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General Malawi Travel Information
Our sister company The Responsible Safari Company (RSC) will meet your group and guide you during your time in Malawi. They are point of contact during your trip and are on hand 24hrs a day. RSC Numbers are: +265 (0) 999306631 and +265 (0) 999970407
Malawi is GMT+2 hours in the European Winter and GMT+1 hour in the European Summer.
5.30am -5.30pm (this changes by one hour, 06.30am – 06.30pm in the winter months of November – April).
Traditional Malawian food is quite bland but well worth a try! There are some good international restaurants in the main cities and most lodges/restaurants have international and local menus.
The local language in Malawi is Chichewa. In your pre travel eco-pack there is a page dedicated to basic phrases in Chichewa. Most people in Malawi, particularly, in the cities, speak English.
Before reaching Malawi we will send you a pre travel pack, which includes a packing list and an eco pack. Your eco-pack will highlight the history and geography of Malawi as well as an in depth guide to the areas you will be visiting. This will all be printed for you to receive when you arrive in Malawi.
The best airlines for baggage allowance are Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airways which offer 2x 23 kg bags, total of 46kg per person. Currently South African Airways offers each passenger 23 kgs (one bag).
Like anywhere in the world it is a good idea to keep your valuables safe when you are travelling. Try not to carry large amounts of money around with you and spread your money out amongst your main luggage and hand luggage.
There is a risk of getting malaria in Malawi but if you correctly take anti-malarial drugs then your risks are hugely reduced. Every lodge in a malarial area will have mosquito nets and we advise bringing long trousers and long sleeved tops to wear in the evening. For advise on the best anti malarials please consult your doctor.
No- BUT we highly recommend you take anti-malarials. We have never had a client who has had malaria because they all have been on anti-malarials!
Malaria usually begins with high temperature and flu type symptoms. If you are at all unsure visit a local clinic and take a blood test. It is a two minute test and will give you peace of mind.
Lake Malawi is a fresh water lake with incredible snorkeling and diving opportunities. However, some areas of the lake (generally areas with high local populations and poor sanitation) are at risk from a parasite infection known as Bilharzia. Although cases are becoming increasingly rarer, Bilharzia is still an ongoing issue in Lake Malawi due to the high concentration of communities along the lakeshore. However, there are a small number of areas in Lake Malawi which have been declared Bilharzia free and where it is safe to swim and snorkel. These include the offshore islands of Mumbo & Domwe where lack of human inhabitation makes the lifecycle of the disease near to impossible.
As such, unless you are staying on one of the offshore islands, it is advised not to swim in over populated areas along the lakeshore. Bilharzia is treatable and if you are at all concerned then seek medical advise back in your home country where a simple blood test can establish if you have contracted bilharzia. A one off tablet prescription will then be administered. If you are unsure whether you can swim in the area, please ask the lodge or hotel who will be able to clarify further.
Please also note that although unlikely, Bilharzia can also be contracted from showers where untreated water is pumped directly from the lake.
For more information please see the UK NHS website:http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/schistosomiasis/Pages/Introduction.aspxPlease contact us and we will be happy to forward a Bilhazia report carried out on Mumbo and Domwe Islands for your reference.
In the main cities in Malawi there are good hospitals, which have emergency healthcare facilities.
The local currency in Malawi is Malawi Kwacha.
You can change US Dollars, British Pounds, Euros or South Africa Rand upon arrival in Malawi. There are also ATM’s in the major cities to withdraw cash (although there are small limits on daily allowances). Traveler’s cheques are not generally accepted and please also note that Mastercard is not widely accepted with Visas the more common card of use.
Most international lodges take dollars however for roadside drinks, market purchases, local meals you will require Malawi Kwacha.
You can pay for your drinks tab in dollars in most lodges. Please note credit card facilities are still rare in Malawi and incur a minimum of a 5% charge.
This is of course up to you, however as a guideline we say about $5 per person per day for a driver/guide. Tipping at lodges work on 10%. Most lodges share their tips amongst their staff but feel free to ask the managers what they would recommend if you are unsure.
Malawi has a good range of accommodation options suitable for all budgets. Small exclusive lodges retain that fantastic African feel in their design and décor and big hotels provide a few more mod cons. Please ask to see our accommodation guide for further information.
