Malawi, safari and culture in the heart of Africa
Updated on 06/09/2022 Ideas for holidays & weekend
Can you place Malawi on the world map of your living room or the planisphere of your room? Can you briefly describe the physical geography of ...
Travel guide Malawi
Malawi : The best time to go
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Malawi : Practical information for travel
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Malawi : Where to go?
The most beautiful tourist sites
Malawi : Other destinations
Malawi : Petit Futé's best addresses
Discover the most beautiful addresses selected by the authors of Petit Futé.
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Malawi : How do I travel?
How to go alone
Travelling alone in Malawi offers great freedom, but you need to be well prepared to make the most of it. Plan your itinerary well and make hotel reservations in advance, especially if you're traveling during the peak tourist season.
In terms of transport, the road network is constantly improving, but some remote areas are difficult to access. We recommend renting a 4x4 if you plan to explore less-developed areas. Buses and minibuses also connect the main towns, but they can be crowded and less comfortable.
And don't forget to take health precautions. Consult your doctor for any necessary vaccinations, and make sure you take out travel insurance to cover medical expenses and repatriation. Malawi is relatively safe, but as always, keep an eye on your personal belongings and avoid venturing out alone at night in less-frequented areas. Stay open to the unexpected and go solo in Malawi!
How to go on a tour
If you're looking for a hassle-free holidayin Malawi, a package tour is the way to go. Several travel agencies offer complete packages covering transport, accommodation, meals and, of course, guided tours of the country's must-sees. From safaris to mountain hikes to excursions to Lake Malawi, you can rely on the expertise of local guides for a safe and rewarding experience.
One of the greatest advantages of an organized trip is peace of mind. Agencies often have partnerships with local hotels and service providers. Peace of mind and quality! What's more, logistical aspects such as airport transfers and internal travel are generally well planned. Nevertheless, it's important to choose your travel agency carefully, and to do so, check online reviews. An organized trip to Malawi offers the perfect combination of discovery and relaxation!
How to get around
To get around Malawi, several options exist, but bear in mind that Malawi has mainly unpaved roads, so a 4x4 is preferable for exploring the territory, especially if you plan to venture off the beaten track!
Public transport, especially buses and minibuses, is an economical way of getting around between the big cities. However, these vehicles are crowded and less comfortable. There are also cabs and rickshaws in urban areas for short trips.
For lake destinations, boats and ferries are available, especially to the islands of Lake Malawi. However, check timetables and safety conditions.
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Malawi : Discover
Getting to Malawi is an adventure after a long journey to the warm heart of Africa. Before you, Dr. Livingstone, the famous British explorer, discovered the region in the 19th century, in particular the magnificent lake that occupies 20% of the surface area of this small country landlocked between Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia. As peaceful as it is endearing, the country attracts travellers and divers alike with its white sandy beaches and the translucent waters of its inland sea, where multicoloured fish swim. But lazing by the inland sea is not the only reason to visit Malawi. The hospitality of its inhabitants is another. Then there are the hikes on the many high plateaus and, above all, the safaris, away from the usual saturated destinations, in this country that is home to the Big Five- elephants, buffalo, rhinoceros, leopards and lions - and hundreds of other species of mammals and birds.
Malawi : The 12 keywords
Warm Heart Of Africa
This appealing slogan has become very popular with tourism professionals operating in Malawi. It praises the generosity and kindness of the local people. The increase in tourist numbers over the last twenty years has been supported by a certain degree of political stability and the reintroduction of large mammals from the continent.
Tea
Brought over by the British in the 19th century, tea has a long history in Malawi, which was the first African country to produce it. The main plantations are in Thyolo and around Mulanje. Some grands crus are exceptional. Most of the production is sold at weekly auctions held in Limbe, near Blantyre.
Peri-peri
To spice up your poulet-frites, there's nothing like a hint of peri-peri! With a value of 175,000 Scoville units, the spicy fruit marketed as a sauce by the Malawian company Nali is classified as "explosive"! The peri-peri (Swahili for chili pepper) is a cultivar of the "hot pepper" native to America. |
Chambo
In most restaurants, you'll often see chambo on the menu. This fish, distinguished by the excellence of its fine white flesh, is less colorful than other cichlids. It has haunted the shallows of lakes Malawi, Malombe and Shire for thousands of years. Due to overfishing, the chambo is threatened with extinction.
Nsima
A staple of traditional Malawian cuisine, nsima is a puree made from corn flour, mixed in boiling water and similar in appearance to Italian polenta. In Malawian villages, women pound dried maize cobs in high mortars. Nsima is eaten sweetened for breakfast or as a side dish.
Malawi gin
Distilled from sugar cane as early as 1965, this spirit quickly gained notoriety among Britons and expatriates alike. Produced by Malawi Distilleries Limited (a subsidiary of the French Castel Group), this gin and tonic is distinguished by its aromas (juniper, citrus) and notes, spicy or sweet, depending on the spirit's breath.
Tobacco
The country's main source of wealth, tobacco is Malawi's leading export (55% of the total). The first plantations date back to the end of the 19th century. Current production is around 130,000 tonnes, 25% of which is of the burley variety, a blond tobacco with a high nicotine content, used mainly for cigarettes consumed in the West. |
Chitenje
With its bright colors, chitenje is the traditional garment of Malawian women. Sometimes adorned with political or religious slogans, it envelops their bodies. Made from wax, a water-repellent cotton fabric, it can also be used as a baby carrier or bandana. Designers have transformed the chitenje into a trendy piece that fashionistas love.
Cichlids
Lake Malawi boasts the largest variety of freshwater fish in the world: cichlids. 600 different species have been recorded, all of them 'a great beauty with their shimmering colors (yellow, green, blue, orange). Called mbuna (rock dweller) in Chichewa, cichlids live on the rocky bottom of the lake. |
Bicycle
The bicycle is Malawi's most popular means of transport. You'll find them everywhere, in hamlets and towns, on dirt tracks and asphalt. The bicycle is also the cheapest form of public transport in the country: you'll easily find a bicycle cab or cab bike, with its fitted luggage rack.
Matola
The matola is a pick-up truck whose body holds livestock, sacks of rice, grain or flour, and human beings with their personal belongings. It's the No. 1 form of public transport in remote rural areas. Practical and economical, if not comfortable (no seat or roof), it can be used to transport a wide variety of goods. |
Mzungu
This term, borrowed from Swahili, refers generically to foreigners or whites. Tourists are often referred to in this way. Even if it's not pejorative, the expression can sometimes be irritating. But unlike in many countries, it's a good-natured affair, and the mzungu is never harassed and always welcomed. |
You are from here, if...
You wash your hands before eating in a small bowl. This ritual is performed at home and in local restaurants, even if you are offered a fork.
You form the nsima into a compact ball by kneading it in your hand, then use it as a piece of bread to scoop out the various accompaniments called ndiwo. |
You master the rules of netball, one of Malawi's most popular sports thanks to the exploits of the Malawi Queens national team.
Enjoy a sundowner near a waterhole while waiting for the black rhinos to come and drink.
You'll own at least one chitenje, the traditional women's outfit made of colorful cotton.
You master the rudiments of Chichewa, the country's main lingua franca: "moni" (good morning), "muli bwanji?" (how are you?), "tsalani bwino" (goodbye), tsikula bwino (good day), "kaya mawa" (maybe tomorrow). |
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