Malawi: Bush and Beach Break

Welcome to your adventure to Malawi! The compatibility of art and naturalist interests makes an inspiring combination. Your art tutor, Mary-Anne Bartlett is an accomplished artist and seasoned Africa-hand. She will teach you how to look at your surroundings, encourage you to fill your sketchbook pages in your own style, and try new ideas. Malawi is where the idea for Art Safari was born in 1999. Mary-Anne has since written the Bradt Guidebook to Malawi (4th edition) and for her, it’s her second home full of friends who have known her for over 25 years since her first visit in 1991, following Livingstone’s footsteps. This small country really is the warm heart of Africa. You will also find on this particular trip that you meet many local people who give you extra colour and interest.

Malawi is a small country packed with life and vitality. Its national parks and wilderness areas are unspoiled gems, and if you want to enjoy a natural paradise away from the crowds this is the place to be.  It is often known as the ‘Warm heart of Africa’, and smiles and laughter are constant companions on a trip here – Malawians make it a very happy place to be painting!

In 1859, missionary and explorer David Livingstone arrived on the shores of Lake Malawi.  His voyage prompted European interest in Malawi and subsequently several Anglican and Presbyterian missions were established here in the 1860s and 1870s.  British commercial interests in this corner of Africa grew, and to protect them from the Portuguese who were established in neighbouring Mozambique, the British Government formed a Protectorate which covered present day Malawi (then known as Nyasaland) to bring it under British rule.  In 1964, the country shook off colonial rule, and became an independent republic under the leadership of President Hastings Kamuzu Banda, who ruled Malawi as a one-party state for the next 30 years until the mid-1990s.  Today, Malawi is a democratic, multi-party government.

Malawi is among the world's least developed countries; most of the population is rural and reliant on subsistence farming and in particular maize, but food supply is precarious because of the climate.  Cyclical dry spells have resulted low harvests and life-threatening food shortages several times in the last few decades – the most recent being in 2016.  Cash crops are grown too, and the main exports are tobacco, sugar, cotton, and tea.

At present, there is relatively little tourism in Malawi, but it is an increasingly important resource – creating jobs and generating revenue to plough back into conservation and community projects.  Being a small country, with an estimated population of over 18 million, human-wildlife conflict is one of the biggest challenges Malawi faces.  Communities exist side by side with wildlife areas and depend on them for resources such as firewood and food (fish and meat), which has in the past depleted and degraded these natural areas.  However, thanks to a partnership, which began in 2003, between the government and African Parks, a non-profit organisation, key game reserves have been rehabilitated and wildlife is thriving.  African Parks currently manages three wildlife areas in Malawi: Majete Wildlife Reserve, Liwonde National Park and Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve. 

ENTRANCE AND VISA REGULATIONS FOR MALAWI

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of travel, and you will need to have 2 blank pages for each time that you pass through customs.

Be sure that your passport is stamped with the correct departure date for your stay in Malawi or you could encounter problems and mistakes are difficult to rectify afterwards.

Please double-check this information before you travel with the Malawi High Commission: www.immigration.gov.mw/visa 

As of  7 th February 2024, Malawi introduced visa-free entry for travellers from approximately 79 countries (including UK, USA, Canada, Australia, China) valid for up to 90 days

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Please make sure that you are covered fully by your health insurance when you are away from home and travelling.  We cannot stress enough the importance of having the appropriate travel insurance.  At the very least your travel insurance must include medical emergency cover and cancelation and curtailment cover.  We suggest you also make sure that you are covered for all medical expenses including the possibility of return transport costs to your country of residence.  Other insurance such as for luggage theft or loss should also be taken into consideration.

Check for any exclusions and ensure that your policy covers you for all activities, including cover for medical evacuation by air ambulance.  You are required to forward Art Safari the name of your insurance provider with contact details and your policy number before departure.

You should keep a photocopy of your passport, yellow fever certificate (if required), travel insurance and flight tickets separate from the originals when travelling. 

The local currency in Malawi is Malawi Kwacha (MK). The exchange rate fluctuates but is currently approximately £1 = MK 2,347 and US$1 = MK 1,734.  Please check the exchange rate closer to the time of your travel.

Although most of the major hotels and camps accept credit cards (Visa), some of the more remote accommodations do not.  Travellers cheques are generally no longer accepted at most camps/lodges, so cash is often the easiest means of settling bills for extras — US Dollars are ideal, though UK pounds are usually acceptable.  Hence, we recommend that all travellers do take at least a few US Dollars in cash.  Please be aware that US$1 bills will not be accepted or exchanged; the minimum domination able to be changed is US$5.

There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that can be imported but it must be declared and accounted for on departure.

A small amount of Malawi Kwacha is also useful for purchasing items from local shops and for tips. You can withdraw Kwacha from banks in the towns, which are open weekdays from 0800 to 1300. There are also ATMs around the country, including Lilongwe and Blantyre.  Only local currency is dispensed, and this is limited to approximately the equivalent (depending on exchange rates) of GBP £125; US$160, in a period of 24 hours.  ATMs and card machines generally don't work during the frequent power cuts, so it’s sensible to carry cash too.

