Malawi

• AIRPORTS & AIRLINES

Malawi has 2 international airports – Kamuzu in Lilongwe, and Chileka in Blantyre. Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines & Malawian Airlines are the only carriers currently operating scheduled services to the country.

• CLIMATE

In general the seasons may be divided into the cool and dry (May to Mid-August); the hot and dry (Mid-August to November); the rainy (November to April). However, the variety of altitudes in Malawi means that the temperatures and amount of rainfall varying considerable throughout the country.  The ultra violet rays are very strong and high factor sun cream should be worn. Sun cream is not readily available in stores in the country.

• CREDIT CARDS

Malawi has made great improvements in credit card processing in recent years. A number of major banks accept Visa and MasterCard transactions through their ATM network across the country. Lodges, Hotels and Tour Operators accept credit cards however guests can expect to pay anything from 2 to 5% in service fees when settling accounts using credit cards.

• CRIME & SAFETY

As with travel to any country using common sense and being alert and aware will help you enjoy a trouble free holiday. Malawi has no history of violent crime but economic hardships, especially in the larger cities, inevitably lead to a degree of theft. Be careful, not paranoid.

• CURRENCY & BANKING

       Malawi’s official currency is the Malawian Kwacha (MWK).

Visitors are only permitted to export MWK10, 000 on departure from Malawi so we recommend keeping your Kwacha to a minimum as it is very difficult to buy hard currency on departure.

While being a relatively stable regional currency devaluation in excess of 30% are not uncommon. At time of writing the rate of exchange in for Malawi Kwacha vs. US Dollars was 1032:1- For current foreign exchange rates please visit the link http://www.natbank.co.mw/

• CUSTOMS & EXCISE

Visitors are not allowed to take more than MWK10, 000 in local currency when you leave Malawi - they actually physically check this on departure. The following goods may be imported into Malawi by passengers without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 225g of tobacco in any form; for those over 16 years of age, also 1l of spirits and 1l of beer and 1l of wine.  The import of firearms is prohibited unless a permit has been bought in advance.

• DEPARTURE TAXES

All departure taxes are now included in IATA issued commercial air tickets from all major airlines; therefore no departure tax needs to be paid. However, departure tax still applies to charter flights on privately owned airlines. International Departure tax for charter operations is USD35 per person while Domestic Departure Tax is USD8 per person.

• ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

Malawian electricity is 220/230 volts AC running at 50Hz. The plug type used is the square bayonet 3 pin style (like UK). Please remember that most of the more remote camps and lodges will not run off mains electricity but will use generators. This means that recharging batteries etc may not always be possible. Please travel with spare batteries. Malawi does suffer from erratic power supplies and guests visiting the country can expect power load shedding and cuts to major cities which can last for several hours.

• FOREIGN CASH

If bringing money, US Dollars are accepted in most places and are required for Immigration Visas and other taxes. Be sure to bring the new style bank notes (2009 and newer) with "large presidents heads" - small heads are not accepted anywhere in Malawi. We strongly recommend having a good mix of smaller denominations as change can be hard to find when making payments and these can also be useful for any gratuities you may wish to pay staff during your stay. Please remember that several lodge and safari operators do not have facilities to accept traveller’s cheques or credit cards.

• GAY TRAVEL IN MALAWI

Homosexuality in Malawi is still considered illegal with no age of consent set.  The country is conservative and holds strong traditional social values, some of which have been highlighted in the 2010/2011 internationally covered court cases where local Malawian gay couples were due to face severe sentences for homosexuality – the case was dismissed after a presidential pardon was granted at the requested of the United Nations.  It is however not uncommon for gay and lesbian travellers to visit Malawi without encountering any problem by simply exercising a degree of discretion. Common sense and courtesy prevails – The bulk of properties we use in our itineraries are professional establishments and have trained staff to cater for all guests. Ulendo Travel Group will be able to provide more information.

• HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

The first inhabitants of present-day Malawi were probably related to the San (Bushmen) while a new wave of Bantu-speaking peoples arrived around the 14th century, and they soon merged into the Maravi kingdom (late 15th–late 18th century), centred in the Shire River valley. The kingdom declined as a result of internal rivalries and incursions by the Yao, who sold their Malawi captives as slaves to Arab and Swahili merchants living on the Indian Ocean coast. In the 1840s the region was thrown into further turmoil by the arrival from South Africa of the warlike Ngoni.

