travellers. Popular souvenirs are the excellent wood carvings,
widely available, and straw goods. The standard of craftwork varies
but at its best is quite outstanding. In the markets, bargaining
is expected.
CLOSURES
Shops and offices open and close earlier in the day than is the
custom in Europe or North America.
FOOD & DRINK
Excellent fish dishes are widely available but especially near Lake
Malawi. Most hotels and safari camps serve “western” dishes
with, perhaps, game and, occasionally, local foods such as maize
meal porridge. Soft drinks are available everywhere but bottle caps
should be checked to ensure there has been no re-filling. Beers
(Carlsberg is the most common), spirits such as Malawi gin and South
African wines are reasonably priced and commonly available.
WATER
Tap water should generally be avoided for drinking purposes.
LANGUAGE
English is the official language and will generally be understood.
TIME
Malawi shares the same time as all southern Africa viz. GMT + 2
(Make allowance for BST when the difference is just one hour.)
DRESS
Dress is generally informal but some hotel restaurants may require
men to wear ties. Swimwear and very skimpy clothing should be confined
to the beach resorts. For safaris, “natural “ colours
should be worn in preference to light/bright colours. In the uplands,
especially in the winter months April to September, it can be cool
in the evening and sweaters may be needed. It can be very cold on
an early morning safari drive.
COMMUNICATIONS
The telephone system is not entirely reliable. Most hotels and offices
are readily reached by e-mail. The postal system tends to be slow.
DHL is the major international courier operating in Malawi.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Jan 1, 15; March 3; May 1; June 14; July 6; 2nd Monday in October;
Dec 25, 26. Also: Good Friday and Easter Sunday. If a holiday falls
on a Saturday or Sunday, then the next Monday becomes a holiday.
Muslim festivals may be celebrated especially in the Northern Region
and along Lake Malawi.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Film is best brought into the country but care should be taken to
keep exposed and, especially, unexposed film cool. Most Malawians
will not mind being photographed but it is common courtesy to ask
permission first.
LAUNDRY
Laundry is usually possible at hotels or in the bigger safari camps.
Dry cleaning is less easy to obtain and standards may vary.
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