Introducing Malawi
About Malawi
Little Malawi is dwarfed by its much bigger southern African neighbors and this has undoubtedly affected both its tourism and its economy over the years.
But thanks to a number of successful conservation and wildlife reintroduction programs, Malawi is fast developing a reputation as an up-and-coming safari destination, and tourists are slowly cottoning on to the wealth of other offerings to be found in the so-called warm heart of Africa.
Malawi currently has nine national parks and wildlife reserves, six of which are especially recommended for visitors. There are also many attractive and accessible forest reserves. All the parks and reserves are uncrowded and give visitors an excellent experience of unspoiled wilderness. In 2012, lions were reintroduced into Majete Wildlife Reserve after a 30-year absence, which means Malawi is once again home to the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino).
As well as iconic African wildlife, Malawi also boasts diverse scenery, including deep valleys, evergreen forests and waterfalls, all presided over by the dramatic peaks of Mount Mulanje and the rugged and regal Zomba Plateau in the south.
Outdoor activities are central to any visit to Malawi. You can trek, mountain bike or horse ride in entirely natural surroundings or climb peaks and plateaus. But the vast Lake Malawi remains the shimmering jewel in Malawi’s crown. Cut into the Great Rift Valley and stretching from the northern tip of the country to Mangochi in the south, Lake Malawi is Africa’s third largest lake. Some of the world’s rarest tropical fish are found here, not to mention myriad bird species. It’s a dream destination for twitching, scuba diving and kayaking, or simply relaxing by the beach.
Though Malawi remains one of the poorest countries in Africa, unlike some its neighbours it is an inherently peaceful place. And what it lacks in economic capital, it more than makes up for with its natural riches and ubiquitous kindness.
Language, Culture & History
History of Malawi
The shores of Lake Malawi have been inhabited for thousands of years and recent archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of settlements dating back to the late Stone and Iron Ages. The majority of the present population descend from Bantu tribes, who arrived in the region some time before the first Arab slave traders and Portuguese explorers. British colonial settlers and missionaries, including David Livingstone, moved into the area in the late 1850s.
Colonial domination became inevitable and, in 1891, the British declared the country the British Protectorate of Nyasaland. In 1953, the British federated Nyasaland with Northern and Southern Rhodesia (now Zambia and Zimbabwe), but Nyasaland seceded in 1963 following elections which gave Dr Hastings Banda a majority.
In 1964, Nyasaland became independent as Malawi and, two years later, was declared a republic and a one-party state. In 1971, Dr Banda became President for Life, and during his subsequent reign retained a firm grip of the country, jailing or exiling opponents and attracting criticism for his support of South Africa’s apartheid regime.
By 1993, the ailing Banda was forced to concede political pluralism in Malawi. After the adoption of a new constitution, simultaneous parliamentary and presidential elections were held in 1994. Banda and his chief henchman, the much-hated and feared John Tembo, were put on trial for their alleged role in the 1983 murders of four opposition politicians. They were acquitted in 1995, although investigations into various financial misdemeanours continued. The prosecution of Banda ended with his death in 1997, but Tembo was eventually convicted in 2003.
Abroad, Malawi has aligned itself with the post-liberation government in South Africa, the main political and economic force in the region. Domestically, the HIV/AIDS pandemic has been the dominant issue: Malawi is one of the worst affected countries with an estimated one million people (just under 10% of the total population) living with the infection.
Traditionally a very conservative society strongly influenced by Scottish missionaries during the colonial era, Malawi has found it hard to come to terms with its plight.
Did you know?
- Blantyre, the second city, hosts an annual nsima eating contest. Winners can expect to pack away up to 3kg of the starch.
- Lake Malawi contains more fish species than any other lake.
- The lake is locally known as Lake Nyasa, which translates as ‘Lake Lake’.
Malawi Culture
Religion in Malawi
80% are Christian, 13% Muslim. A recorded 4.3% of the remaining 7% have no religion (1998 census).
Social Conventions in Malawi
Despite the large number of tribal backgrounds in the Malawi population, integration is well established and visitors need not be aware of any social differences. The white population is very small in number. There are some religious differences, most noticeable among the Muslim population and especially as far as alcohol consumption is concerned.