In 1859, David Livingstone, visited Lake Nyasa and drew European attention to the effects of the slave trade there which in turn lead to the establishment of Presbyterian missionary societies in the region. Great Britain sent a consul to the area in 1883 and to proclaim the Shire Highlands Protectorate in 1889. In 1891 the British Central African Protectorate (known from 1907 until 1964 as Nyasaland), which included most of present-day Malawi, was established. During the 1890s, British forces ended the slave trade in the protectorate. At the same time, Europeans established coffee-growing estates in the Shire region, worked by Africans.

In 1953 the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (Modern day Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi) was formed, over the strong opposition of Nyasaland's African population, who feared that the more aggressively white-oriented policies of Southern Rhodesia would eventually be applied to them. In 1958, Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda became the leader of the local political movement, named the Malawi Congress Party (MCP). Banda organized protests against British rule that led to the dissolution of The Federation in 1963, and on July 6, 1964, Nyasaland became independent as Malawi.

Banda led the country in the era of independence, first as prime minister and, he was made president for life in 1971. He quickly alienated other leaders by governing autocratically, by allowing Europeans to retain considerable influence within the country, and by refusing to oppose white-minority rule in South Africa.  Despite Malawi’s continued economic and political relations with the South African apartheid government, Malawi enjoyed considerable economic prosperity in the 1970s, attributable in large part to foreign investment.

In a 1993 referendum Malawians voted for an end to one-party rule, and parliament passed legislation establishing a multiparty democracy and abolishing the life presidency. In a free election in 1994, Banda was defeated by Bakili Muluzi, his former political protégé, who called for a policy of national reconciliation. Muluzi formed a coalition government and went on to serve 2 terms as president with his campaign for changing the constitution to allow him to stand for a third term failing and Bingu wa Mutharika winning the 2004 presidential election. Mutharika won a landslide victory under his new DPP party for his second term in 2009. 

In 2012, Bingu wa Mutharika suffered a fatal heart attack and his Vice Dr Joyce Banda took over.  In 2014 peaceful elections were held where late Bingu Wa Mutharika’s, Peter Mutharika emerged winner.

Malawi prides itself on a non-violent history and, while Malawian’s enthusiastically debate political issues, the country enjoys a democratic government with a healthy respect for the legal structure and democratic principles of the country which ensures a stable political climate.  

• INSURANCE

All clients should have full medical insurance, emergency evacuation cover and we strongly advise that luggage be insured too. Full trip cancellation insurance is recommended as we do need to adhere to our cancellation policy and those of suppliers being used for accommodation and services included in guests itineraries.

• LAND AREA

Total Area: 118,500 sq km (45,750 sq miles) 1/5^th of the area of Malawi is made up by Lake Malawi at 24,500 sq km.

• LANGUAGE, RELIGION & ETHNIC GROUPS

Chichewa is the national language, but English, the official language, is widely spoken and understood in most of the country.

Local languages can be summarized as follows: Chichewa 57.2% (official), Chinyanja 12.8%, Chiyao 10.1%, Chitumbuka 9.5%, Chiwemba 2.7%, Chitonga 1.7%, Others 3.6%. (1998)

Religion is predominantly Protestant, followed by Roman Catholic and Muslim. Indigenous and other beliefs are in the minority. Christian 80%, Islam 13%, none 4% (1998) – Islam is however growing rapidly in Malawi. Malawi allows religious freedom and shows great tolerance of all religious groups.

There are several ethnic groups in Malawi including Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuka, Yao, Sena, Lomwe, Tonga, Ngoni, Ngande, Asian and Europeans.

• LOCAL TIME

        Timezone in Malawi is UTC  +0200 no daylight saving

• MEDICAL ISSUES

The following vaccinations are advisable when travelling to Malawi – Polio, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Rabies, Typhoid and Meningitis.

It is compulsory that you be vaccinated against Yellow Fever if you come from an endemic area.

