Malawi is the warm heart of Africa, where visitors are welcomed with open arms and made to feel at home. This is one of Africa’s smallest and most beautiful countries, which is often overlooked due to its size and this is why it is such a magical destination. For a variety of experiences in a relatively small area, Malawi has few rivals.

Why visit Malawi?

• It’s warm and friendly people
• Untouched beauty and stunning scenery
• Distinctive wood carvings made by the local people
• Scenic Lake Malawi - The world’s ninth largest lake, which despite its size, has no currents and no tides
• Excellent snorkelling and diving in the Lake (one of the highest diversities of fresh water fish in the world – WWF researchers have identified over 500 species that are found nowhere else in the world).
• Nine National Parks – Good game viewing and excellent bird watching
• 400 species of orchid and other wild flowers
• A cultural heritage largely untouched by civilisation

Fact File

Malawi is a landlocked country situated on the eastern side of Africa and surrounded by Mozambique in the east and south, Zambia in the west and Tanzania in the north. It has a total area of 118 484sq km of which 24 400sq km of water consists of Lake Malawi. The terrain is in the form of a narrow elongated plateau with rolling hills and some mountains.

Lake Malawi has over a 1000 species of fish, many endemic to the lake. There are more fish species found in the Rift Valley Lake complex (of which Lake Malawi is a part) than in any comparable areas of water in the world. There are a number of exceptionally good hotels, resorts and lodges situated along the Lakeshore and on islands in the Lake, from where a kaleidoscope of colourful, flashing, striped and decorated fish can be seen when snorkeling in this crystal clear paradise. Fishing plays a major role in the local economy and visitors will see the day’s catch on drying racks in the many fishing villages along the lakeshore. The gourmet favourite remains the bream-like chambo, which is absolutely delicious and too good to be missed, washed down with an MGT! (Malawi Gin and Tonic – it has a taste all of its own).

Malawi has five National Parks and four game reserves, with Liwonde National Park being one of the finest. This 548 sq km park is situated south of Lake Malawi. The Shire River and Lake Malombe form its western border. The birdlife along the shores of the lake and river and on the flood plains is nothing short of astounding and Malawi’s only population of Lilian’s lovebird occurs here. Pel’s fishing owls, palmnut vultures and African fish eagles are also to be seen here and there are good herds of elephant, hippo, sable and kudu.

Climate

Malawi is always beautiful. The cooler months (May to August/September) are more comfortable for travellers from the northern hemisphere, but the lush green summer (November to April) is also a good time to visit. May and June combine the best of both seasons – cooler, still green with great visibility. Game viewing is best in the hottest times of the dry season, when the animals are forced to rely on the water sources, but the countryside is more attractive in the wetter, greener months. Bird watchers enjoy their best sightings in October and November.

Currency

The currency of Malawi is the Malawi Kwacha (MWK), which is made up of 100 Tambala. Foreign exchange can be converted at various banks and there are several reputable bureaux de change in Blantyre and Lilongwe. Note that credit cards are accepted at some of the properties in the cities and around the Lake, however the use of both foreign currency and credit cards can be difficult outside major centres.

Passports and Visas

Certain nationals require visas and as this is never a constant, we would strongly recommend that you check with the nearest Malawi High Commission for the latest requirements. All passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months.

Getting There

Most international flights land at Lilongwe, which is the capital of Malawi. International Airlines flying into Malawi include British Airways, KLM – via Nairobi with Kenya Airways, and regional airlines include Air Malawi, Air Tanzania, South African Airways, Kenya Airways, to name a few. Several flights, especially those from Johannesburg and Harare, land at the business centre of Blantyre in the south of the country.

Travel Insurance

All visitors are responsible for their own international travel and medical insurance. You are strongly recommended to obtain the necessary travel insurance prior to your departure, which must include cover in respect of emergency evacuation expenses, medical expenses and repatriation expenses.

Departure Tax

USD30 International Departure Tax is payable upon departure from the Country. There is a charge for domestic departures of MK200 per person. Please note that these departure taxes may change without notice.

Health

Malaria is prevalent in some parts of Malawi. It is strongly advised that you speak to a physician before you leave home to ensure you are on an anti malarial course of tablets, prior to entering Malawi.
It is advisable to drink bottled water whilst in Malawi.

What to Pack

Beach resorts are very informal, however Malawians are conservative and visitors should respect local customs and traditions when visiting villages and markets. Light clothing is essential as being in the tropics the weather can become very warm. Long sleeved shirts and light trousers help to keep the mosquitoes at bay in the evenings. Take a jersey for cool weather and late nights, especially when visiting the highlands.

Where to Stay

We have featured 2 of the finest properties in Malawi to highlight the diversity of this magnificent country. There are a number of very good properties available which we would be delighted to discuss with you when we are arranging your itinerary.

Mvuu Lodge

Mvuu Lodge is situated along the banks of the Shire River in Liwonde National Park, Malawi’s premier wildlife reserve. The Shire River is the main drainage river for Lake Malawi and is a large fast flowing river that dissects the park and brings water year round to its wildlife. A great diversity of animals can be seen including large numbers of Elephant, Sable Antelope, Hippo, Impala,

Waterbuck, Black Rhino and Lion. Crocodiles, Leopard and Serval are also fairly common. Birds are prolific and this camp offers the best year round birding. Mvuu’s accommodation comprises 5 tents with en-suite bathroom facilities, private veranda raised over the lagoon that flows into the Shire, and the lodge facilities include a dining room, pub, lounge area and a pool. Activities include boating, game drives, nature walks, birding and fishing.

 

Kaya Mawa

Kaya Mawa is situated on the southern tip of Likoma Island and has seven picturesque cottages built from local materials and one remarkable honeymoon suite set on its own tiny island. The baths are carved from the bedrock. Kaya Mawa has its own private beach and offers one of the most interesting lakeshore experiences available. With the mountains of Mozambique 7kms away to the east, and amazing sunsets over the Malawi mainland to the west, this is a truly magnificent location, with the sights and sounds of Lake Malawi lapping all around you. Scuba Diving is available here and there is a qualified PADI instructor on site. You may also find time to explore the 3rd largest cathedral in Southern Africa on Likoma Island, or simply laze on the beach and watch the world, water-skiers and wake boarders go by. Kaya Mawa’s famous honeymoon suite is reached by its own boat, and is totally private, hidden from view from the rest of the lodge by a giant pod mahogany tree. You get a real sense of being tucked away from the world on your own private island. The bed is a mahogany 4-poster, 8 foot long and 7 foot wide, the biggest in Malawi! From the bed you get a panoramic 200-degree view of water. , It has an open-air bath, loo with a view, 2 sun decks and a handheld radio for room service.

 

Chelinda Lodge - Nyika National Park

A park of outstanding natural beauty, the Nyika is home to a bewildering variety of unusual birds and game including roan antelope and leopard.

From September to April, a myriad of wild flowers and orchids burst forth. From Chelinda, which sleeps sixteen guests in eight luxurious, en-suite log cabins, discover the wonders of the plateau by vehicle, on foot, horseback or mountain bike. Trout fishing is also available. This property has an incredibly peaceful and serene feel about it - A perfect start or end to an African Safari.

Kazuni Safari Camp - Vwaza Marsh

At the foot of the Nyika the Vwaza Marsh is a haven for game and birdlife.

Overlooking an open expanse of water, the rustic but comfortable Kazuni Safari Camp sleeps eight guests in four en-suite reed huts. From the camp watch a steady stream of wildlife coming down to drink or venture further into the reserve on drives and guided walks.