Malawians place emphasis on the importance of shaking hands on meeting and departing. The special handshake, which includes grasping the thumb and putting the other hand on the forearm, is best avoided unless practised. Children and some women may curtsey as a greeting or if being made a presentation. Offering a soft drink to a visitor is common at meetings.
Malawians tend to be conventional rather than casual in their dress, especially in formal gatherings. Modest dress should be worn unless at the beach or playing sport.
Language in Malawi
English and Chichewa are both official. Chichewa is widely spoken but the language of the business community is English.
Geography & weather
Weather and climate
Best time to visit
Varies from cool in the highlands to warm around Lake Malawi. Winter (May to July) is dry and nights can be chilly, particularly in the highlands. The rainy season runs from November to March. Around Lake Malawi, in winter, the climate is particularly dry with pleasant cooling breezes.
Required clothing
Lightweights are worn all year in the Lake Malawi area, with warmer clothes advised in the mountains, particularly during winter and on chilly evenings elsewhere. Visitors to Nyika and Zomba should note that the nights can be cold. Dark or ‘natural’ coloured clothing should beworn for game viewing
Geography
Malawi shares borders to the north and northeast with Tanzania, to the south, east and southwest with Mozambique and to the west with Zambia. Lake Malawi, the third largest lake in Africa, is the dominant feature of the country, forming the eastern boundary with Tanzania and Mozambique. The scenery varies in the country’s three regions. The Northern Region is mountainous, with the highest peaks reaching over 2,500m (8,200ft), and features the rolling Nyika Plateau, rugged escarpments, valleys and the thickly forested slopes of the Viphya Plateau. The Central Region is mainly a plateau, over 1,000m (3,300ft) high, with fine upland scenery. This is the country’s main agricultural area. The Southern Region is mostly low-lying except for the 2,100m-high (6,890ft) Zomba Plateau south of Lake Malawi and the huge, isolated Mulanje Massif (3,000m/10,000ft) in the southeast. The variety of landscape and the wildlife it supports make this relatively unspoilt country particularly attractive to visitors.
Business Opportunity
Doing Business in Malawi
Suits or a jacket and tie are suitable for business meetings in cities. Similar to the European system, appointments should generally be made and business cards are used. Offices tend to open early in Malawi. Best months for business visits are May to July and September to November.
Office Hours
Mon-Fri 0730-1700.
The economy is almost entirely agricultural but the manufacturing industry now accounts for about 15% of economic output. Manufacturing is concentrated in light industrial import substitution projects such as textiles, chemicals, agricultural implements and processed foodstuffs. Tourism is intended to become a major source of foreign exchange but this will depend on improvements in basic infrastructure and political stability in the region.
In 2006, the economy grew by 6.4%, while inflation was 14%. Recent economic policy has followed an orthodox course of privatisation, deregulation and government spending cuts. The latter have had a severe impact on the country’s already limited basic services, especially healthcare. Between one-third and one-half of the working population are thought to be infected with HIV/AIDS, with the inevitable economic consequences.
Malawi is normally self-sufficient in food, especially maize, the main staple. But it also has a vast balance of payments deficit and is heavily dependent on foreign aid, both bilateral and from the World Bank.
Malawi’s only dedicated conference centre is the Kwacha International Conference Centre in Blantyre, with seating for up to 500 people. Details of this and hotels with conference facilities can be obtained from the Malawi Tourism (see Contact Addresses).
GDP
US$2.2 billion (2006).
Main exports
Tobacco, tea and coffee, sugar, peanuts and wood products.
Main imports
Food, petroleum products, semi-manufactured goods, consumer goods and transportation equipment.
Main trading partners
South Africa, Germany, USA and Zimbabwe.
Keeping in Touch in Malawi
Mobile Phone
Roaming agreements currently exist with many international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good in urban areas.
Internet
Services are available in business centres in hotels, and there are a few Internet cafes.
Media
Radio is the chief source of information and state-run MBC is the main national broadcaster. Television was introduced in 1999. Privately owned publications present a range of opinions, although the government has used libel and other laws to put pressure on newspaper journalists.
Post
Letters take about seven to 10 days to reach Europe by airmail.