Malaria is endemic to Malawi so it is strongly advised that suitable prophylactics are taken – please contact your local travel clinic of doctor for recommendations.

There is a small risk of contracting bilharzia if bathing in Lake Malawi but this is negligible near the main beach hotels and islands. The infection is relatively easily treated once diagnosed and should not keep visitors out of the water!

While Malawi suffers from a high HIV infection in its local population, risk of contracting HIV is low for the majority of visitors to the country provided they exercise common sense and take precautions. It goes without saying that Ulendo strongly advise guests to avoid casual sexual interaction with locals while on holiday. Prostitution is illegal in the country. 

We strongly recommend that all guests visiting the country ensure their medical and travel insurance is current and valid for the region before travelling.

It is recommended that you know your blood group in case of emergency and communicate details of any allergies to our offices at time of booking. Emergency evacuation by air is possible from Malawi.

• PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2023

01 January                                  New Year’s Day

15 January                                  John Chilembwe Day

03 March                                     Martyr’s Day

07 April                                         Good Friday

10April                                         Easter Monday

01 May                                  Labour’s Day

21/22 April                            Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan)
14 June                                Freedom / Kamuzu Day

  06 July                                      Republic Day                                                                     

15 October                                 Mothers’ Day

25 December                             Christmas Day

26 December                             Boxing Day

If a public holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding day will be a holiday; if on a Sunday, the next day will be a holiday. Ad hoc public holidays or extensions may also be declared, sometimes at short notice
 

• SOCIAL CONVENTIONS & CULTURE

Under the rule of Dr Banda there were numerous restrictions in place, however these days these have been relaxed. Ladies may wear trousers and men may have long hair! At the lakeshore resorts beach wear is allowed, however when visiting rural areas it is advisable to cover up so as not to cause offence. The country is fairly conservative.

Please be sensitive when photographing local people and their villages – requests will generally be met with laughing children exercising their limited knowledge of English by shouting out “Give me money!” – all very good natured.  Ask the guide or the villagers first. Be careful when photographing public buildings and persons in uniform - again, ask first, as there are still bans on photographing anything with security overtones.

• TELEPHONE & INTERNET

There is an extensive telephone network with one fixed-line operator and three cellular networks (TNM, Access and Airtel). Malawi has a GSM cellular network and most general dealers sell phone cards. Roaming services are available but will vary depending on agreements between international and local service providers. International dialling code: +265

Internet cafes are available in the main cities with wireless broadband connections available in major hotels, airports and select restaurants using scratch cards or through hotel rooms and business centres. Recently cellular telephone service providers offer internet access on roaming contracts.

The postal system tends to be slow and unreliable while DHL is the major international courier operating in Malawi.

• TIPPING & GRATUITIES

Tipping is voluntary, but since wages are very low, it is always appreciated. 10% is usually the standard tip for most situations. Please bear in mind that the average daily wage for a hotel employee is around USD3 per day. We have provided the following rough guide lines for tipping key staff while on safari in Malawi, bearing in mind these tips are not expected and are totally optional:

     Porters                                 USD 0.50 per bag

     Guides / transfer drivers       USD 10 per day

     Professional Guides              USD 20-25 per day

     Waiters                                  10% of meal/bar invoice

Lodge/Hotel Staff    Gratuity box is available for staff tips at most lodges and hotels, leaving USD10 per day to be shared between staff is perfectly reasonable.

• TRANSPORTATION & ROADS

Malawi has approximately 5500km of paved roads and a further 2300km unpaved. As a rule roads are in a reasonable state of repair following initiatives by government to use fuel levies for road maintenance along with recent donor support for rehabilitation and paving of key routes in the country. While some roads are still in a poor state of repair, most areas of the country are easily accessible throughout the year.

Malawi Lake services operate various scheduled cargo and passenger services with the MV Ilala offering basic accommodation suitable for adventurous tourists.  Rail transportation in the country is poor with the few locomotives operating focused primarily on cargo transport.  Malawi officially has 43 airstrips registered with the Department of Civil Aviation. The majority of these are not open for commercial use or are for military operations only. Refer to information in this manual on airfields in Malawi.

• TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

In the last 12 months Malawi Immigration has taken to setting up check-points where they ask to see visitor’s entry permits. This has been introduced in an effort to curb illegal migrant works entering the country and we advise visitors to carry their passports with them when moving around the country.

• TRAVELLER’S CHEQUES

Traveller’s cheques are not accepted. It is best to carry hard currency in small denominations, in Euro, Pound Sterling, US Dollars or South African Rand which are all easily exchanged however smaller notes will be changed at a lesser rate.

• YELLOW FEVER CERTIFICATES

Health officials at border crossings between Tanzania and Malawi as well as Zambian check points may require visitors to have valid yellow fever certificates. Any guests travelling between East Africa (Kenya/Tanzania/Uganda) and Malawi/Zambia will be required to show their yellow fever certificates on arrival. We recommend all international visitors travel with these as a precaution.

• VISAS & IMMIGRATION                                                                                                                                             

A valid passport, with at least six months to expiry date from intended exit date, is required to enter Malawi. If your passport is likely to expire you should get a new one before arriving. The visa fees are applicable to visitors from any country which requires Malawian Citizens to acquire visas to visit their country of citizenship. These countries include but not limited to the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Schengen member states, Australia, New Zealand. Most Middle East countries will also be required to pay visa fees.

Exempt from this visa fee are countries belonging to SADC and COMESA; with the exception of those countries that charge visa fees to Malawian nationals.
Below is a summary of the visa fees:

Visas can now be approved online at the following website https://www.evisa.gov.mw/

Ulendo Safaris will continue to explore ways to make the visa process run as smooth as possible for our guests. Please also remember that our usual meet and greet representative will be available to assist guests on arrival with this and any other immigration matters

Please ask our sales staff for more information. We would encourage agents to check with our offices prior to travel to ensure your clients are given up to date information on this important issue.

WHAT TO BRING ON SAFARI 
You should always travel with soft bags not hard suitcases (not only for the smaller aircraft but also to fit into vehicles). If you are using a charter flight at ANY point of the safari then DO NOT exceed 12kg.
A hat, sunglasses, high strength sun screen, moisturiser, lip salve, strong insect repellent, anti-histamine cream and tablets should always be carried. 

Clothes: all camps, lodges and hotels have a daily laundry service, so do not bring too much clothing. 3 sets bush coloured safari outfits (long/shorts/shirts) i.e. green/brown/dark khaki (not pale fashion khaki/cream/white) 2 sets casual evening clothes (long trousers to reduce insect bites) 1 medium weight sweater (or 2 light). 
Warm jacket in winter (June/July/early Aug) and a waterproof jacket for the rainy season (November to April). 
Ladies - we highly recommend a sports bra for the bumpy roads! A good pair of covered shoes for walking (thick soled trainers for camp walks are adequate but light walking boots for walking safaris are recommended).  Don’t forget your swimming costume – a number of lodges have swimming pools.

Binoculars: One pair PER PERSON is a must 

Torch: One PER PERSON is a must (with spare batteries) 

Glasses: if you wear prescription glasses bring a spare pair.  If you wear contact lenses bring a pair of glasses as well since dust can be a problem. 

Camera equipment: The majority of guests will travel with digital cameras and we strongly recommend a spare set of batteries and ensure you have the correct adaptor for your charger (British 3 pin square [plug). For more serious photographers a telephoto lens (200/300mm) / Flash and fast film (400 ASA) for night photography. If you prefer to use film, lots of film (64,100,200,400 ASA) or flash cards. Camera cleaning equipment and a good dust proof bag. Camera and videos - bring spare batteries. 

Medicines & prescriptions: We recommend you contact your local travel clinic or physician for current advice on vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis for your trip. Please remember that it is exceptionally difficult to find certain medicines in Malawi and should you have any personal medicines we suggest you carry a good supply for your trip as hand luggage. 

Gifts for local school children are appreciated: Most lodges and safari operators are involved in community support projects and rely on donations from their guests to help improve the facilities at local schools and clinics. Please note that this is by no means expected but any support is gratefully accepted. Ulendo would be pleased to provide more information on projects supported by the tourism sector in areas you will be visiting. 

** Each person should have their own pair of binoculars and a torch - sharing binoculars does not work.