Malawi offers a unique and captivating experience for travellers. Exploring the country by car is an excellent option, providing the freedom to stop at various points of interest along the way. Many visitors opt for this mode of travel, especially if they want to fully experience the country. Getting around is relatively easy, with roads in good condition and generally short distances between destinations. Malawi is very suitable for a self-drive safari, combining trekking in the mountains, discovering prehistoric rock art in hills, wildlife viewing in valleys, boating on rivers, and not forgetting snorkelling in the infamous Lake Malawi.
Malawi's stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality make it a destination worth exploring. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or a culture enthusiast, Malawi has something to offer everyone. Plan your visit to the Warm Heart of Africa and experience the magic of this beautiful country for yourself.
Practical Information
Getting There
Malawi is accessible by air, with Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe and Chileka International Airport in Blantyre serving as the main entry points. Several international airlines offer flights to Malawi from major cities around the world.
Accommodation
Malawi offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from luxury lodges and boutique hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels. Some popular places to stay include the lakeside resorts in Cape Maclear, the eco-lodges in Liwonde National Park, and the tea estate cottages in the Mulanje region.
Travel Tips
Visa Requirements
Check the visa requirements for your country before travelling to Malawi. Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival.
Health Precautions
Malaria is prevalent in Malawi, so taking antimalarial medication and using mosquito repellent is essential.
Currency
The official currency is the Malawian Kwacha (MWK). It is advisable to carry some cash, as ATMs may not be available in remote areas.
What To Eat
It is always great to be open to trying new foods and tasting a country’s traditional local dishes to get a sense of the culture, and Malawian cuisine, much like its culture, is rich in flavours, traditions, and simplicity.
The local cuisine remains as true to the country's traditions as possible. It is influenced by its agricultural roots, with maize (corn) being the staple ingredient in most meals. While Malawi may not be widely known for its culinary offerings, the food here is hearty, wholesome, and full of local character. From delicious fish from Lake Malawi to rich stews and unique side dishes, there’s plenty to enjoy.
Nsima - The staple food - At the heart of Malawian cuisine is nsima, a thick maize porridge that is eaten daily by most Malawians. is made from cornmeal - it’s like polenta. It's often served as the base of most meals. Nsima itself doesn’t have much flavour, but it’s served with a variety of accompaniments that make the meal come alive.
Chambo, Usipa, Miamba, Kampango - Fish are popular dishes in the country and a must-try. Malawi is blessed with the vast waters of Lake Malawi with an abundance of fish species. It is often served fried or grilled and served with chips, nsima or rice and fresh vegetables.
Nkhwani wotendera - Pumpkin Leaves in Peanut Sauce
Kachumbari - Tomato and Onion Salad
Mbatata - This is a sweet potato dish
Gonja - Fried Plantains
Mandasi - Malawian Doughnuts
Drinks are equally amazing
Savour a traditional Malawi gin & tonic
Thobwa - A traditional Malawian beverage made from fermented maize or millet. It has a slightly sour, tangy flavour and is often enjoyed during ceremonies and special occasions.
Kuche kuche - A light local beer
Mawehu - A refreshing non-alcoholic malt drink
Chibuku - This is a traditional beer made from fermented sorghum or millet served in a milk carton
Learn The Lingo
The country's population is composed of various ethnic groups, including the Chewa, Yao, and Tumbuka, each with its unique traditions and customs. English and Chichewa are the official languages, and while English is widely spoken, Chichewa is the everyday national language of choice.
The locals are always excited when visitors make an effort to speak their language, no matter how basic, and the Malawians are often eager to share their culture and stories. So, if you want to immerse yourself and engage more deeply with the people, learning some basic Malawian lingo can be incredibly rewarding and a great icebreaker. Not only does it show respect for the culture, but it also makes your travel experience more immersive and fun.
Here are a few essential words and phrases to help get you started on your journey to impress.
Common Chichewa Phrases
Moni – Hello!
Muli bwanji - How are you?
Ndili bwino, kaya inu? – I’m fine, and you?
Dzina langa ndi - My name is
Zikomo - Thank you
Pepani – Sorry / Excuse me
Chonde – Please
Ndikufuna… – I want…
Mwadzuka bwanji? – How did you wake up? (Good morning)
Usiku wabwino – Good night
Numbers
Mmodzi – One
Awiri – Two
Atatu – Three
Anayi – Four
Asanu – Five
Khumi – Ten
Malawian Slang and Expressions
Beyond the formal language of Chichewa, Malawians also use a lot of slang and colloquial expressions that reflect the country’s culture and everyday life. Understanding some of these can help you sound more like a local.
Mzanga / Abale – My friend / Brother
Chanza – A handshake greeting
Kaya – Whatever / I don’t know
Ngati kuti – As if
Chamba – Crazy
Boma lili bwino – The government is good
Odi, odi! – Excuse me!
Zabwino zonse! – All the best!
Market and Street Slang
If you find yourself shopping in a Malawian market or taking public transport, you'll likely hear more informal slang. Here are a few common ones:
Malasha – Charcoal
While referring to charcoal, it’s a metaphor for something cheap or low budget.
Masaka – A bus or minibus
Often used when talking about public transport.
Kachaso – Local spirit (alcohol)
This word refers to homemade liquor, popular in some rural areas.
Chibuku – Local beer
A popular alcoholic beverage in Malawi, made from maize.
Pa Town – In town
A colloquial way to say you’re headed into the city or centre.
When To Go To Festivals
Malawi experiences a subtropical climate with two main seasons.
The dry season between May to October is characterised by its cooler temperatures and clear skies and is excellent for wildlife viewing or ideal for relaxing in the sunshine and enjoying outdoor sports making it the ideal time to visit.
The rainy season is from roughly November to April and when the country receives 95% of its annual rainfall – the heaviest usually in December to February. While less popular among tourists this heavy rainfall transforms the landscape into an ample green, emerald paradise.
Malawi is rich in cultural festivals and traditions. Music lovers should focus their visit around September’s Lake of Stars Festival. An annual three-day local and international music and arts festival held on the shores of Lake Malawi. The festival is known for its blend of music, dance, theatre, film, and visual arts, and is considered one of Africa's most renowned cultural events.
Around the same time look out for the Sand Music Festival also held on the beach of Lake Malawi.
The new Cape Maclear Carnival is a celebration of Malawi that combines culture, artists, musicians, comedians, poets, and nature to entertain and inspire, and is great for the whole family to enjoy.
The Tumaini Festival around October/November is the world’s first and only festival of its kind held within the Dzaleka refugee camp. It offers three days of performances and programmes which celebrate culture, music, and solidarity.
Other significant events include the Mulhako wa Alhomwe festival, which celebrates the traditions of the Lhomwe people, and the Gule Wamkulu, a traditional dance performed by the Chewa people.
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