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Frequently Asked Questions about Malawi Malawi

What is the best time to travel?

The best time to travel to Malawi is during the winter months between May and October. Malawi has just one rainy season. During this period, which runs from the beginning of November until the end of April, the days are warm and the humidity is high. Most of the rain falls in the higher-up regions and very little falls around the lake. In the dry months of May-October, both countries are a little cooler.

What is the best time to see wild life?

If you're coming to see wildlife, make it late in the dry season, when animals converge at water holes. But beware, the heat can be unpleasant, especially in the lowlands. The landscape is much more attractive and conditions less oppressive from May to July, but there are fewer animals about. The early dry season is the best time for birdwatching; it's also exceedingly hot, exceptionally wet or both.

What are the best festivals and when do they take place?

John Chilembwe Day (15 January), Martyrs’ Day (3 March), Labour Day (1 May), Freedom Day (14 June), Republic Day (6 July).

When does the tour start?

All of our tours start at 12:00 hrs at the hotel where we spend our first night .Your room will be available to check-in from this time. If you arrive later, no worries, your tour leader will meet up with you at some point to brief you.

Can I pre-book transfers and extra nights?

If you have booked your flight with Shoestring, we can offer the following two services. Firstly the option to pre-book airport transfers and secondly the option to book pre-tour nights, if you have chosen to arrive earlier. Prices for these extra services are available on the tour page.

Can I extend my trip by a few days or longer?

When you book a flight with us, you can extend the return date of the flight for as long as you like at the time of booking. If you want to change after booking, you will have to cancel the flight and book again, at heavy cost. In case you want to stay longer and need extra travel arrangements just inform your tour leader at the start and you and he/she can see if the local agent could organize something for you.

What about my passport?

You need a passport that is valid at least 6 months at the date of departure. You are responsible for having a valid passport and visa when you travel.

Do I need a visa?

UK citizens do not need a visa for Malawi for stays of up to 90 days irrespective of endorsement in passport, but these things can change. So please click here and check out the current situation. You can also check on that website if a visa is required for any other nationality. Make sure you find out if you need a visa at least a month before departure so you do not run out of time.
If you need a visa, please click here to find details of the embassy you need to contact unless you use a visa service. Shoestring does not organize your visa. You are responsible for having a valid passport and visa when you travel. You can also obtain the visa through a specialized visa agency like www.travcour.com. It is


Do I need vaccinations or malaria tablets?

Please click here for questions regarding vaccinations or malaria tablets for this country and contact after your local practitioner or a specialized health centre and make an appointment to get your shots and pills. Please make sure that you allow at least six weeks for a full program. People who already have had a few shots might do with two weeks. You are responsible for having the right protection when going on tour.

What is the recommended currency for Malawi?

The official currency is the Malawi Kwacha (MWK), which is divided into 100 tambalas. Travellers cheques and foreign currencies are accepted by banks, authorised hotels and other institutions in the main town centres; bureaux de change are also available. US Dollars, South African Rand and Pounds Sterling are the easiest currency to exchange. Credit cards are not widely accepted and ATMs are scarce and should not be relied upon. Exchanging currency on the black market is not recommended.

What kind of clothing and other stuff is practical to take?

Bring thin clothes and a high-necked long-sleeved T-shirt or a thin cotton roll-neck jersey for the nights to protect you against mosquitoes. Additionally, bring a jersey or a sweater and a raincoat. An umbrella is of good use against the rain as well as against the fierce sun. A pair of worn-in walking shoes with a good tread and strong soles is important. Acacia thorns can easily perforate soft soles. Sandals or slippers are comfortable footwear on days we are not walking. Other important items are: sunglasses, suntan lotion, toiletries, basic medical travelling kit, sun hat or scarf, photo or film equipment and an adequate amount of film, spare batteries, torch, maybe a pocket knife, alarm clock, stationery, and books. Other handy items to bring include a sleeping bag, with or without an extra sheet to line it, a towel and a battery-powered reading lamp

What kind of luggage should I take?