We would advise against using black market currency traders.

At the end of your trip, should you need to you can change any excess Malawi Kwacha back into hard currency at a bank or bureau de change before you depart.  The Kwacha is a closed currency so it’s unlikely you’ll be able to change it back into hard currency once you depart for home.  Please note that on departure from Malawi, only MK 3000 may be exported.

CREDIT CARDS

You can use Visa cards at some but not all of the large hotels, high-end lodges and bigger restaurants. Many companies charge a 3 to 6% fee for the use of credit cards to pay for goods or services. In addition, paper rather than electronic transactions is the norm, so you should ensure that credit cards are swiped no more than necessary and that all carbons are destroyed.  Mastercard is less commonly accepted.

TRAVELLERS CHEQUES

Traveller’s cheques are no longer widely accepted.  If you can manage without them, then we recommend you do so.

TIPS/GRATUITIES

Tipping is not compulsory, but it is commonplace across Africa.  Staff at lodges, guides, porters, drivers and other people providing services to travellers will be hopeful of being tipped.  In some environments such as lodges, on safaris and on treks, tipping is usually structured in ways which make it clear, fair and less easy to abuse. 

We regard gratuities as entirely personal, but it might be worth thinking about leaving something in the general tip box at each lodge (anything from £4-8 per day) as we leave.  You can also keep back something for our safari guide at the end of the safari (anything from £4-8 per day).  How much you tip often depends upon where you come from and what your tipping culture is at home.  Items of clothing, equipment and shoes that are not needed anymore are also gladly received.

Currency: 
Local currency: Kwacha  
Symbol: Mk 
ISO code: MXK 
Central bank: Reserve Bank of Malawi 
Subunit: tambala 
Banknotes: Notes are in denominations of Mk500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 
Coins: Coins are in denominations of Mk1 and 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 tambala 

Banking: 
Card Transactions: Available in hotels in major cities 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s Club: Yes 
 
Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 08:00 – 14:00 
Weekends: Closed 
Sundays: Closed 
Public Holidays: Closed 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: Ulendo Airlink 
International Airports: Kamuzu International Airport 
Domestic airline: Ulendo Airlink 
 
Road: 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: No 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
Uber available: No 
 
Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 
 
Rail: 
Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No 
 
Water: 
Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Malawi is a tropical country; you should seek medical advice at least 8 weeks before travelling to Malawi to discuss any appropriate vaccinations or other preventative measures, and assess health risks taking into account your destination, planned activities and medical history. 

Please note that for your own safety you should inform us about any intolerances or allergies against any medications that you may have and also of any medical conditions, for example high blood pressure, epilepsy, asthma, heart conditions, etc.  Make sure you know your blood group.

For detailed and/or definitive medical advice, please consult your physician.  Your medical requirements are your responsibility. 

TRAVELLING WITH YOUR MEDICATION

You need to check what rules apply to taking your medicine:

• out of the UK 
• into the country you're going to

Some prescribed medicines contain drugs that are controlled under the Misuse of Drugs legislation in the UK. This means that extra-legal controls apply to these medicines and you may need a personal licence to take controlled medicines abroad.

For more information, see Can I take controlled medicines abroad? https://www.gov.uk/travelling-controlled-drugs

International rules vary – contact the embassy for the country you're visiting. The GOV.UK website has a full list of foreign embassies in the UK https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/foreign-embassies-in-the-uk

Always carry medicines and medical equipment (needles, syringes and so on) in their original, correctly labelled packages.

Carry your medication in your hand luggage (although check your airline's regulations before travelling) with a copy of your prescription.

Pack a spare supply of medication in your suitcase or hold luggage (along with another copy of your prescription) in case you lose your hand luggage.

Check that the expiry dates of your medicines will be valid for the duration of your visit abroad.

It's a good idea to travel with a copy of your prescription and a letter from your GP that has:

• details of your medication, including its generic name (not just the brand name)
• the name of the health condition that you need the medication for

As well as helping you avoid any problems at customs, this will be useful if you need medical help while you're away.

INTERNATIONAL AIR TRAVEL

Make sure you stay hydrated during your international flight.  Try to sleep as much as you can – use earplugs, a travel pillow and eye-mask, eat delicately and limit the amount of alcohol consumed on board.  Do try to move around where possible to keep your blood circulating to avoid DVT (deep vein thrombosis) and swollen ankles.

INOCULATIONS

This information has been taken from NHS Fit for Travel - www.fitfortravel.nhs.co.uk

• Confirm primary courses and boosters are up to date as recommended for life in Britain
• Courses or boosters usually advised: tetanus; hepatitis A; typhoid.
• Other vaccines to consider: diphtheria; hepatitis B; rabies; cholera; yellow fever*.
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate - Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers who are arriving from, or have transited through, countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Malawi is a Yellow Fever free zone. 

MALARIA

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes.  It is among the most dangerous diseases in Africa and the greatest risk to the traveller.  You cannot be vaccinated against malaria, so malaria precautions are essential.

