Frequently Asked Questions

The people of Malawi are known for being incredibly friendly and family is very important. Shaking hands is the traditional form of greeting.  The local population have their own style of greeting. When eating out, it tends to be done without utensils. It is courteous to remember to eat only with the right hand, as the left hand is considered dirty.

A valid passport is mandatory for travel. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date you expect to leave Malawi. A visa is required to travel as a tourist from Canada and the United States. It can be obtained prior to arrival

Tea is the second largest export crop in Malawi. It is considered very high quality.  It is advisable to drink bottled water. Carlsberg is the most common beer in the country, and Malawi gin and South African wines are popular. 

The climate of Malawi is generally subtropical with 3 seasons, the hottest period occurring between November and March. The remainder of the year is cooler and more humid, with the coldest months being June and July. Rainfall can occur throughout the year, but it is heaviest during the rainy season which generally occurs from December to April.

Any time between May and October is optimal, weather wise. Winter is chilly on the Nyika Plateau but on Lake Malawi, you can expect warm, sunny and dry days, perfect for the beach. Winter is also the best time for game viewing – much of the vegetation has thinned out and animals are concentrated at rivers and permanent waterholes.

The currency in Malawi is called the Malawian Kwacha. Some hotels and restaurants will accept major credit cards, but it's important to check ahead of time. ATMs are very few and far between.

Malawi is a safe country and can be great for families who are on the adventurous side. There are also many great schools for children in Lilongwe and Blantyre.

If you want to travel to Malawi, the best time is between May and October because that is when the weather is comfortable, and it is dry.

Malawi is a multilingual country. Although English is the official language, the other major languages spoken in Malawi include: Chewa, Yao, Tonga, Sena, and Elomwe.  

There are no vaccinations requirements for Malawi, however, we recommend you consult with your local travel clinic for the most up to date recommendations, particularly in regards to malaria. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever is known. 

The cuisine of Malawi has remained very traditional. There are many farmers in Malawi and the population grows much of the food. The country is known for its small shops found in rural areas that sell snack foods. Meat pies, sausage rolls & rolls that have been deep fried and stuffed with a mix of curry meat and potato mix are very popular.  

Popular dishes: 

• Nsima is the main food in malawi. (ground corn) and is known to be served with side dishes of meat or vegetables 

• Kachumbari is a tomato and onion salad. 

• Nthochi is similar to banana bread  • Kondowde is made from cassava flour, water and then eaten with fish

 • Chambo is a Lake Malawi Tilapia fish.  It is considered a delicacy. 

 • Other favorite fish include usipa (sardines) and mpasa (similar to salmon) 

One of the smallest countries in the region. One-fifth of this area is occupied by Lake Malawi, one of the deepest lakes in the world.  It shares borders with Tanzania in the north, Mozambique in the east and the south, and Zambia in the west.  Due to its long shape, the geography of Malawi can be divided into three regions: South Malawi, Central Malawi and North Malawi. South Malawi is the most populated part of the country. It’s home to the commercial capital, Blantyre, and the old colonial capital, Zomba. In addition to hosting five national parks and wildlife reserves, this region lays claim to Malawi’s highest peak: Sapitwa. It reaches 3,000 m (9,840 ft) in height and is part of Mount Mulanje. While the commercial and old colonial capitals are located in South Malawi, the nation’s official capital city, Lilongwe is situated. A large portion of this region lies on the Central African Plateau. North Malawi is the least populated of the three regions. Geographically, it is the highest region with highland areas and one national park and one wildlife reserve.