Malawi, the East African country amazes fascinating minds with its voluptuous and exotic natural features. It's like a small box of big surprises. Natural beauty, impressive architecture, intriguing art are a part of its grandness. But the warm and friendly locals make each experience worth it. The food here keeps your tummy and tongue happy as everything is organic and tastes delicious. The art centers never lose to surprise you. Dance performances, music events, and art exhibitions offer you an insight into its creative world of talents and bright minds. Also, handmade creations such as rugs, carpets, ceramics, potteries are world-renowned for their attractive and intriguing features, designs, and colors. So, get ready to enter the world of excitement with Malawi tourism.
AVG. COST PER DAY : USD 67
The internet connection services of Malawi are growing day by day it is regulated by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA). Internet is a major part of the communication chain of the country and has increased the efficiency prominently.
The internet cost is cheaper as compared to the other African countries but the service quality is improving. Many towers are being set up that has improved the connectivity. Many big firms, schools, and hospitals use the internet daily.
Tourists are recommended to stick to their local services and use free public Wi-Fi as much as possible. Internet cafes are available in urban cities that leave with not much choice in terms of location. Use your data smartly. Instead of making a voice call, connect to people via online applications like Skype, Twitter, Facebook, and many other platforms.
The history of Malawi has some sad phases but the ending is quite happy. Area-wise, there is not much change faced by the country. The country was once a part of the Maravi Empire, it was a kingdom in the ancient days.
Later, Africa was under British rule and so was Malawi. During that time, it was a part of British Central Africa. Many people suffered, were treated ill, lost families and this led them to the gates of slavery.
After all this, Malawi was a member of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland but now it was the end of suffering and on a happy note, Malawians regained freedom in 1964. After that, the country was ruled by Hastings Banda until 1994 as a one-party state.
Malawi is a tiny African landlocked country surrounded by three other African countries, namely, Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique. Malawi’s geographical location is Southeast Africa and it is easily accessible.
The total area of Malawi is 118,480 square kilometers (45,745 square miles) of which 20.6% portion of the country is covered in water due to Lake Malawi, the fourth largest freshwater lake in the world.
The highest point of the country is Mount Mulanje at 3,002 meters/9,849 feet and the lowest point is Shire River at the Mozambique border at 37 meters/121 feet. Malawi’s geographical features/ topographical features comprise highland areas, plateaus, mountains, Rift valleys, and much more.
Malawi people belong to different ethnic groups that mark their diversity. There are more than five ethnic groups that belong to Asian and European continents. All people together make the Malawian culture what it is today. Dance, music, and handcrafts have always been a prominent part of the country and it can be witnessed in every celebration too.
DanceMajor events in Malawi are followed by lively dance performances. During family celebrations or concerts, dance is performed by the locals. The traditional styles and dance forms make it more unique and interesting.
MusicMusic is the lifeline of Africa as well as Malawi and it is prominent in many ways. You can find music in its art, historical stories, and its traditional and contemporary culture. People play music with authentic instruments and play the song of heart and soul.
CraftsmanshipThe handmade crafts describe the creativity of Malawi. Pottery, ceramics, and handmade products are the important features of local markets, and the unique designs and colors used in the creation are quite eye-catching.
FOOD & DRINKMalawian food holds a range of variety in terms of taste, flavor, and techniques. Agriculture is one of the main occupations of the Malawians and due to this, fresh products enhance the quality of each cuisine.
In earlier times, the use of vegetables was the only source of food. But today, people have upgraded their taste preferences and now the meat is also a major part of Malawian cuisine. The main spices used in the authentic cruise are cumin, cinnamon, dried Birdseye chilies, black peppercorns, and mustard seeds.
The name of Malawian traditional food is Chambo, a fish delicacy that is very popular in the country due to its high availability in Lake Malawi. Nsima is the staple food of Malawi, it is made from ground corn and it is served with a marinated meat or vegetable, covered under a thick layer of sauce.
The healthy drinks famous amongst Malawians are coconut waters and fruit juices. As for alcoholic beverages, Kachasu, a popular spirit made with maize bran, and cane sugar is the local favorite.
Must-Try Delicacies: Chambo, Nsima, Kachumbari, Nthochi, Kondowde, and other cuisines.
Must-Try Drinks: Tea, beer, Malawi gin, South African wines, and many other drinks.