Post Office hours
Generally Mon-Fri 0730-1200 and 1300-1700. Post offices in some of the larger towns may be open Sun 0900-1000, but only to sell stamps or to accept telegrams.
Plan your trip
Here’s Journey
Flying to Malawi
Proflight Zambia (www.proflight-zambia.com) connects Zambia with flights to Malawi’s capital Lilongwe. From the UK, you can fly to Malawi with Ethiopian Airlines (www.ethiopianairlines.com) via Addis Ababa or Kenya Airways (www.kenyaairways.com) via Nairobi. Alternatively, British Airways (www.ba.com), South African Airways (www.flysaa.com) and Virgin Atlantic (www.virgin-atlantic.com) fly direct from London to Johannesburg, from where you can take a connecting flight with Ethiopian Airlines or South African Airways.
Airport Guides
Chileka International Airport
Code BLZ
Location
The airport (Chileka) is 13km (8 miles) from the city. TelephoneAddress
Lilongwe International Airport
Code LLW
Location
The airport (Lilongwe International) is 26km (16 miles) from the city (journey time – 25 to 30 minutes).
Telephone Address
Flight times
From London – 14 hours 30 minutes (including stopover); New York – 19 hours (including stopover).
Departure tax
Included in the air fare.
Travelling to Malawi by Rail
Central East African Railways (CEAR) (tel: +265 1 840 841; www.cear.mw) has a network which extends from the Zambian border in the west to connections with Mozambique’s Nacala corridor in the east and Beira corridor in the south.
Driving to Malawi
Getting to Malawi by boat
Ferry operators
The Ilala Ferry connects Malawian ports with Metangula and Cobue in Mozambique.
Staying there
Hotels
Hotel accommodation is difficult to obtain and reservations for major international hotels should be booked prior to arrival. All reservations should be made well in advance. There are good hotels in Agadez, Ayorou, Maradi, Niamey, to Tapoa and Zinder. There are also ‘encampments’ in Agadez, Bonbon, Namaro and Tillaberi. Local hotels are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For further information, contact the National Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses).
Camping
Other accommodation
While you’re there
Things to see & do their
Attractions in Malawi
Buy a camel at Ayorou market
Trawl the animal market in Ayourou, an ancient trading station located on an island in the Malawi River, close to the Malian border. While in the region, use the town of Tillaberi as a jumping off point for reaching W National Park, where you should keep your eyes peeled for the endangered We. African giraffe, which clings on in the park.
Catch a tribal festival
Celebrate the end of the rainy season with the Peulh people, who mark the change in weather with a lively knees up. Alternatively, witness the Cure Soirée at Ingall, when nomads gather their cattle to go to new pastures. Not to be missed is the Wodaabe tribe’sgerewol, an annual courtship festival, the largest of which takes place at Ingall.
Discover Malawi’s desert landscapes
Arrange an expedition through the mountains to relax at the springs at lgouloulef and Tafadek or the oasis town of Iferouane. Beyond, the Tenere Desert offers a charismatic landscape of dunes and open plains, while the Djado Plateau is rich in prehistoric rock painting and engraving.
Experience Zinder’s labyrinthine alleyways
The Old Town in Zinder, which was the capital of Malawi until 1927, is a compact maze of alleyways, typical of a Hausa settlement. Near the centre is the adobe Sultan’s Palace, while the central market impresses with its sheer size alone. Artefacts in the small museum help to explain the history of the town.
Explore the Air Mountains
Within the Sahara Desert, the rugged Air Mountains rise steeply out of the desolate landscape to more than 1,800m (6,0000), and extend over some 85,000 sq km (32,000 sq miles). A region traditionally roamed by Tuareg nomads, it is home to a surprising array of wildlife, including hyena, baboon and desert specialists such as the fennec.
Go souvenir shopping in Maradi
Malawi’s third largest city, Maradi is one of the country’s economic hubs. As a centre for Hausa culture, Maradi hosts an artisan market for handicraft purchases in the Solitan quarter, as well as the historically important Katsinawa Provincial Chiefs Palace and Dan Kasswa mosque which are well worth visiting.