Before travelling to Malawi, please consult your doctor or a local Travel Clinic regarding anti-malaria medication to take with you.  You should do this even if you have travelled to Africa before, as medications can change, and new developments are being made all the time. 

The most important and effective way of preventing malaria is to prevent mosquito bites by taking care to ‘cover up’ in the evenings (with long shirt, trousers) and to take a good mosquito repellent with you.

It is important to note that no preventative measures are 100% effective.  Should flu-like symptoms and signs such as body pain, headache and fever develop 7 to 20 days after visiting an endemic area, please consult a medical professional.

HIV/AIDS

AIDS is known to exist in almost every country in the world and we suggest that you follow the recommendations made by your local Department of Health.

There is clear evidence that mosquitoes and other insects do not transmit the virus.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

BILHARZIA (SCHISTOSOMIASIS)

Bilharzia occurs in Malawi.  It is caused by an infestation of parasitic worms and contracted by coming into contact with infected water.  A common indication of an initial infection is a localised itchy rash; symptoms of a more advanced infection will probably include passing bloody urine.  Bilharzia is readily treated and is only serious if it remains undetected and untreated.

The lifecycle of the parasites which cause bilharzia starts when they are urinated into a body of water and infect a particular species of water-snail.  These multiply, become free-swimming, and then leave the snail to look for a second host.  They can infect someone who comes into contact with that water, and they then produce eggs that are passed in the person’s urine, so continuing the cycle.

The only way to be 100% certain of avoiding bilharzia is to stay away from any freshwater lakes in Africa.  However, generally these snails do not inhabit fast-flowing water, and hence rivers are usually free from infection.  Hence more pragmatic advice when you are traveling is to avoid coming into contact with slow-moving or sluggish water.  Your tour guide will know where you should not swim - please ask before you take a refreshing dip.  Always towel off vigorously if you do go swimming.

If you think you have been infected, don’t worry about it – just get a test done on your return home.  Infections are usually easy to cure with a course of Biltracide tablets – which many local residents take once per year as a precaution.

TICKS

Please be aware that we will be sketching in bush areas where ticks and other insects may be present.  Please remember to check for ticks and be scrupulous about hygiene so that bites do not become infected.

UPSET STOMACHS

For us tourists, it is common to experience diarrhoea at some stage especially when it’s hot or when you are over tired.  It can be your body reacting to different water or food which carries bacteria that your body has had no previous contact with and to which it has not developed an immune response. In most cases, it is not severe (but if you are worried, please speak to your guide).  You can help prevent this experience by following these simple guidelines:

• Stay out of the sun or wear a hat
• Do not drink tap water
• Do not order ice in drinks
• Eat no raw meat, fish that has not been kept chilled or food from establishments that appear unkempt
• Do not eat unwashed fruit and vegetables, it’s better to peel before eating
• Food bought from local street vendors may not meet adequate hygiene standards

MEDICAL EMERGENCY

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, alert your tour leader.  The number to dial for an ambulance is 997/998/999 in Malawi.  Be aware that there are very few ambulances.  You should check with your insurer before travelling that your cover will be sufficient for this service.  You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

As with travel to anywhere in the world, it’s always sensible to be cautious.  Be observant, and avoid displaying expensive cameras, jewellery or cash in the way of temptation.  Deposit valuables in your hotel’s safety deposit box if there is one.  Do not leave your baggage or hotel key unattended.  Check out with local hosts the areas that are best avoided walking in after dark.  If returning to your lodge/hotel late in the evening, use the main entrance. 

When in big game / safari areas please listen to the briefing when you arrive in an unfenced lodge and stick to the lodge rules about being accompanied after dark.  Always walk in groups, never walk alone at night. 

CREEPY CRAWLIES
Although the bush is known to be home to a number of potentially dangerous species, especially snakes, scorpions, spiders, and insects, very few visitors are adversely affected.  Snakes tend to be shy, and generally stay away from built-up areas.  Lodges and camps often have insect (especially mosquito) proofing in their rooms.  If you go on a walk, it is always a good idea to wear comfortable, enclosed walking shoes, socks, and long trousers – just as a precaution.
 

Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, when thoroughly peeled and cooked
Ice: No
Meat: Yes
Street food: No

Local cuisine:  
Malawians enjoy traditional and rustic cuisine specialising in starchy carbohydrates sourced from maize flour, fresh local produce, fresh fish from Lake Malawi, and locally grown vegetables.  
 
Drinks:   

Mawehu- Refreshing unsweetened non-alcoholic drink made from maize meal 

Chibuku- Served in a milk carton, this beer is made from fermented maize and has the consistency of porridge. 

Kuche kuche– A light local beer 

Malawi Gin – Serve with tonic and a slice of lemon 
 
Tipping: No 

Annual rainfall: Varies from 725mm to 2500mm  
Average temperature: 27°C  
 
Dry Season 
Average in highs: 27°C 
Average in lows: 20°C 
 
Wet Season 
Average in highs: 29°C 
Average in lows: 17°C 
 
Best time to visit:  
Early May to late October is the best time to visit Malawi and make the most of game viewing and trips to the beach in sunny weather on the shore of Lake Malawi.   

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 
 
Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 
 
General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes