Getting to Malawi
Known for its gorgeous, blue lake
Malawi safari guide
Currency exchange
Recommended vaccinations
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. The virus is primarily spread when an uninfected (and unvaccinated) person ingests food or water that is contaminated with the feces of an infected person. The disease is closely associated with a lack of safe water, inadequate sanitation and poor personal hygiene. Every year there are an estimated 1.4 million cases of hepatitis A worldwide. Hepatitis A vaccines are given in two doses. Anyone two years of age or older may receive the first dose. The timing of the second dose depends upon which manufacturer’s vaccine is administered. Both hepatitis A vaccines have pediatric and adult formulations.
- We recommend this vaccination when you go to:
- Botswana
- DR Congo
- Gabon
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Rwanda
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Chad
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is transmitted from one person to another through blood and body fluids, and primarily infects the liver. Worldwide, it is most commonly spread to infants by their infected mothers. Most people should get three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine. All newborns should receive a dose of hepatitis B vaccine at birth.
- We recommend this vaccination when you go to:
- Botswana
- DR Congo
- Gabon
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Rwanda
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Chad
MMR
Measles, mumps and rubella are highly infectious viruses that can have serious complications, including meningitis, swelling of the brain (encephalitis) and deafness. They can also lead to complications in pregnancy that affect the unborn baby and can lead to miscarriage. As a general rule, adults born before 1957 are considered immune to measles and mumps. For many adults born in 1957 or afterward, the MMR vaccine is advised. Most people who receive the MMR vaccine will have no problems from it. Others may have minor problems, such as soreness and redness where the shot was given, or fevers. Serious problems from receiving the MMR are rare.
- We recommend this vaccination when you go to:
- Botswana
- DR Congo
- Gabon
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Rwanda
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Chad
Typhoid
Typhoid (typhoid fever) is a serious disease. It is caused by bacteria called Salmonella Typhi. Typhoid causes a high fever, fatigue, weakness, stomach pains, headache and loss of appetite. Generally, people get typhoid from contaminated food or water. Typhoid strikes about 21 million people a year around the world and kills about 200,000. There are two vaccines to prevent typhoid. One is an inactivated (killed) vaccine administered as a shot; the other is a live, attenuated (weakened) vaccine which is taken orally (by mouth).
- We recommend this vaccination when you go to:
- Botswana
- DR Congo
- Gabon
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Chad
Tetanus
Tetanus (Lockjaw) is caused by toxin-producing spores of a bacterium, Clostridium tetani that inhabit the soil and the bowels of animals and humans. When they enter a deep flesh wound, spores of the bacteria may produce a powerful toxin, tetanospasmin, which actively impairs motor neurons, nerves that control muscles. The tetanus toxin causes severe muscle contractions, or spasms. Fever, sweating, elevated blood pressure, and rapid heart rate may also occur. A multitude of tetanus vaccines are available.
- We recommend this vaccination when you go to:
- Botswana
- DR Congo
- Gabon
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Rwanda
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Voltage and plug type
Type G (220V)
About Malawi
Located in east Africa just south of Tanzania, Malawi does not often spring to mind when one thinks of an African safari destination. Malawi is a small, landlocked African country, and over 20% of it is covered in water. Lake Malawi is a fresh-water that is over 600 km or 375 miles long and is home to a wide range of wildlife and stunning, undeveloped beaches. It is also the third largest lake in Africa after Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika. Malawi’s sub-Saharan climate means it generally tends to experience warm and humid weather year-round, with some months being more wet and humid than others.
Malawi has a very relaxed and laid back atmosphere and makes for an appealing choice for those wishing for a less hectic paced holiday. It also receives little tourism and people who visit will be rewarded with a more personal and non-blasé interaction with locals. Malawi, however, does not have stellar game-viewing opportunities and many of the large game animals are not found in this small country. Malawi is often recommended as a complement to neighboring country visit such as Tanzania, Zimbabwe or Zambia.
