Briefly About Malawi
A peaceful country with exciting tour options
Malawi is renowned as one of the safest and peaceful destinations in the world because of it’s calm and stability.
You will sense the warmth and generosity of it’s locals the moment you touch down on the Malawian soil. Malawi is undoubtedly the warm heart of Africa.
There’s more to Malawi than just the warmth of its people. Malawi has a wealth of breathtaking landscapes that set amazing scenery on a trip.
From Lake Malawi, a vast freshwater body surrounded by its golden sand beaches to the heights of Mulanje Mountain, Zomba plateau, Dedza mountain, Viphya plateau and the rolling grasslands of Nyika National Park. Malawi is home to different ethnic groups with intriguing rich culture and history.
Languages
Chichewa is the National language being most commonly spoken, the official language is English which you will manage to communicate with most locals.
Travel Insurance
It is very important to ensure you are fully covered if anything goes wrong on the trip. Make sure not only to have medical cover, but also you are cover if there are delays, cancellation. Loss/theft of luggage etc.
Currency
The Malawi Kwacha (MWK) is divided into 100 tambala
MasterCard and Visa credit cards are accepted throughout the country, but it is advisable to have cash when doing road side shopping, or when in a rural area.
Interesting Facts
HISTORY
The name Malawi was derived from the Maravi, a Bantu tribe that emigrated from Southern Congo in 1400AD and split upon reaching northern Lake Malawi with one group moving south down the westbank of the lake to be called the Chewa whilst the other group moved to the east bank were they were called the Nyanja. The word Malawi means ‘fire flames’
Malawi became a British Protectorate in 1891 and gained its independence in 1964
HEALTH
Malaria, which is only carried by mosquitoes, is prevalent throughout the year in most parts of Malawi. Don’t be casual about the risk and consult medical professional about medication at least a month before leaving home.
The old adage “prevention is the best cure” holds true. Long pants, long sleeved shirts, shoes and socks should be worn in evenings when mosquitoes are at their busiest, and relevant bug spray should be used.
HIV/AIDS: There is no danger of contracting this syndrome unless you have unprotected sex with someone you don’t know or exchange bodily fluids in some other way.
VISA
Nationals from countries that require Malawians to pay visa to enter their countries are required to obtain visa to enter Malawi. http://www.immigration.gov.mw/Documents/visa%20nationals.pdf
FLIGHTS
All international flights land through Kamuzu International Airport, Lilongwe and Chileka International Airport in Blantyre.
Malawi Airlines: www.malawi-airlines.com
South African Airways: www.flysaa.com
Kenya Airways: www.kenya-airways.com
Proflight Zambia: www.proflight-zambia.com
Ethiopian Airlines: www.ethiopianairlines.com
WHEN TO VISIT
Best time to explore the treasures of Malawi
The cooler months (May to August/September) are the more comfortable for travelers from the northern hemisphere, but the lush, green summer (November to April) is also a perfect time to visit if due care is taken to avoid mosquito bites.
May and June combine the best of both seasons- cooler, still green with great visibility – and are especially good for good photography.
Game viewing is the best in the hottest times of the dry season when animals are forced to visit waterholes, but the countryside is gorgeous in the wetter, greener months. Bird watchers enjoy their best sightings in October and November.