Travel Season

     

Tips before your Departure

Entry

For a stay up to 90 days, Germans and Austrians need a passport that has to be valid for at least 6 more months after leaving the country. A child ID is only valid with photos and shall have at least two free pages for visas. Effective 01^st October 2015, the Government of Malawi has announced introduction of a USD 75,- "Entry Fee" applicable to visitors from any country which requires Malawian Citizens to acquire visas to visit their country of citizenship. Inhabitants of other countries should ask for their respective entry requirements at their responsible Embassy.  

Health

Besides sunscreen and your personal first-aid kit we recommend medicine for diarrhea due to the climatic change. When entering Malawi through a country declared as yellow fever endemia area you need the certification of a valid yellow fever inoculation. Beyond that, no immunizations are required, but please ask your doctor or local health authority before departure. In addition we suggest you invest in a travel health insurance, and will be happy to inform you about it.  

Currency

Currency is the Malawi Kwacha. Please note that you should only change your Euros into the local currency at official money bureaus in Malawi and banks as all other changing possibilities are illegal and can lead to prosecutions. Credit cards are normally accepted by bigger hotels and travel agencies but mostly with high fees of up to 6% to 8%. At most cashpoints you can also draw money with your credit or Maestro card.  

Time Shift

There is no time shift during the European summer time, during winter time it’s + 1 hour.  

Climate

In Malawi, there’s tropical climate that strongly fluctuates due to the altitude differences and the north-south expansion. The average temperature is at about 22° C (central highland) but depending on the time of the day and the year temperatures can fluctuate from 6° C to 31° C. There normally is more rain in the north than in the south, and there are three seasons: The months from May to August are cool and dry, from September to November it is dry and hot and rain season lasts from November/December to March/April. Lake Malawi has a yearly average temperature of about 25° C.  

Luggage/Clothes

For safaris please think of clothes in muted colors, long trousers, long sleeves, headgear as well as comfortable shoes. Please also remember to take sunscreen and insect-repellant spray and think of light cotton clothes, a thick pullover or a warm jacket for cooler temperatures as well as rain protection. We recommend that women in public others than on safari and beach shall wear knee-long trousers, skirts or dresses.  

Day of Departure

Flight

The most important airport in Malawi is Blantyre. From Germany there are no direct flights to Malawi, but connection flights are possible with many well-known airlines. Ethiopian Airlines offers a great connection flight via Addis Abeba and KLM flies to Blantyre from Germany via Amsterdam and Nairobi (in cooperation with Kenya Airways). We will be glad to advise you on prices for flights in Comfort/Business Class. For a fee of € 30, - we can reserve your preferred seat. We can also reserve a parking place at the airport in advance. We recommend to call the airline 1-2 days before departure to let them confirm the time of departure. Please keep your passport ready for your return flight.  

Security Advice

Please note that you have to be at the check-in counter of your airline at least two hours before your departure. We will be glad to send you some information on your airport. Please remember not to pack any sharp objects into your hand luggage like nail scissors etc.  

Your travel destination

Arrival

After arriving at your airport in Malawi you will be welcomed by your tour guide and accompanied to your hotel or you will directly start your safari.  

Population

National language in Malawi is Chichewa, official language is English.  

Safaris/Excursions

We offer you an interesting choice of safaris and excursions. It is recommended to book before your departure as in the peak season many safari lodges are booked up and you may lose valuable vacation time.  

Security

Please deposit your money, jewellery as well as your documents in the hotel safe. Don't take too many things with you and take care of your handbag and camera. After sunset it is recommended to use a taxi instead of public means of transport.  

Electricity supply

The voltage is 230 Volt 50 Hertz. You need a three-pole adapter.  

Telephone

Calling from Germany: 00265/ local area network/subscriber; Calling to Germany: 0049/ local area network without 0/subscriber  

Diplomatic missions

German Embassy: Convention Drive, Capital City, Lilongwe 3, Tel.: +265 1 772 555 Austrian Consulate: Malawi Plot BC 1033, off Chikwawa Road P. O. Box 574 Blantyre, Tel.: +265 1 63 84 71 Swiss Embassy: Fracht (Africa) Ltd., Mtendere Drive 10/334, Lilongwe, Tel.: +265 1 712 222  

Tip

In most of the hotels and restaurants a service charge of 10% is added to the invoice. Tip is only given for really special service. So if your satisfaction with the service is above average, you can give more than those 10%. A taxi driver in Malawi normally receives 10% tip as well. If you are pleased with the service you can also give your guide or safari driver and the hotel staff a tip.