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Safari Destinations – Malawi
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Introduction
Malawi is a long and narrow country, covering more than 1000 km from North to South.
Malawi is a country dominated by the tranquil waters of Lake Malawi.
Lake Malawi is nearly 600km long and up to 80km wide, bordering the west of the country. It is the greatest attraction for visitors to this peaceful place, well known for its friendly people, golden shores and stunning natural scenery.
Malawi has eleven national parks and game reserves, where everything from Elephants to orchids are protected.
After independence, a commission was set up to find a new name for Nyasaland. Lake Nyasa was a name given by the locals, derived from Nyanja, which means lake in Chichewa.
The name Malawi was chosen because it was inspired by the word Malavi, which means haze or reflected light. This word was seen as a reference to the sun rising over the lake, with new rays of hope for the new country.
Full Name: Republic of Malawi (formerly Nyasaland)
Capital: Lilongwe
Population: 10,000,416 (estimated July 1999)
Time Zone: GMT + 2 hours
Currency: Malawi Kwatcha (MK)
International Dialing Code: 09265+
Visas and Entry Requirements
Most foreign passport holders do not require visas. Visas are not required for SA passport holders.
Getting Around / Border Posts
All border posts are open from 06:00 to 18:00
Mozambique: Chiponde Muloza Nsanje Mwanzu
Tanzania: Songwe River Bridge
Zambia: Chitipa Mchinji
Roads
There is a total of 28,400km of highways, of which only 5,254 are tarred. The main route runs from the north through Mzuzu and Lilongwe to Blantyre. It is generally in good condition, but some areas are potholed.
Secondary routes are usually gravel roads of varying conditions, some passable with four-wheel drive vehicles only. Always check on the road conditions before setting out on a trip, especially during the rainy season. Car hire is available in most towns.
Be sure to check your car thoroughly before accepting it. An international driving license is required. Make inquiries as to the location and availability of petrol pumps.
On all roads, even highways, be aware of bicycles and children crossing the roads, and for livestock and wildlife. Other drivers are major hazards too, Malawian drivers are notoriously bad.
A good hooter is of utmost importance!
Language
Although English is the official language, Chichewa, the other official language, is most commonly spoken.
It is a sign of respect to be able to greet people in their own language so it is a good idea to learn some of the basic phrases:
Mzungu means "white person", but is not derogatory. A polite way to address any Malawian man is Bambo, which literally means "father". For women the equivalent is Mai.
Culture
Malawians are mostly of Bantu origin. The major tribes are Chewa, Yao, Tumbuka and lesser ones are Ngoni, Chipoka, Lambaya, Ngonde and Tonga. There are many Asian and European settlers who mostly live in the cities.
Malawians are generally very easy-going and friendly to foreigners, it is always a good idea to be aware of local social conduct to avoid embarrassment or causing offence.
As in many countries, vocal criticism of the government should be avoided. Public nudity and displays of affection are frowned upon. Learning the local pleasantries, like when and how to greet someone, is essential. The handshake is very important, and close acquaintances often continue to hold hands during a conversation.
Older members of society are treated with reverence, as are teachers and other respected people.
When it comes to table manners, a communal bowl of maize meal, and another of meat sauce, are often the only dishes served. The maize is rolled into balls by hand and dipped into the sauce. Cutlery is seldom used. Hands are always washed before a meal. Home-brewed beer and water is also passed around from person to person, but any other drink is not normally shared.
Until 1994 law stipulated that women wear skirts that cover their knees and men keep their hair short. For this reason it is always a good idea for women not to wear short or revealing clothes, unless at a beach resort.
Officials and locals may not be very receptive to travelers dressed in shorts or skimpy clothing.
Money / Currency
The unit of currency is the kwacha (MK), which is divided into 100 tambala.
There are notes of Mk100, 50, 20, 10 & 5. Coins of Mk1, and 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 & 1 tambala.
Banks
The major banks are the National Bank of Malawi and the Commercial Bank of Malawi. Both have branches in most towns throughout the country.
Banks are open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 13:00 or 14:00. In small towns they may only open two or three days a week.
Traveler´s cheques and major currencies can be exchanged in banks, hotels & other institutions. In remote areas, local district commissioner's offices will cash cheques.
It is strongly discouraged to change money on the black market. The chances of money changing being a scam are high - a sure sign of this is an offer of a rate 10% higher than bank rates.
Exchange Rate
You will find the exchange rate is in your favour.
Visitors from North America, Australia and Europe will find that items cost half or two thirds of what they are used to paying, and locally produced goods and food is even cheaper.
Credit Cards
In the cities and major towns, credit cards are widely accepted. Major hotels also accept credit card payments.
Note that US dollars, British pounds, German marks and South African Rands are widely accepted.
It is advisable to always carry small change as this makes bargaining for curios easier.
Your clothes, shoes and stationary can also be bartered in exchange for curios at markets and roadside stalls.
Tipping
Restaurants often include a service charge of 10%, but are advised that the staff only receive about 4% of this.
It is therefore appreciated that you tip extra.
Civil servants in the national parks receive very poor wages and even a small tip is greatly appreciated.
It is standard practice to tip your guide or scout in the parks.
