Malawi is full of contrasts, the most obvious being that it's a nation of fisherman - despite being landlocked - owing to the clear waters of Lake Malawi; it boasts verdant highlands and tropical forests, undulating valleys and exceptional game viewing within its national parks. Malawi is also home to some of the continent's friendliest folk, meaning it's a country well worth considering on your African agenda.
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MALAWI:
Australia: Yes - visa on arrival
Belgium: Yes - visa on arrival
Canada: Yes - visa on arrival
Germany: Yes - visa on arrival
Ireland: NO VISA REQUIRED
Netherlands: Yes - visa on arrival
New Zealand: Yes - visa on arrival
South Africa: NO VISA REQUIRED
Switzerland: Yes - visa on arrival
United Kingdom: Yes - visa on arrival
USA: Yes - visa on arrival
Effective 01 July 2015, the Government of Malawi has announced introduction of a USD75 "Entry Fee" applicable to visitors from any country which requires Malawian Citizens to acquire visas to visit their country of citizenship.
At present nationals of the following countries will need to pay the proposed USD75 entry fee: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Schengen member states, Australia, New Zealand.
Some nationalities will be required to gain a visa prior to arrival. Please check with your nearest Malawi Embassy.
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.
Travellers 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.
Mobile 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.
Mozambique 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 sanitiser 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 travelling through rural and remote areas, be aware that there will be limited or no access to ATMs.
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of your trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance
Please note these dates are for 2017. For a current list of public holidays in Malawi go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/malawi/public-holidays
Intrepid is committed to travelling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. It's important to remember that what may be acceptable behaviour, dress and language in your own country, may not be appropriate in another. Please keep this in mind while travelling.
In Malawi, we stay in locally run accommodation including guesthouses, smaller-scale hotels and homestays in an effort to support the local economies. We also visit locally-run restaurants and markets where travellers will have opportunities to support local businesses and purchase handicrafts created by local artisans.
