Document checklist for Malawi

• Valid visa
• Valid passport
• Proof of onward or return ticket
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate
• Health declaration form
• Travel Insurance

Essential Malawi travel information

Currency – The Malawi kwacha (MWK). Around 850 MWK is needed to convert 1 USD.

Daily budget for one person – around USD 30 – 50

Languages – Although English is the official language, Chichewa is commonly used.

Socket type – Type G, 3-prong UK-style socket.

Time zone – Central Africa Time (CAT), GMT+2.

Top 3 cities to visit – Lilongwe (capital city), Blantyre (commercial capital), and Zomba (former capital and university town)

The top 3 landmarks/monuments are Lake Malawi, Mulanje Mountain, and Liwonde National Park.

Visa information for Malawi

US and EU nationals may need a visa to enter Malawi depending on the reason for their trip and how long they want to stay.

Typical costs and budget for Malawi

Daily spending per person – around $30-$50 (MWK 24,000-40,000)

Meals – Around $2 to $5 (MWK 1,600 to 4,000) can be spent on a modest supper at a nearby restaurant.

Transport – around $1-$2 (MWK 8,00-1600).

Accommodation – $10-$15 (MWK 8,000-12,000) per night.

A vacation to Malawi for two persons for a week would generally cost between $500 and $700 (MWK 340,000 to 476,000), not including airfare and immigration fees.

Transport and ways to travel around Malawi

Several methods to get throughout Malawi include buses, minibusses, taxis, and private vehicles. The most popular kind of public transportation is the bus or minibus, an inexpensive way to get to most places in the nation.

Taxis and private vehicles are also available for hire, providing more convenient but expensive mobility. Before boarding, confirming the fare and having small currency bills available for payment are advised.

In Malawi, it is possible to rent a vehicle. However, you can only do it with an international driving license. In addition, the roads, particularly the older northern ones, can be challenging because of their potholes and congested areas.

Safety in Malawi

Travelers can feel safe in Malawi. However, there are several safety measures that local officials advise tourists to follow to safeguard their safety while they are there.

Even though small towns and rural areas in Malawi are thought to be very safe for travel, petty crime, including pickpocketing and theft, can happen in crowded places and popular tourist spots like Kenyatta Drive.

Avoid going on a nighttime solo stroll, especially in dimly lit places. It’s also advised to book transportation through your hotel, a dependable tour operator, a dependable taxi service, or both.

Although violent crimes against foreigners are uncommon, tourists should exercise caution in districts with a greater danger of crime and instability, especially along the borders with Tanzania and Mozambique. Awareness of regional laws, traditions, and customs is also crucial. Keep up with local news to learn about happenings that can affect your vacation.

Weather in Malawi

Malawi experiences different rainy and dry seasons due to its subtropical environment. Therefore, the appropriate time to travel is during the dry season (May to October). Due to the more moderate temperature and decreased rainfall, this time of year is ideal for outdoor activities like safaris and trekking. The warmest months are October and November, with daytime highs of 35°C.

The wettest months in Malawi are January through March, with the rainy season lasting from November to April. Temperatures during the wet season range from 20°C to 30°C, and the landscape is lush and green, although travel can be difficult owing to flooded roads and limited access to some areas.

Regardless of the season, it’s essential to dress for warm weather with airy garments that cover the arms and legs to keep the heat and mosquitoes at bay.

Typical Malawian food to try

The national food of Malawi is nsima, a stew or sauce accompanied by crushed maize flour. You eat it with your hands by forming little balls of nsima and dipping them into the sauce.

Lake Malawi’s chambo is a freshwater fish frequently grilled or fried and served with veggies and a side of nsima. Both locals and tourists like eating this meal.

Mandasi is a typical breakfast or snack in Malawi that can be eaten plain or with various toppings, such as jam or powdered sugar.

Vaccine information for Malawi

Check the CDC website for necessary vaccines, such as Yellow Fever, before flying to Malawi. Travelers should also avoid malaria and other diseases and keep their regular vaccines current.