Malawi is the ‘warm heart of Africa’, Malawi is a stable and safe African country known for its people with their welcoming smiles and friendly nature. The centerpiece of your sightseeing, however, is the enchanting Lake Malawi, Livingstone’s “Lake of Stars.” With a rich diversity of wildlife, fish and birds, as well as flora, the country is ideal for nature lovers, as its Lake Malawi Marine Park has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Assorted treasures including many unique species await bird watchers, fishermen, outdoor and water sports enthusiasts, and game viewers. Other ways to enjoy the country include trying the local ‘chambo’ fish or a Malawian gin and tonic and shopping for souvenirs made by highly skilled artisans such as chief’s chairs, mats, wooden masks, traditional reed items, baskets, carvings and beach of raffia. hats.
CAPITAL:
Lilongwe
CLIMATE:
Tropical with wet and dry seasons. The dry season (April-November) is also a good time to visit. The warm months are from mid-August to November, with October being the hottest. The rains (November-April) are intermittent. In winter (dry season) there are strong winds and some dust storms.
BADGE:
1 Malawi Kwacha = 100 Tambala. Travelers checks in dollars or sterling are recommended. Credit cards are not commonly accepted, except in large hotels. The shortage of foreign currency can be a problem. The importation of foreign currency is unlimited if it is declared. The export of foreign currency is allowed up to the amount declared upon arrival.
ELECTRICITY:
230 volts, 50 Hz. Plugs are 3-pin square.
HEALTH:
The yellow fever vaccine is an official requirement for travelers coming from an infected country or area. Visitors are advised to take pre-arrival precautions against malaria (the risk exists throughout the year throughout the country), hepatitis A, polio and typhoid fever. Other health problems are meningitis (depending on the time of year and the area visited); insect-borne diseases; cholera (officially considered infected); bilharzia (some stretches of Lake Malawi – it is recommended not to swim in still water pools or ponds in rivers below plateaus or on the shores of Lake Malawi away from the sandy beaches of lakeside resorts, Lake Malawi does not must be used as a source of drinking water unless the water has been boiled or filtered first); pollen (people with allergies or asthma may be bothered by pollen, etc.); poor medical facilities; lack of availability of medicines; and HIV/AIDS.
LANGUAGE:
Chichewa is the national and widely spoken language. English is the official language.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
New Year’s Day (January 1); John Chilibwe Day (January 15); Martyr’s Day (March 3); Good Friday (April 9); Easter Monday (April 12); Labor Day (May 1); Freedom Day (June 14); Independence Day (July 16); Mother’s Day (October 9); Christmas Day (December 25); Boxing Day (December 26)
SHOPPING:
Wood and soapstone carvings; wood and cane furniture; ceramics; beadwork; colored fabrics; raffia articles; implements.
SOCIAL AGREEMENTS:
More than 99 percent of the population is African, with the largest group being the Chewa. The main religious beliefs are traditional. Suits or jacket and tie are suitable for business meetings. Although the dress code is now more relaxed than before, visitors should be careful not to offend local sensibilities.
TIME DIFFERENCE:
GMT+2
TIPS:
Tips are allowed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TEN BEST ATTRACTIONS:
Lake Malawi:
One of the biological wonders of the world and the third largest lake in Africa, Lake Malawi forms an inland sea with rich marine life surrounded by palm-fringed beaches and lively villages; here you can go sailing, water skiing, scuba diving and sport fishing for Tiger Fish and Lake Salmon; The Lake Malawi Marine Park in the south is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and protects a unique diversity of tropical fish (over 400 species have been identified, most of which are unique to these waters), a colony renowned for otters and a rich birdlife
Kasungu National Park:
Miombo forest interspersed with sandy plains and wide rivers; ideal for wildlife and bird watching, especially at the Lifupa Dam; of particular interest are the famous Kasungu elephants; You can find sites from the Stone and Iron Age and cave paintings.
Zomba Tray:
It is located 900 m above the city of Zomba covered with evergreen forests and green meadows; home to blue monkeys, rare montane forest birds, and epiphytic orchids; ideal for Mulunguzi Dam fishing and hiking; the Queen’s View and Emperor’s View lookouts allow visitors to enjoy the invigorating air; Of interest in the town of Zomba are the traditional African market and the botanical gardens.
Nyika National Park:
The Northern Highlands form the largest wilderness area in Malawi; the Nyika Plateau is home to the largest concentration of roan antelope in Africa, large herds of elands and other mountain animals, which can be viewed from horseback; other activities include mountain biking, bird watching, trout fishing, and hiking; alpine flowers, orchids and proteas cover the high meadows; nearby, visit the Vwaza Marsh Game Reserve.
Liwonde National Park:
Malawi’s premier game area and habitat for the Big Five, this riverside park on the banks of the Shire River features many hippos, elephants, crocodiles, lions, leopards, and birds; a must is the tranquil boat safari up the river to Lake Malombe; the park contains the only population of Lilian’s lovebird in Malawi.
Lengwe National Park:
Home to the attractive Nyala antelope, buffalo, Livingstone’s suni and birds such as the Gorgeous Bush-strike, African Broadbill and Crested Guineafowl.
Lilongwe:
Also known as the ‘Garden City’ for its colorful flowering trees and forested slopes of native trees; visit the Kitu Botanical Gardens; Chinese Pagoda and Water Gardens; Capital Hill; National Library; Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary; New market; Old Market; Old Town; and Asian Quarter.
Blantyre:
Founded in 1876, this is the commercial capital of Malawi; surrounded by hills and mountains; visit the nearby Michiru Mountain Park; Thyolo tea district; Shire river and game parks; Majete and Mwabyi Game Reserves and curio shops.
Mount Mulanje:
An isolated massif containing 20 granite peaks, the highest of which rises to 3000m, offers serious climbers several challenging routes; spectacular waterfalls, forests and tea plantations decorate the area; Of botanical interest is the Mulanje cedar, which is believed to be unique to this area.
Viphya Tray:
A must for bird watchers; the Luwawa Dam has established itself as an adventure hub, with canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and more available.