The best time to visit Malawi falls during the dry season in the month of early May to late October. The winters are moderate as the country has humid weather. The climate is favorable during the peak season and offers amazing activities to take part in. In fact, on the shores of Lake Malawi, the sunny days and pleasant breeze offer a great tropical experience.
Malawi's rainfall season is not considered good for tourism as the wildlife hides in the bush and other places don't operate for longer hours.
Malawi's Average Temperature during peak seasons (Temperature may change due to climatic issues):Chilmike is a public holiday in Malawai and it is celebrated as a New Year festival. People celebrate the occasion with parties, street parades, music, and fireworks. Everyone welcomes the new year with zeal and makes promises to carry for the rest of the year.
Location: Malawi
Date: 1 January
Martyrs day is an annual celebration that commemorates the lives lost during the fight for independence from British rule. Families gather together and pray for peace and harmony and thank their ancestors for such sacrifice.
Location: Malawi
Date: March
Easter is a well-celebrated festival in the American continent but it has also made its place in Malawi as Christianity is the dominant religion of the country. It is held annually and people celebrate it as a public holiday.
Location: Malawi
Date: March/April
This festival is a celebration of Malawi’s traditional and iconic dance forms. The exhibition, performances, and events are held to portray the rich heritage of the country. Locals participate and make the event livelier.
Location: Malawi
Date: August
Republic day is a National holiday for the people of Malawi and it is celebrated to mark the country as a proud democratic republic since 1964.
Location: Malawi
Date: 6 July
The visa requirements to visit Malawi have become much less complicated over the years. To travel to Malawi, your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date of intended departure.
Malawi Visa Cost:For Malawian citizens: Malawian citizens have visa-free or visa on arrival access to 70 countries and territories.
Visa-Free TravelList of countries that can travel visa-free to Malawi for 90 days:
Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Dominica, Botswana, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Hong Kong, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Transit visasYou can apply for the transit visa at the nearest Malawian embassy of your country.
Information: Transit visas expire within seven days and can only be used once.
Get more information on ‘How to get a visa to Malawi’ through the Official website of Malawi.
**Please note that the information is subject to change. For the latest information and updates, please contact your embassy. â
Although Malawi is a small country, connectivity, and transportation services are impeccable. It is easy to cover the distance by car. Due to safety and comfort, tourists mainly prefer a car over any other means of transportation. The average car renting price is $641 per week and $92 per day approximately.
Ride-A-BusBus services are not very convenient but are budget-friendly and offer scheduled services that make your travel timeline less hectic. The average bus ticket fare is under USD 5 approximately.
Rent Bicycle/ MotorbikeRenting a bicycle or a bike is the most preferred means of transportation for a solo traveler. You can simply ride through the hills and cover the long and short areas. The average bike and bicycle renting prices are under USD 40 and USD 20 in Malawi.
Ride-A-BoatBoat rides are mainly preferred when you wish to cross Lake Malawi and travel across its areas. Easy ferry rides take place from time to time. It is scheduled. So, better be on time.
Train toursThe Central Eastern African Railways offers better rail connectivity in Malawi. The cost of the ticket differs as per the train services and the scheduled slots assure timeliness and convenience that cuts the chaos from your tour.
Air tourYou can travel across Malawi via easy and convenient air tours. Each travel time is around an hour or less and the average ticket price is around USD 50 approximately.
Malawi is a landlocked country and it has easy and convenient connections via international borders. You can reach the country from Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique after you avail the official required documents.
Via Air RouteMalawian air services are available on a scheduled basis and connect many countries. The flight prices differ. It is the best means of transportation for a convenient and fast travel experience.
Safety Tips
Health
What to Pack?
Dress Code & Etiquette
Zambia is an East African country renowned for its diverse wildlife, rugged terrains, national parks, and reserves. It is a spectacular tourist destination for all the wonder seekers and nature lovers. So, get ready to checkout its mesmerizing locales for utter astonishment.
Tanzania (1,269.2 km)Tanzania is one of the prominent names in the list of amazing East African countries. It is a mecca of the BIG FIVE. The savannahs are their game field and they play with their prey. Every moment is like witnessing the witty yet harsh game of life of the jungle kingdom.
Mozambique (615 km)Mozambique is a magical Southern African country with an enchanting coastline. It holds an amazing collection of Portuguese ruins that speaks a lot about its history. Also, the country is an evident projector of coral islands, reefs, and mangroves that makes it tourists' favorite.