Tax
Note that a tax of 30% is charged on food in mid and top range restaurants.
It is suggested you check that this is included in the quoted price.
Health
It is imperative that you obtain malaria prophylactics before entering Malawi. When purchasing these, please tell your doctor or pharmacist that you intend visiting Malawi. Start your course at least 24 hours before entering Malawi and continue taking the pills for 6 weeks after leaving the country. If you suffer from side effects, try taking your malaria prophylactics at night, after dinner as this usually minimizes the effect of the symptoms. Take precautionary measures to prevent contact with mosquitoes, like sleeping under a bed net (most hotels provide these) or in a room/tent with mosquito proofing (remember to keep the flaps zipped at all times); spraying your accommodation with insecticide; making use of a mosquito-repelling lotion or stick; and wearing long sleeve clothing, trousers and socks when outside at night.
It is advisable to be up to date with typhoid, yellow fever, cholera, hepatitis, small pox and tetanus inoculations. The lakeshore is not always free of bilharzia, so check with local authorities.
Medical Services
Good hospitals are found in Blantyre and Lilongwe.
Most large towns have a hospital or good government clinics and pharmacies.
Some medicines may be in short supply, so it is recommended you bring all medicine you may require, as well as a first aid kit. Doctors and hospitals often require immediate cash payment.
When to Go?
The best time for game viewing is early May to late October. This is the dry season when vegetation is less dense. Also, there is a greater chance of seeing animals gathering at perennial water holes.
July is the coolest month and it gets hotter later in the year. In May to July the landscape is at its best, though this means game viewing may not be. The best weather is in August, but as this is the month for school holidays, national parks and lodges on the lake become very crowded.
During the rainy season (January to March) some roads become impassable, even by the toughest four-wheel drive vehicle.
Bird-watching is good all year round, but most especially during October and November. These months can be very hot and very wet.
Hiking is possible all year, but it is recommended that this not be undertaken in the wet season.
August and September are the most comfortable times for climbing the Southern Highlands as mountain air is crisp and cool.
Weather, Seasons & Climate
Summer: November to March
January to March is the hot, rainy season. Temperatures average around 26°C, but reach the mid 30s.
Many of the roads in the National Parks get washed away, and animals are difficult to see due to thicker vegetation. However, for the budget conscious, many hotels and activities are heavily discounted during this period. In April, roads open up and the weather turns beautiful with clear skies, warm days and cool evenings.
Winter: May to July
June and July are the middle of winter, but the average daytime temperature is about 21°C, but the nights are cold, especially in the highlands. By late August, the days become hotter, though the nights are still cool and by October the days are very hot, with warm nights.
It is still dry. The rainy season starts in December, so this month can be very humid.
General Accommodation Information
There is a huge variety of accommodation along the lakeshore and in the national parks. Upmarket hotels and lodges have full facilities, including TVs, telephones, etc. Some lodges have game drives.
All other hotel and lodges are usually of excellent standard. Self-catering chalets and cabins and campsites are available with varying facilities.
Self-catering usually includes the use of a communal kitchen, or a staffed kitchen, where your food is prepared to your specifications by cook.
Clothes / What to Pack?
Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year. Light clothing with warmer clothes in mountains and winter evenings.
Women are free to wear clothing of their choice anywhere in Malawi without restrictions in any mode of dress.
Electricity
200/240 Volts AC, 50Hz
Shopping
There are many craft and curio stalls where local arts and crafts may be purchased. One may also buy many items along the roadside.
Goods are usually marked up and it is expected that you haggle with sellers for a reduced price.
Wooden bowls and chess sets and carvings of people, animals are widely available, as are soapstone carvings, paintings and clay pots. Malachite (green stone) jewelry can be purchased in a variety of forms.
A popular souvenir is the chief's chair, which is a high-backed chair made of two intricately carved pieces of wood. A very practical souvenir is the chitenja, a bright wrap which can also be worn as a cloak, scarf or baby carrier.
Travel Tips / Safety
Malawi is a very safe destination, though there have been reports of tourists being robbed, violently.
There are a number of money scams targeting tourists, so always keep your money and possessions in your own hands.
The only other major caution to be given is for hippopotami and mosquitoes
Water
Never drink tap water.
Bottled water is widely available, but ensure that the seal has not been broken. Vegetables should be washed with purified water and peeled. Coca Cola is widely available, as is an orange drink called Orangina. Malawi makes Colesburg beer, and due to the colour of the labels, it is either referred to as a "green" or a "brown".
Malawi Gin, which is slightly sweet, is becoming widely known, and a delicious coffee liqueur called "Mulanje" should not be missed.
Avoid ice cream, shellfish and undercooked meat.
Malawi is also becoming famous for producing gin and sipping a Malawi Gin and Tonic must be the perfect way to watch the African sun go down.
Public Holidays
- New Year´s Day - 1st of January
- John Chilembwe Day - 15th of January
- Martyrs Day - 3rd of March
- Good Friday - (varies)
- Labour Day- 1st of May
- Freedom Day - 14th of June
- Republic Day - 6th of July
- Mothers Day - (2nd Monday of October
- National Tree Planting Day - 2ndMonday of December
- Christmas Day - 25th of December
- Boxing Day - 26th of December
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