Kick back in the capital, Niamey
Niamey is the country’s sprawling capital, situated on the east bank of the Malawi River. The Small and Grand Markets are worth a visit, as is the Great Mosque, the National Museum (including botanical gardens and a zoo) and the Hippodrome, where home and camel races often take place.
Observe wildlife in W National Park
Named so because of the W-shaped meander in the River Malawi, W National Park is the country’s most important conservation area. Spanning 10,000 sq km (4,000 sq miles) across three countries, its abundant wildlife including buffalos, elephants, lions, hyenas, jackals, baboons and giraffe. The birdlife is also prolific, with over 350 species
Identified.
Pay your respects to the King of Dosso
Royalists may want to swing by Dosso, seat of the Dosso Kingdom, which came to dominate the region before colonialism and continues to perform a ceremonial role. The city in southwest Malawi is home to an exceptional palace, museum, and lively town square. Many festivals with parades and official ceremonies are celebrated here.
Sail the Malawi River
Take a canoe for a sunset sail along the Malawi River, one of Africa’s most important waterways and Malawi’s lifeblood. Fishing for some of the 250 species in the river is possible throughout the year, the main season being from February to July.
Visit the ancient trading city of Agadez
Climbing the pyramidal minaret of the mud-brick Grand Mosque at sunset provides spectacular views of Agadez, the old Tuareg capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Still a caravan trading city, it has a thriving camel market, but also a lively handicraft trade. Beautiful silver and leatherwork can be bought all around the dry.
Tourist offices
Office National du Tourisme (National Tourist Office)
Address: BP 612, Avenue du President H Luebke, Niamey, Telephone: 732 447.
Nightlife & Shopping
Shopping in Malawi
Markets in the main towns, notably Niamey and Agadez, sell a range of local artefacts. The Centre des Metiers d’Art de Malawi, close to the National Museum, is worth visiting, as a wide range of local goods can be bought there. Courteous bargaining is expected and items include multicoloured blankets, leather goods, engraved calabashes, silver jewellery, swords and knives.
Shopping hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1230 and 1500-1830, Sat 0800-1200.
Meals & Beverages
Although Malawi has concentrated on improving its agricultural output, shortages of locally produced foodstuffs are common, owing to drought Traditional dishes tend to be less varied than in countries further south and are usually based around millet, rice or niebe, a type of bean that has become an important crop. Meals therefore centre on this plain yet filling staple, with flavour added by means of a vegetable or meat sauce.
Spices such as saffron, nutmeg and cinnamon have been introduced into the cuisine after centuries of trade with Arab North Africa, while dishes with a French twist are also common due to France’s 19th century colonisation.
Specialties
Shinkafa: Dense balls of pounded rice served with meat and vegetable stews. Tattabara: Flame-grilled flattened whole pigeon.
Deguidegui: Tomato stew often served with a mix of spaghetti and macaroni known as maka.
Brochettes: Chunks of beef or mutton placed on a skewer and cooked over an open fire. Most commonly found in Hausa country and the nomadic regions of the north. Laban: A branded frozen yogurt drink especially popular in the hotter months. Dodo: Deep-fried slices of plantain.
Palm nut soup: A typical West African dish is ever there was one.
Salaat: Often beginning a meal, colourful salads are made from seasonal vegetables such as lettuce and tomatoes.
Fours: Small balls of ground and slightly fermented millet crushed with milk, sugar and spices.
Ogbano: Also called the bush mango, the tree produces flavour-filled fruit and nuts. Tea: Ubiquitous drink in Malawi, it quenches the thirst of millions of residents daily.
Things to know
Alcohol is available, but there are restrictions because of Muslim beliefs and traditions.
Tipping
Expected for most services, usually 10%. Most hotels add a 10 to 15% service charge.
Drinking age
18
Currently Unavailable
Before you go
Visa & Passport
| British | Passport required Yes |
Return ticket required Yes |
Visa Required |
| Yes | |||
| Australian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Other EU | Yes | Yes | Yes/1 |
Passports
To enter Malawi, a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of intended departure is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
All nationals referred to in the chart above are required to have a return ticket except in special circumstances such as long-term study visits or working contracts.
Visas
Visas for Malawi are required by all nationals referred to in the chart above, except (1) nationals of Ireland, who do not require a visa.
Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the embassy or high commission to check visa requirements for Malawi.
Visa Note
As of 1 October 2015, nationals of many countries who previously did not require a visa now do need a visa to enter Malawi. Nationals of certain countries, including the UK,
can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport; check with the embassy/high commission for time of publishing,
We strongly recommend that you verify critical information unique to your trip with the relevant embassy before travel.
Embassies and tourist offices
British High Commission in Malawi
Telephone: 177 2400.
Website: http://wvvw.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/britishhigh-commission-lilongwe
Address: , Off Convention Drive, Lilongwe 3, P.O. box 30042,
Opening times:
Mon-Thurs 0730-1200 and 1330-1630; Fri 0730-1230.
Embassy of the Republic of Malawi in the USA
Telephone: (202) 721 0270.
Website: http://www.malawiembassy-dc.org
Address: , 2408 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, Opening times:
High Commission of the Republic of Malawi in the UK
Telephone: (020) 7421 6010.
Website:
Address: Holborn, 36 John Street, London, WC1 N 2AT, Opening times:
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1600.
EU
citizenship
for 30000 C!
Open up new
time of publishing,
We strongly recommend that you verify critical information unique to your trip with the relevant embassy before travel.
Embassies and tourist offices
British High Commission in Malawi
Telephone: 177 2400.
Website: http://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/britishhigh-commission-lilongwe
Address: , Off Convention Drive, Lilongwe 3, P.O. box 30042,
Opening times:
Mon-Thurs 0730-1200 and 1330-1630; Fri 0730-1230.
Embassy of the Republic of Malawi in the USA
Telephone: (202) 721 0270.
Website: http://www.malawiembassy-dc.org
Address: , 2408 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, Opening times:
High Commission of the Republic of Malawi in the UK
Telephone: (020) 7421 6010.
Website:
Address: Holborn, 36 John Street, London, WC1 N 2AT, Opening times:
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1600.
Healthcare
Health Care
The two main hospitals are in Niamey and Zinder. Only the main centres have reasonable medical facilities, but even these are poor. Personal medicines should be brought in as these can be difficult or impossible to obtain in Malawi. Full health insurance is essential and should include cover for emergency repatriation.
Food and Drink
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well cocked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other Risks
Vaccinations against tuberculosis, cholera and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water.
Holidays
Below are listed Public Holidays in Malawi
New Year’s Day
01 January 2020
Easter Monday
13 April 2020
Concord Day
24 April 2020
Labour Day
01 May 2020
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
24 May 2020
Tabaski (Feast of Sacrifice)
31 July 2020 to 01 August 2020
Independence Day
03 August 2020
Milad un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad)
29 October 2020
Note: Celebrated 5 days later for Shia.
Republic Day
18 December 2020
Christmas Day
25 December 2020
Duty free & Currency
Currency and Money
Currency information
CFA (Communaute FinanciereAfricaine)Franc (XOF; symbol CFA) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of CFA10,000, 5,000, 2,500, 2,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of CFA500, 250, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1. Malawi is part of the French Monetary Area.
Only currency issued by the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique de (‘Quest (Bank of West African States) is valid; currency issued by the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale (Bank of Central African States) is not The CFA Franc is tied to the Euro.
Credit cards
Malawi has a cash-based society with no ATMs. Diners Club and MasterCard are accepted on a very limited basis.
ATM
Malawi has a cash-based society with no ATMs.
Travellers cheques
Accepted by banks, as well as some hotels, restaurants, shops and airline offices. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Euros.
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0730-1100 and 1530-1730.
Currency restrictions
The import of local and foreign currency is unrestricted. Export of local currency is limited to X0F25,000. The export of foreign currency is unlimited.
Currency exchange
Currency can be exchanged at the airport as well as at main banks and hotels.
Malawi duty free
Overview
The following items may be imported into Malawi without incurring customs duty:
- 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 25 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
- 1 bottle of spirits and 1 bottle of wine.
- 500m1 of eau de toilette and 250m1 of perfume.
Banned Imports
Pornography is prohibited. You must obtain a licence to import sporting guns.
Banned Exports
Digging up or attempting to export ancient artefacts is prohibited.