Distance Between Places Of Importance In And Around MalawiLilongwe to Lusaka: 716.54 km
Lilongwe to Dodoma: 1,306.8 km
Lilongwe to Maputo: 1,976.7 km
Country Calling Code: +265
The contact number of the ministry of tourism in Malawi: +265 1 775 499
Click for more info here
Ambulance998
Fire : 999
Police : 997
The official name of Malawi's currency is the Malawian Kwacha. The name of the Central bank is the Reserve Bank of Malawi. Until 1971, Malawian money was known as the Malawian pound but it was replaced by Kwacha after that. Kwacha is subdivided into 100 tambalas.
Tip: It is recommended to carry change at all times.
Symbol: MK
Code: MWK
1 Kwacha = 100 tambalas
Malawian Currency to AED:
1 Malawian Kwacha (MWK) = 0.0048 United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) (as of 18 November 2020)
MK notes can be found in denominations of 50 kwacha, 200 kwacha, 100 kwacha, 1000 kwacha, 500 kwacha, 2000 kwacha, 20 kwacha.
MK coins can be found in denominations of 10 kwacha, 5 kwacha, 1 kwacha.
Why book your travel with us?
This National park is an atypical exotic locale surrounded by the shining sandy beach and granite islands. The clear water invites for an unforgettable tour in its underwater kingdom and offers views of variant spaces and creatures that come in many sizes and shapes.
Timing: 24 hours
Price: Malawian Citizens: Adults US$4; Children US$2; Vehicle US$4
Mumbo Island is another Malawian paradise. The turquoise blue colored water and green contrast of trees complement each other. You can spend romantic nights and fun days here under the surveillance of nature. It is the perfect Malawian place to visit with your partner and enjoy your honeymoon days.
Timing: 24 hours
Price: The entry fee is free.
Mulanje Mountain is a really popular Malawian tourist attraction that projects the beauty of hills and mountains surrounded by lavish greenery. Follow the alleys and slowly reach the top of the hill and appreciate the beautiful craft of nature made by the almighty.
Timing: Operates mostly during day time.
Price: USD 1.31 per person
Get complete insight into wildlife at Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, one of the most preferred places to visit in Malawi for wildlife enthusiasts. It is a house of varied creatures that are either shy or fiery or friendly. So, get ready to meet your jungle pals and spend a whole day with them.
Timing: 8 am to 5 pm every day
Price: Residents: USD 3.97 for adults and 1.98 for children | Internationals: USD 5.55 for adults and 2.78 for children.
The Museum of Malwai takes you on a historical and cultural tour of Malawi. It has a vast collection of Malawian heritage and is considered the best place to go to Malawi with family and friends. So, check out its amazing features and enjoy great meals in its nearby eating outlets.
Timing: 9 am to 5 pm every day
Price: USD 0.66 for adults and USD 0.13 for children under 13 yrs.
Lilongwe is the capital city of the country and it is one of the major tourist spots in Malawi. The woodlands sit on a major part of the city and the wildlife sanctuaries guard a massive population of rescued animals and species. Lilongwe’s weather is favorable during the dry season and you can stroll in the jungles or spend a day with the animals in the center.
Lilongwe Attractions: Chongoni Rock Art Area, Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, World War I Memorial, and many other places.
BlantyreIt is a Malawian city surrounded by British colonial architecture and nearby parks. The museums narrate the saga of its old days and exhibit a huge collection of its antiquity. The cultural performances are simply amazing and the art centers are always jam-packed with the events of traditional dances and songs.
Blantyre Attractions: Liwonde National Park, Lengwe National Park, Mulanje Mountain, and many other places.
ZombaZomba houses many antique structures of the British colonial times and evident architectures. The botanic gardens are more than just about beauty, they house many medicinal plants that are helpful in the cure of illness.
Zomba Attractions: Zomba Massif, Mulunguzi Dam, Chagwa Dam, and many other places.
Monkey BayMonkey Bay town is a beautiful place and a town in Malawi. It is renowned for its tropical features as it is located on the shore of Lake Malawi. Fishing, snorkeling, boating, and many other water activities are its major fun and attractive features.
Monkey Bay Attractions: Lake Malawi National Park is the topmost tourist favored attraction.
If you can make timeâ¦...
More Places to Explore in Malawi