Self-drive adventure in Malawi - Exclusive

Dubbed the 'Warm Heart of Africa' for its good-natured charm, the tiny, landlocked country of Malawi in southeastern Africa is a famously hospitable little nation brimming with touristic abundance. Its exuberant landscape is a breathtaking natural kaleidoscope of verdant countryside, sweeping plateaux, soaring highlands, and river valleys. Malawi's share of the vast Great Rift Valley encompasses the country's must-see eco-destination, the emblematic Lake Malawi, several national parks and game reserves, while the Central African Plateau's undulating terrain is defined by a series of dramatic escarpments, punctuated by lakes, dramatic hills and dense forests. A wealth of outdoor activities is open to outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling, water skiing, sailing, kayaking, parasailing and boating. Game viewing at the reserves offers a chance to see crocodiles, lions, elephants, hippos and leopards. For the more culturally curious, browse the many bustling markets, visit traditional villages and dig into the treasure trove of the country's history at The Society of Malawi in Blantyre.

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 

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