In all malarial areas mosquito nets will be provided in your room.
Nearly every hotel we use has ensuite rooms. If your room has a shared bathroom we will write non-ensuite on your itinerary.
Most hotels/lodges it is perfectly safe to leave your money and passports in the room. If you are unsure please use a room safe or leave your belongings with management at reception- just don’t forget to collect them upon departure!
As with all developing countries Malawi does have frequent water and power cuts. Every lodge/hotel will do their very best to ensure these cuts do not effect your stay. Some lodges run on solar power or use paraffin to light the rooms.
It is possible to buy roadside snacks but these are very limited and not to everyone’s taste. We will always try and arrange a packed lunch for you or arrange a stop on route at a restaurant or hotel for lunch. Please check your itinerary to see if these extra meals are included. Your driver will ensure that you buy water before departing on long journeys- bring a refillable bottle please!
In most lodges/hotels the water is safe to drink however as visitors are not used to the water in Malawi we would suggest using bottled or boiled water. If you are unsure please check with the managers at the hotel/lodge. Do not drink water from roadside stops.
Yes. But if you are unsure ask at reception or use bottled water.
Please inform us prior to travel if you have any specific dietary requirements.
Yes in most areas around Malawi. Please double check with your service provider before departing and make sure your phone does not have an international calling bar on it.
Local SIM cards are the cheapest way to keep in touch with home and make calls within Malawi. Local SIM cards usually work in international phones but do ensure you have unblocked your phone before travelling if you would like this option. You can but a sim card and register it at the airport on arrival.
Most lodges use three pin sockets. It is advisable to bring an adaptor plug just in case.
Most lodges work from mains power so charging is easy. However some lodges do not have electricity or use solar power so charging is limited. If going on safari it is advisable to bring extra batteries and photo memory cards.
Some lodges offer wi-fi Internet and in the major cities there are internet cafes. Please ask RSC if you need Internet access during your trip and we can advise.
RSC Numbers are: +265 (0) 999306631 +265 (0) 999970407
UK Orbis: (24hrs) +44 (0)7717688994
Yes. We are on call 24hrs a day on the above numbers.
All EU countries, United States, and South African passport holders do not need a visa for Malawi you will just fill in an entry form upon arrival. For other countries please enquire with your embassy or email RSC for further information.
Please consult your local doctor or medical centre for advice on inoculations.
At the present time you do not need a yellow fever certificate to enter Malawi. However if you are visiting Zambia or have come through or from a Yellow Fever Zone you may be asked to show your yellow fever certificate. Please consult your local doctor or email RSC for further info.
Yes, please note that all travellers must have comprehensive Africa & Worldwide travel insurance prior to travel to Africa. Please make sure the cover includes all ‘Adventure Activities’ expected to undertake while abroad (including volunteering activities if applicable) and please make sure all exclusions are checked prior to purchase. Please note that RSC are not responsible for any medical or repatriation costs outside of Malawi/Zambia.
Lost luggage can be an issue when flying to Malawi so ensure your travel insurance covers extra costs you might incur to collect your luggage if it is late arriving.
Your RSC driver/guide will organize with the airline for your luggage to get to you as soon as possible. Please pack a change of clothes in your hand luggage- just in case!
Before departing for Malawi you will be sent a comprehensive packing list by RSC.
We have a fantastic any space in your luggage programme where you can bring some much needed resources out to Malawi- let us know if you would like more information.
Most lodges/hotels provide laundry services. Clothes washing is usually done by hand so perhaps don’t hand over your precious delicate clothes items as they might stretch!
Malawi makes a good range of locally made wooden curios which are nice to bring back home. Also paintings and recycled goods. The local Chiteje material is lovely to make cushion covers or clothes from! Please check with your home country what you can bring home though.
Ask your driver/guide. There are good markets and main curios shops in key tourist attractions and the cities.
It is all about bartering, if you are unsure ask your driver/guide to help you.
Most shops open around 9am and close at 5pm. Most shops are open on Saturday morning but closed Sundays. Markets are usually open 7 days a week. The main supermarkets are open till 6pm Mon-Sat and open for a half day on Sunday.
