Malawi Top Travel Tips

There’s nothing like up-to-date, relevant travel information direct from the experts – get Go2Africa’s essential Malawi travel advice before you go.

Money & Spending

The local currency in Malawi is the Kwacha although US Dollars are widely accepted throughout the country. Credit card acceptance is improving but don’t rely on it in Malawi’s more remote or little-visited destinations – be on the safe side and check with your Africa Safari Expert before you travel.

Generally speaking Malawi is a very affordable destination so your spending money should go far. If you're travelling with dollars, we'd recommend bringing some small denomination bills as you can pick up genuinely beautiful and affordable handmade crafts at the local markets. Just keep some money aside because you'll need to pay an international departure tax of 30 US Dollars per person at Lilongwe Airport.

Tipping

Service charges are not included in hotel, lodge and restaurant bills in Malawi. Tipping is entirely at your discretion – it is not compulsory but is enthusiastically received if you feel the service you received deserves a gratuity. The amount of tip you leave is based on the level of service you've received but the general guideline is about 10%.

For in-depth tipping guidelines, enquire with one of our Africa Safari Experts – they’d be happy to share their knowledge with you.

Climate

Average summer temperatures: 20°C to 32°C

Average winter temperatures: 15°C to 28°C

Rainy season: December to March

Refer to “best time to visit Malawi” for climate charts and details on the best wildlife-viewing times.

How similar to a beach holiday is Lake Malawi?

It’s remarkably similar. In fact, it often feels exactly like being at a tropical ocean resort, just without the salt. Known as the ‘Lake of Stars', Lake Malawi boasts vast stretches of golden sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and gentle waves. You can fill your days with classic beach activities like sunbathing, kayaking, sailing, and water-skiing.

Because it's a freshwater lake, there are no strong tides or currents, making it incredibly safe and pleasant for swimming. It's also a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving, where you'll be surrounded by hundreds of colorful, shimmering chiclid fish. If you are looking for that perfect bush and beach combination, pairing a traditional safari with a few days on the shores of the lake gives you the ultimate laid-back beach holiday vibe.

What to Pack?

Malawi is first and foremost a beach destination so pack accordingly – lightweight clothing, sandals, hats and, most importantly, sun screen! Malawi has so much to offer so here is a list of our top Malawi destinations to visit. Mosquitoes are most active in the early mornings and evenings, so pack repellent and long-sleeved clothing to protect your wrists and ankles at these times. Be sure to leave some space in your suitcase as you're likely to want to bring back lots of souvenirs from the local markets.

Flights & Getting Around

Did you know you can book your flights through Go2Africa? For more information and frequently asked questions, please see our Flights section.

Lilongwe International Airport: daily flights from Johannesburg as well as regular flights from Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya means great options for a big game safari in Southern or East Africa followed by a beach holiday on nearby Lake Malawi.

Chileka International Airport: located in Blantyre, Malawi’s second international airport serves the country’s southern destinations.

It's fairly easy to get around Malawi – roads are in relatively good condition and distances are generally short. Road transfers can be a good option particularly if you want to see a bit of Malawi but if you'd rather just get to the lake then your best option is a light aircraft charter flight. Luggage on charter flights is strictly limited to 12kg per person and needs be carried in soft-skinned suitcases.

Boat transfers take visitors to Lake Malawi’s islands or to Nkwichi Lodge on the lake's remote Mozambican shore.

Visa & Passport Requirements

All visitors to Malawi must be in possession of a passport valid for at least six months after date of departure. Visas to enter Malawi are not required by citizens of the USA, all Commonwealth countries and most European countries (except Switzerland). For those nationalities that do require visas, these cannot be obtained on arrival but must be obtained in advance from any Malawi embassy or consulate.

Visas are limited to 30 days, but getting an extension once you're in Blantyre or Lilongwe is relatively easy and free.

Is Malawi a good destination for a family safari with young children?

