Holiday in Malawi

A landlocked country in southern Africa, boasting superb landscapes, prominent mountainous countryside and a welcoming culture that has made it popular with western visitors.

Traditions & Culture of Malawi

Often referred to as the warm heart of Africa, its mixture of ethnic groups has done little but endow its largely Christian population with a friendly and welcoming attitude to outsiders.

English is spoken to a fairly high degree in populous areas such as the capital Lilongwe and other major cities such as Blantyre, but the predominant native language is Chichewa.

Don't be offended by staring, which is more a sign of curiosity and be prepared to be greeted by the cry of "Mzungu" from groups of children, roughly interpreted as "westerner".

Malawian society is patriarchal and there is a strong prevalence of respect for one's elders.

Recommended in Malawi

Roads in Malawi are particularly well kept and in tact comparative to neighbouring countries Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia, which makes cheap car hire or "country" car hire a good travel option.

Trying the local cuisine is always a must in Malawi. Nsima - a maize-type porridge - is rolled into balls and dipped in a variety of spiced, and richly flavoured stews and curries known as relishes that can be found in any of the local restaurants located nearby to one's luxury and cheap hotel, depending on your budget.

One of the country's major attractions is Lake Malawi, which stretches almost the entire length of the country and is home to more species of animal than any other lake in the world.

Its tidal currents mean that the sea is never missed, with tourists and locals taking advantage of the beaches of the great lake in much the same way as they would any coastal destination.

Mount Mulanje is an equally impressive spectacle, with impressive waterfalls, streams and gorges to break up any trekker's traverse.

Other attractions include any one of the country's nine national parks, including the Lake Malawi Marine Park and the Nyika National Park. Just consult your holiday guide for information on their respective features.

Weather in Malawi

A subtropical climate is rainy between November and May and dry at other times. The warmest regions are on the shores of Lake Malawi, where a cooling breeze provides a satisfying respite.

Malawi checklist

It is a big country, so finding out which end you would like to focus your exploration is important. Consult a holiday guide before you go, perhaps planning your trip to ensure you make the most of it.

International flights largely arrive at Lilongwe, where most of the flight offers are likely to arrive and depart. Blantyre airport also has many regional flights.

Malawian Kwacha (MWK) is the currency for the country of just over ten million.