All this should be packed in an overnight bag or a backpack. Hard suitcases cannot be taken into the safari truck. Additionally, a small rucksack or shoulder bag is handy for carrying everyday hand luggage. To keep valuable papers safe, you are best off purchasing a slim cotton money belt that you can wear under your clothes. Be sure to have a change of clothes in your hand luggage and to be able to survive 48 hours without the rest of your luggage in case it is carried to Africa indirectly. Keep essentials like the pill, malaria pills, essential medicine, cheques, camera and your toothbrush in your hand luggage.

Electricity

What voltage and plugs are in use in Malawi? Please click here to check what voltage and plugs are in use in this country. You could consider taking a universal electric plug.

Travel guides and maps

If you want to take a travel guide or map, we suggest you click on Lonely Planet

In what kind of accommodation do we sleep?

You stay in twin share dome tents on campsites with a restaurant on the premises.
Keep in mind the journeys are going through developing countries, with a much lower standard of living than you are used at home.

How is accommodation arranged if I book alone?

If you book alone you will share your room with a fellow traveler unless you have booked a single room. Sometimes it means that you need to share your room with someone of the opposite sex. In case we go camping, you could decide to take a small tent if you want to sleep alone. In case this involves extra camping fees (never very much), your tour leader will tell you and collect the extra fees.

What can I expect for camping facilities?

You will have the use of all equipment (twin share dome tents, sleeping mattresses, cooking equipment etc.)


Do I need to take a mosquito net?

Yes, it is advisable to prevent being stung from the mosquitoes. Mosquitoes cannot be entirely avoided in this part of the world, but there are some measures that will considerably reduce the inconvenience. Some hotels provide mosquito nets on demand. Just as effective is the “mosquito coil”, green spiraling incense that will keep the mosquitoes at bay for about eight hours.

Do they cater for vegetarians in Malawi?

Food in Malawi is generally very simple. The staple diet is white maize eaten with vegetables. You can have some desserts as: Nthochi (banana) Bread , Mbatata (sweet potato) Cookies, Mtedza (peanut) Puffs and Zitumbuwa (banana fritters)

What kind of transportation is used?

You will be transported in an overland truck.

Can you travel with children?

Yes, children can travel with their families on a Shoestring tour. We recommend the easiest tours which are listed as ‘Category A’ where the distances covered are short and there is a slow traveling speed. But please check with our friendly sales team if you are unsure.
We would define a child as being under the age of 18. They would only be allowed to travel provided they do so with an adult family member or close relative.

Children under the age of 8 we recommend not to travel as they simply would not be old enough to enjoy the experience nor cope with the nature of travel that we provide.

The tour prices are the same for both adults and children however there will be a reduction on the child airfare which will vary depending on the flight selected (Please use the ‘search flights’ facility on the website to check the up-to-date prices).


Is Malawi dangerous?

Malawi is considered a safe country in which to travel and the majority of visits are trouble-free, but sensible precautions should be taken with regards to personal possessions and security, particularly after dark. In the big cities there is a lot of street robbery at night. Do not walk the streets after sunset. In the daytime, some care should be taken: do not show large amounts of money, be sure to hide your camera when it is not being used and do not wear conspicuous jewellery. If you are interested what the Foreign Office has to say, please click here.

What local customs do I need to keep in mind?

It is courteous to ask permission before taking photographs of people. Women, in particular, should cover their legs and upper arms when travelling outside of the main tourist areas.

Are there opportunities to snorkel or dive?

In the Lake Malawi, the water and the beach are tempting invitations to relax. You can stay and have your time to relax on the beach or go snorkelling in the gorgeous water, filled with all colours of tropical fish

Are there opportunities to swim?

Yes, in Lake Malawi, which with a length of 363 miles is the fourth largest lake in Africa. It takes up around 20% of Malawi’s size.

What are other activities and sports I could do?

Malawi provides plenty of opportunities for many types of activities. In Lake Malawi there are boat activities and water sports. The mixed terrain and varied landscapes also provide for excellent trekking and mountain biking opportunities, particularly in the highland areas.

Mobile phone, email and snail mail

The telephone system is not very reliable, but Internet, email and fax are available in most towns and tourist areas. The GSM 900 cell phone network gives coverage to most of the country and is compatible with most international operators.

Time difference with the UK

Please check the world clock in order to find out the exact time difference with the UK.
Please mind that the time can change depending if the UK is on day light saving time or not.