Malawi can be a wonderful family destination, but it is generally best suited for families travelling with older children or teenagers. Many of the top wildlife areas are located in malaria-endemic zones, which requires taking preventative medication that may not be suitable for very young children. Additionally, because Malawi's parks offer thrillingly wild, un-fenced environments and water-based safaris, a high level of parental vigilance is required.

That being said, for older kids, Malawi is an absolute paradise. The combination of active wildlife viewing, snorkeling in the lake, kayaking, and meeting incredibly friendly local children makes it an educational and unforgettable adventure.

About Malawi

History & Economy

Fossil evidence suggests Malawi’s human history goes back a million years. Southern African Khoisan hunter-gatherers were the original inhabitants but by 1500 AD Malawi had been settled by migrating West African farmers and herders, leading to the rise of a great regional empire. Devastated by the 19th century slave trade, Malawi was colonised by the British following David Livingstone’s explorations but Nyasaland, as Malawi was then known, remained a colonial backwater until independence in 1964.

One of the world’s least developed countries, Malawi is heavily dependant on agriculture, accounting for a third of GDP and 90% of exports. The main agricultural exports are tobacco (over 60% of all exports), tea and sugar. Tourism plays a vital role in bringing foreign currency into Malawi.

People & Culture

A relatively small country with well over 15 million people, Malawi has one of the highest population densities in Africa. It’s an overwhelmingly rural society – nearly 90% of Malawians live in the countryside and are involved in subsistence farming – and a religious one too: 80% of Malawians are Christian with a further 13% claiming adherence to Islam.

It’s also a country that has long been associated with friendliness and hospitality – not for nothing is Malawi known as The Warm Heart of Africa – but travellers should bear in mind that it is also a deeply conservative country with manners and modesty highly prized.

English is the official language and widely spoken though the dominant local language is Chichewa, spoken by nearly 60% of the population. Music and dance dominate Malawian culture – many traditional ceremonies and festivals still occur throughout the country – and there is a rich tradition of basketry and mask carving.

What is the appropriate dress code when visiting local villages or markets?

Malawi is a warm and welcoming country, but it is also deeply traditional and conservative when it comes to dress. While casual beachwear, shorts, and swimwear are perfectly acceptable at your lake resort or on a game drive, you should dress more modestly when visiting local markets, towns, or rural villages.

For both men and women, it is respectful to keep your shoulders and knees covered. Women typically wear long skirts or loose, lightweight trousers (or a traditional wrap-around sarong called a chitenje). Wearing modest clothing is viewed by locals as a sign of respect for their culture and manners, and it will ensure your cultural interactions are warm and positive.

What is the policy on plastic bags in Malawi?

In an effort to protect its pristine environments and spectacular wildlife, Malawi has a strict ban on the manufacturing, sale, and use of thin, single-use plastic bags.

When packing for your trip, we recommend avoiding using disposable plastic bags to wrap shoes or organize your luggage. Instead, opt for reusable, eco-friendly cloth bags or durable packing cubes. Not only does this help keep Malawi beautiful and protect its marine and land ecosystems, but it also aligns perfectly with the sustainable, low-impact ethos of the luxury lodges you will be enjoying.

Landscape & Wildlife

Occupying a fifth of the country, Malawi’s environment is dominated by Lake Malawi, a Rift Valley lake that forms Malawi’s eastern border with Mozambique and Tanzania. Home to the world’s greatest number of lake-dwelling fish species, this freshwater lake with its sandy beaches and deserted islands is the mainstay of the country’s economy and tourist industry. Much of the rest of Malawi is farmed but there are also several high forested or grassy plateaus, mountain ranges and extensive wetlands.

Despite its small size and high population density, 20% of Malawi is protected land. The remote Nyika Plateau offers visitors a wide range of antelope species, elephant, leopard and buffalo while both Liwonde National Park and Majete Wildlife Reserve are now official Big 5 destinations.

Start Planning Your Malawi Holiday

Chat with someone who’s been there. Get in touch with one of our Africa Travel Experts to help tailor-make a trip to Malawi that’s right for you.