Malawi is a conservative country and it is advisable not to wear shorts or skirts that are too short. At Lake Malawi it is less conservative. When visiting rural areas it is good for ladies to wear long skirts and men should not go bare chested.
Photography in main tourist areas in completely accepted. It is polite to ask local Malawians if they mind having their photo taken or ask your driver/guide for advice. Do not take photographs of police, government buildings or airports.
No- this only encourages more begging and can have a negative effect on projects trying to help needy people.
Going on Safari
Malawi is coming up in terms of wildlife with fantastic elephant and rhino sightings in Majete and Liwonde and beautiful roan antelope and the occasional leopard in Nyika Plateau. African Parks have also re-introduced more lions and cheetah to Malawi parks to make safari in Malawi even more memorable. For true wildlife enthusiasts, a quick hop across the border to South Luangwa National Park promises stunning sightings of lion, leopard, giraffe, elephants and many more. Birding is fantastic both in Malawi and Zambia.
When on safari it is advisable, and compulsory on walking safaris, to wear khaki coloured clothing. Greens, beige and grey are good colour choices. Walking shoes and a light fleece are a good extra to bring with you. It can get very hot to take a sun hat and obviously a good camera and long lens.
Yes. At each lodge within a National Park you will be provided with an expert safari guide/driver. If you are on self drive you can choose to take your own vehicle and hire a guide. Do not get out of your vehicle if you choose self drive option!
Yes and night game drives are fantastic. Please note most National Parks do not allow self drive vehicles into the park at night.
Walking safaris organised through the lodge are arranged with an armed scout to protect the group. As long as you always listen to your guide and do as they say it is perfectly safe. Do not go on a walking safari without a guide and scout.
Hiking Mount Mulanje
Mount Mulanje can be climbed all year round but September and October are the best times to climb. But during November and March there can be heavy rains meaning some routes are impassable. During the months of May, June, July, August the mountain can get very very cold so bring lots of layers of clothing.
During the months of May-September the peaks can go below freezing. Hiking on the mountain all year round will feel much colder than other areas of Malawi due to the altitude.
YES. Never try and climb the mountain without a guide- the conditions can change very quickly and it is very easy to get lost. If you are an experienced hiker then you might choose to carry your own bag. Please note hiring a porter and guide supports the local economy and is a key income for the local population.
To reach the plateau of Mount Mulanje can take up to 8 hours. You have to be fit and prepared to walk long distances. There are harder routes so please advise your level of fitness and hiking ability.
To walk you should have a day pack and a small rucksack for the porters to carry. Please make sure your bags are soft and have straps to be carried easily by the porters. It is useful to take a waterproof bag or plastic bag to put over your luggage in case in rains.
You can leave your main luggage at the base of the mountain at the base camp hostel.
We will send you an extensive packing list before your trip to Malawi. In brief you will need, walking boots, day pack, water container, layers of clothing for cold nights, light fleece and headtorch.
Accommodation is available in basic mountain huts. The huts do not have electricity and are heated by open wood burning fires and offer long drop toilets nearby (dug into the ground).
The best is to hike to the plateau (between 4 and 8 hours) spend the night and then climb one of the peaks the next morning
Community project work/visits
Ladies- it is a good idea to wear long skirts or Chitenje over your shorts and do not wear sleeveless tops.
Gentlemen- please cover your chests!
We can advise you of specific items needed for each community project so you can make sure your donations are useful!
If you visit an RSC linked community project over 80% of your project visit cost will go directly back into the organization through RSC’s sustainable giving programme.
We can offer you advice and act as an intermediary for you to continue sustainably supporting a project once you have returned home.
For Self Drive - Driving in Malawi
The main routes in Malawi are good tarmac roads. In National Parks and more rural areas roads are dirt tracks.
Expect to drive a minimum of 2 hours between each destination.
Most lodges are signed from the main roads however we will also provide you with a road map and directions to lodges.
Yes. You will need an internationally registered driving license.
Don’t panic- they usually just want to find out where you are going and want to see your driving license.
Phone RSC +265 (0)999306631 and we will do our best to get you a replacement vehicle or find a mechanic as soon as possible
80km. It is 50KM in any built up area and the police do have speed traps! If any car flashes you it is usually to tell you that there is a police speed trap coming!