Malawi tours & vacations

Some foreign nationals – including those from Australia, Ireland, Belgium, the UK and the USA – will be required to obtain a visa prior to traveling to Malawi. Certain nationalities may be able to obtain a visa on arrival. Please check with your nearest Malawi Embassy for more information.

Tipping is generally left up to the discretion of the customer, however if the service in a cafe or restaurant is good, feel free to leave spare change or round up the bill. Many service workers in Malawi receive low wages, so tipping waiters, porters and drivers is considered generous.

Travelers will be able to access the internet at cyber cafes or hotels in Malawi's large cities and towns frequented by tourists. Expect little to no internet access in remote and rural areas.

Cell phone coverage is generally available in Malawi's large cities and tourist towns. Rural and remote areas may have less network coverage. Remember to activate global roaming with your service provider before leaving home.

Malawi has a mix of squat toilets and flushable toilets. As a developing nation, expect to adjust to different levels of sanitation. Always carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer as these are rarely provided.

• Cup of coffee in a cafe = 210 MWK
• Beer in a bar or restaurant = 140 MWK
• Basic, takeaway lunch = 350 MWK
• Dinner in an inexpensive restaurant = From 420 MWK

Tap water isn't considered safe for tourists to drink. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Ask your leader and accommodation provider for local advice on where drinking water can be accessed. Also, avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit before eating.

Credit cards are used in Malawi's major cities but on a limited basis. Large hotels, restaurants and tourist service providers usually accept credit cards, but expect smaller operators and shops to accept cash only.

ATMs are quite limited, but can be found in Malawi's major cities and areas frequented by tourists. If traveling through rural and remote areas, be aware that there will be limited or no access to ATMs.

Yes, all Intrepid trips support The Intrepid Foundation. In this country, we partner with World Bicycle Relief and Eden: People + Planet. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar matching all traveler donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most.

Find out more or make a donation

Eden: People + Planet

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries, including Kenya and Nepal.

Find out more or make a donation

• 1 Jan New Year's Day

• 2 Jan New Year's Day Holiday
• 15 Jan John Chilembwe Day
• John Chilembwe Day Holiday*
• 3 Mar Martyrs' Day
• Good Friday*
• Easter Saturday*
• Easter Monday*
• 1 May Labour Day
• 14 May President Kamuzu Banda's Birthday
• Eid al-Fitr / End of Ramadan*
• Eid al-Fitr / End of Ramadan*
• 6 Jul Independence Day
• Mother's Day*
• 25 Dec Christmas Day
• 26 Dec Boxing Day

*Please note these dates may vary. For a current list of public holidays in Malawi go to World Travel Guide's website.

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their adventure. Your leader will record your travel insurance details on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of healthcare around the world, travel insurance is an essential part of every journey.

Learn more about travel insurance