| Often billed as 'the warm heart of Africa', Malawi | | | | is freely convertible at a rate of around 137 |
| offers something for all visitors. | | | | Kwacha to the US dollar. US dollars are also |
| One of the most beautiful and laid-back countries | | | | readily accepted, particularly for larger purchases. |
| in Africa, Malawi is renowned for being a | | | | It's also worth noting that the neighbouring |
| destination for those seeking adventure, leisure or | | | | Zambia's currency, also called Kwacha, is worth a |
| eco-tourism attractions. | | | | fraction of the Malawi Kwacha, so travellers need |
| Malawi's scenery is gorgeous and varied and | | | | to watch out. |
| Malawians tend to be extremely friendly toward | | | | Credit cards are accepted to some extent, but |
| travellers. Nature lovers will adore the national | | | | then only the major brands like Visa and |
| parks and game reserves, mountain hiking and | | | | MasterCard and then only by the larger hotels or |
| plateau trekking. | | | | businesses geared specifically towards tourists. In |
| Top tips for Malawi Travel | | | | general, it's safer to assume that your card will |
| Travel in Malawi | | | | not be readily accepted. |
| Malawi's road network is reasonably well | | | | Traveller's cheques too are not always easily |
| established, with most major routes tarred. Bus | | | | exchanged. Some of the banks, Forex Bureaus |
| transport is a viable option, with express and | | | | and in top-end hotels may do so, but US currency |
| luxury coach options available and boat trips are a | | | | in cash is probably a better option. |
| fond favourite. | | | | Health Precautions |
| For those seeking a more comprehensive African | | | | Malawi is a Malaria-risk area. To minimise the risk |
| adventure, there are a number of overland tour | | | | of mosquito bites, wear light, long sleeved clothing |
| operators running trips that span various | | | | and use an effective insect repellent (those |
| countries, allowing travellers an opportunity to | | | | containing Diethyltoluamide DEET work well) on |
| really experience the spirit of Africa and enjoy a | | | | exposed skin. |
| variety of experiences. | | | | Sleep under treated mosquito netting or ensure |
| Social Conventions - | | | | that the doors and windows of your |
| With a large and diverse range of tribal | | | | accommodation are screened against mosquitoes. |
| backgrounds among the people of Malawi, it's | | | | Having a fan or air-conditioner on at night will also |
| understandable that many travellers are | | | | curb mosquito activity to some extent. |
| concerned about matters of accepted behaviour | | | | Currently, the three most effective anti-malaria |
| and convention. Fortunately for visitors to this | | | | medications are Mefloquine (Lariam or Mefliam), |
| African paradise, Malawian society is well | | | | Doxycycline and Malarone (Malanil). Certain |
| integrated and visitors need not worry too much | | | | medications may cause side-effects and need to |
| about social differences. | | | | be taken some time before you are exposed to |
| Greeting Conventions - | | | | the risk, so consult you doctor or travel health |
| Malawians are "hand-shake people". They generally | | | | centre well before you intend to depart. |
| place some importance on the shaking of hands | | | | Must-see sights of Malawi |
| when meeting and greeting. Among some parts | | | | Lilongwe - This, the Malawian capital, is renowned |
| of society men practice a special handshake, | | | | for the Old Town, home to market stalls, quaint |
| involving the grasping of the thumb and placing | | | | cafés and restaurants and the New City, |
| the left hand on the forearm - foreigners should | | | | which houses embass offices and shops. |
| probably not be trying to do this, but if you're | | | | Blantyre - Blantyre, located in the southern part |
| there and you see it, you'll know what it's about. | | | | of Malawi, is considered the centre of commerce |
| Also, women and children might curtsey as a | | | | and industry in the country. Of interest for beer |
| greeting or as a sign of gratitude. | | | | lovers, it is home to the Carlsberg brewery and |
| Dress - | | | | has a range of restaurants andommodation |
| Generally, Malawians tend to the side of the | | | | options. |
| conventional in their dress. It's advisable to dress | | | | Lake Malawi - probably the most famous of |
| modestly but of course in such a relaxed society | | | | Malawi's tourist attractions, Lake Malawi is also |
| there are no hard and fast rules and it's probably | | | | know as also known as Lake Nyassa and |
| better just to dress appropriately for your | | | | 'Livingstone's Lake' (after famous explorer David |
| intended activity; a day at the beach calls for | | | | Livingstone). It is the most southerly lake in the |
| beachwear and a safari trip requires long sleeves | | | | Great African Rift Valley. |
| and trousers. | | | | The lake, about 560 km long and with a total area |
| Climate and weather | | | | of nearly 30 000km², is bordered by |
| Winter, the dry season, is the best time to visit, | | | | Mozambique, Malawi, and Tanzania and is a source |
| and lasts from May to October. June and July are | | | | of territorial dispute between Malawi and Tanzania. |
| the coldest months with a very comfortable | | | | Lake Malawi is home to a greater variety of |
| average daytime temperatures 21ºC. The | | | | indigenous species of fish than any other lake in |
| dry season also offers excellent game viewing | | | | the world, making it very popular among scuba |
| and hiking opportunities. | | | | divers and snorkellers. |
| The warm, humid rainy season, from November | | | | Its peaceful blue waters and stunning golden |
| to April, brings hotter temperatures of around the | | | | beaches make for great retreats for those |
| mid-30 ºC range. Rainfall is concentrated on | | | | seeking a bit of rest and relaxation. Water sports |
| the higher plateaus and some roads become | | | | like kayaking; canoeing, windsailing and water skiing |
| impassable after very heavy rains. | | | | are available for those seeking a more active |
| Currency | | | | source of fun. |
| The Malawi Kwacha is the locally used currency. It | | | | |