Malawi - Info & Facts

Suggested length of stay

Though Malawi is small, its offerings are vast and varied. 5-10 days would give you a fantastic overview of the country from North to South.

 

Modes of transport

Road

With relatively short distances between places of interest, reasonable road surfaces and little traffic, Malawi is a good country for self-drive. Most of the main roads are tarred but narrow, with reasonably maintained surfaces. Potholes can occur on any road, and speeds should be adjusted with this in mind. However, the general quality of roads is good by African standards. Driving is on the left. Expect to find people and animals on any road. Driving at night is to be avoided. Breakdowns are traditionally indicated by placing bush or tree branches at the side of the road behind the vehicle, but red triangles are strictly needed. Petrol is widely available, but tanks should be filled when the opportunity occurs as soon as the indicator falls below half. An International Driving Licence is required, although national driving licences will probably be accepted if a photograph is included. Recently, regulations regarding speed limits and the use of safety belts have been more rigorously enforced.

Public transport

There is a good network of inexpensive public buses throughout the country. Small mini-buses offer local journeys while larger coaches ply the longer distance routes.

Taxi

Taxis in Malawi are mainly found in the main cities, though some can be located in rural areas if you ask around. Fares are usually relatively low by international standards. One taxi company gaining an excellent reputation is Yellow Top Cab, which began offering branded taxis from a Lilongwe base and has now expanded to Blantyre.

Lake Malawi Ferry Service

The famous Ilala, a 620-tonne vessel that can carry 400 passengers, has traditionally travelled the length of Lake Malawi (365km) and provides a vital lifeline for the many communities around the lake. Ilala offers affordable transport allowing travellers to take in the stunning scenery leisurely. Passengers can hop on and off at various locations, including Nkhata Bay and Likoma Island. The Ilalla currently operates between Monkey Bay in the south and Chilumba in the north, calling in at Likoma and Chizumulu Islands both northbound and southbound.

 

Health Precautions

Immunisation against polio, tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis A is recommended. Yellow fever immunisation may be required only by visitors entering from a yellow fever zone. There is a risk of malaria and prophylactics should be taken.

 

Food and 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. Beers (Carlsberg is the most common), spirits such as Malawi gin, and South African wines are reasonably priced and commonly available. For drinking, bottled water should be used in preference to tap water.

 

Money

Malawiā€™s unit of currency is the kwacha (abbreviated to MK internationally; K locally). The kwacha divides into 100 tambalas. 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. If you use dollars to pay for your tours and accommodation, please be aware that $1 bills will not be taken or exchanged; the minimum amount to change is $5. Avoid black market currency traders. There are 24-hour ATMs in Lilongwe, Blantyre and Mzuzu. Only local currency is dispensed.

 

Time Zone

Malawi operates on Central African Time (CAT) (GMT+2)

 

Visas

You’ll need a visa to enter Malawi.

While obtaining a visa on arrival at major airports and borders is possible – for convenience and peace of mind, we strongly recommend you purchase your visa before travelling to Malawi.

 

Australian Embassy & Consulate contacts for Malawi

The Australian Embassy in Zimbabwe provides full consular assistance to Australians in Malawi.

1 Green Close

Borrowdale, Harare, Zimbabwe

Telephone: +263 (0)242 853 235 55

 

Malawi Embassy contacts in Australia

Consulate of Malawi

Stawell Chambers, 495 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

Email Address: consul@malawi.com.au

Phone Number +61 3 99 88 77 66

 

Electricity

Supply is based on the 220/240 volts system, using “British type” square bayonet three-pin plugs.

 

Getting there (stopovers)

Flying to Lilongwe in Malawi is via Johannesburg (South Africa) from Sydney.

 

A brief history

The region was once part of the Maravi Empire. In colonial times, the British ruled the territory, under whose control it was known first as British Central Africa and later Nyasaland. It became part of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. The country achieved full independence, as of Malawi, in 1964.

 

Tipping

Tipping is not generally expected in Malawi. Some restaurants and services may add a service charge to your bill. In good restaurants in Lilongwe and Blantyre, you can add 10% if the service has been good.

smiling white male wearing a backpack

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