Avoid any involvement with drugs. Possession of even the smallest amount of
drugs can lead to arrest and imprisonment. Buying uncut precious stones is
illegal. Outside tourist establishments, women should cover legs and shoulders
so as not to offend local sensitivities. Homosexuality is illegal, and Malawi is
in general very intolerant of same-sex relationships.
Malawi
Capital:
Lilongwe
Official Language: English
Religions:
66% Christian, 18% Traditional Beliefs, 16% Other
Currency:
Kwacha = 100 tambala
Placements:
Beach Lodge
Map
Background
The tourist brochures bill Malawi as 'the warm heart of Africa', and for once the hype is true. Malawi's scenery is gorgeous and varied and Malawians tend to be extremely friendly toward travellers. Nature lovers will adore the national parks and game reserves, mountain hiking and plateau trekking.
Special Events
Major events.
Climate
Malawi has a single wet season, from November to April, when daytime temperatures are warm and conditions humid. May to August is dry and cool. September and October can become extremely hot and humid, especially in low areas. Average daytime maximums in the lower areas are about 21°C in July and 26°C in January. In highland areas, average daytime temperatures in July are between 10°C and 15°C, while in September they reach 20°C and above. Average night-time temperatures in the highlands are low, sometimes dropping below freezing on clear nights in July.
Travel Info
Most international flights from Europe or other parts of Africa use Lilongwe International Airport, although a few regional flights go to/from Blantyre. Regional destinations with direct flights to/from Malawi include Harare (Zimbabwe), Nairobi (Kenya), Lusaka (Zambia), Johannesburg (South Africa), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) and Maputo (Mozambique). Even when two airlines serve the same route, fares are pretty much the same. British Airways flies between Lilongwe and London once a week. There are daily flights to Nairobi from Tuesday to Sunday, from whence you can continue to Europe. You can also connect with flights to Europe and Australia from Johannesburg.
The Malawian ferry Ilala runs twice a week between Likoma Island and Cobuè, Mozambique. The train is the best way to get between Malawi and northern Mozambique. There are twice-weekly trains between Nampula and Cuamba. Crossing other points of the Malawian border will involve a bus, a car or feet. If you're heading for southern Mozambique, there are buses between Mwanza and Zóbuè. Other bus routes between Malawi and Mozambique include Nsanje and Villa de Sena, just south of the Zambezi River, and Chiponde and Mandimba.
The only land crossing between Malawi and Tanzania is at the Songwe River bridge north of Kaporo, in the far northwestern tip of Malawi. Buses make the run twice a day. The main crossing point between Malawi and Zambia is about 30km (20mi) east of Chipata, on the main road between Lilongwe and Lusaka. All crossing points on the Malawi border are open roughly from to .
Visas
Visas are not needed by citizens of Commonwealth countries, the USA and most European nations (except Switzerland). Visas are limited to 30 days, though extensions are easy to get.
Safety
Terrorism
The threat from terrorism is low. But you should be aware of the
global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian
targets including places frequented by foreigners.
Crime
Be alert to muggers, bag-snatchers and con men. You should exercise
caution with over-friendly people who approach you offering to act as
tour-guides. On public transport, do not accept food or drink from
strangers. There have been cases of people being robbed after eating
drugged food.
In Lilongwe, the majority of attacks on visitors take place on Kenyatta
Drive and around the bus station. You should take particular care when
visiting these areas, especially after dark. Most Malawi vendors are
friendly. But there have been incidents of tourist harassment by vendors
(for example at lakeside resorts), including occasionally with threats of
violence.
Armed car jacking is a risk, especially for drivers of four by four
vehicles. If you are attacked do not resist. Hand over car keys and
anything else demanded and stay calm. It is dangerous to resist or act
impulsively. Drivers have been shot.
House burglaries, including by gangs armed with knives, are also a
risk. Security precautions at home are as important as on the
streets.
Take sensible precautions. Safeguard valuables and cash.
Deposit them in hotel safes, where practical. Keep copies of important
documents, including passports separately.
Local Travel
Heavy rain fall this season caused flooding in a number of districts.
Bridges have been damaged on the Salima-Balaka, Salima-Nkhata Bay and Monkey
Bay-Mangochi roads, and diversions are in place. Tourist facilities have
not been affected.
Road Safety
Driving in Malawi can be hazardous, especially in the rainy season
(December - March). The number of deaths per vehicles on the road is the
highest in the world. Drive carefully and avoid travel after dark.
Potholes, animals and abandoned vehicles often cause serious accidents, as do
vehicles travelling at night without lights. Travel between towns by
public minibus or pick-up truck is not recommended. Vehicles are often in
poor condition and overloaded. Fatal accidents are commonplace, and
emergency services are basic. A UK driving licence is acceptable in Malawi
for up to 6 months.
Air Safety
The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community.
The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Health
HIV/AIDS is highly prevalent in Malawi. You should be alert to the
possible dangers involved in having unprotected sex or accidents requiring blood
transfusions. Any activities involving blood or fluid contact carry a
potential health risk. Medical advice should be sought as soon as possible
after contact.
Malaria is also highly prevalent and you should seek advice about suitable
anti-malarial tablets before travelling.
Drinking water may not be safe, especially in rural areas. Bilharzia
exists in many lakeshore areas and rivers. Outbreaks of gastric intestinal
infections occur, especially during the rainy season (December to March) as can
limited outbreaks of cholera in rural areas without fresh water. Rabies is
also present. Tsetse flies carrying sleeping sickness exist in some of the
national parks. Healthcare standards, particularly in the rural areas, are
generally poor.
Injections required
Immunisations advised
Diptheria/Tetanus, Poliomyelitis, Hepatitis A,
Typhoid, Yellow fever
Immunisations that maybe required
Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, Rabies,
Meningococcal
Malaria Yes
Reciprocal Health Care None
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