Lake Malawi National Park is located at the southern end of Lake Malawi, one of the deepest lakes in the world. With its clear waters and mountain backdrop, Lake Malawi National Park stretches an estimated 9… read more
Liwondé National Park lies at the southern end of Lake Malawi along the Upper Shire River. It is considered to be one of the hottest, most humid areas of Malawi. The landscape is highly diverse, consi… read more
Majete Game Reserve tells an astonishing story of wildlife restoration and is a true Phoenix amongst African Parks. By the late 1990s, this wildlife area had been poached to nothingness and most species of l… read more
Located in central Malawi, and only a few miles / kilometers to the west of Lake Malawi, is Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve. Although it is not as well-known as other safari destinations in Malawi, it is quickly… read more
Flying to Malawi
Most flights from North America and Europe will have one stop, but are fairly straightforward. If you’re flying from the Middle East, there are direct flights on airlines such as Emirates. If you are flying from within Africa, many countries offer direct flights either via the national carrier, Malawian Airlines, or via other African airlines.
Driving to Malawi
It’s fairly easy to drive to Malawi from neighboring countries. Tanzania, Mozambique and Zambia all have coach services from main cities, but be prepared for long rides and border stops. It is also possible to get from Harare, Zimbabwe to Lilongwe, Malawi, but you’ll want to pay attention to the route if you’re choosing a charter bus. Intercape Bus, for example, offers coaches from Harare to Lilongwe, but they route them via Johannesburg, which is the opposite direction. However, if you’re in Johannesburg and looking for an alternate to flying, you might want to consider taking a coach.
The following airlines travel to Malawi
Bush & Lake Aviation is a newly established charter company offering flights from its Lilongwe base to destinations in Malawi and the adjacent regions. We offer a small team of dedicated pilots, engineers, and management with many years of experience in the aviation business. We fly directly to your destination making your connections possible and saving you the unnecessary frustrations of transfers - queues and delays Bush & Lake Aviation specializes in charters for leisure travel or business. Visit website
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At Classic Jet Charters We own our aircraft and are an FAA certified aircraft charter operator. We also have one of the largest selections of local private jets and charter aircraft from the most valued private jet carriers with the most FAA operators nationwide. Classic Jet Charters strives to provide multiple private aircraft options for each of your charter flights with the highest levels of safety, convenience and competitive pricing. At the local level and nationwide Classic Jet Charters guarantees charter aircraft availability at a great price. Because we own our aircraft and have a network of preferred aircraft charter vendors nationwide we are available to quote any flight at the lowest price. Visit website
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Based in Kampala, operates scheduled and charter services across eastern and central Africa. Eagle Air is a Private Ltd Company specialising in the provision of Charter and Schedule Air services both within Uganda and around the East & Central Africa Region. Eagle Air was incorporated as an air operator in June 1994. Visit website
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Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) is the flag carrier of Ethiopia. During the past seventy plus years, Ethiopian has become one of the continent's leading carriers, unrivalled in Africa for efficiency and operational success, turning profits for almost all the years of its existence. Operating at the forefront of technology, the airline has also become one of Ethiopia's major industries and a veritable institution in Africa. It commands a lion's share of the pan African network including the daily and double daily east-west flight across the continent. Ethiopian currently serves 100 international and 21 domestic destinations operating the newest and youngest fleet. Visit website
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The flag carrier airline of the Netherlands. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines was founded on 7 October, 1919 to serve the Netherlands and its colonies. KLM is today the oldest airline still operating under its original name. KLM has been part of the AIR FRANCE KLM group since the merger in 2004. KLM is the core of the KLM Group, which further includes the wholly-owned subsidiaries KLM Cityhopper, transavia.com and Martinair. Visit website
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The flag carrier of Kenya. Kenya Airways was established in February 1977 following the breakup of the East African Community and subsequent disbanding of the jointly-owned East African Airways. KQ now flies to over 60 destinations around the world with over 40 being in Africa. The network expands to many more destinations with partnerships from Codeshare partners. Our Vision is to consistently be a Safe & Profitable Airline that Guarantees World Class Service. Visit website
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Malawi Airlines Limited is the national flag carrier of Malawi. It is a registered partnership company with shareholding between Malawi Government (51%) and Ethiopian Airlines (49%). Malawi Airlines operates B737-700 and Q400 Aircrafts with direct flights to regional cities of Johannesburg, Lusaka, Harare and Dar es Salaam, besides domestic flights between Lilongwe and Blantyre. The Airline offers warm and friendly services to make customers feel at home. In addition to promoting the image of Malawi, through its activities, the airline is playing a vital role in the economic growth by facilitating access for tourism, investment, enhancing trade and generates and save hard currency for the country. With its excellent on-time performance, baggage handling services and in-flight services, Malawi Airlines provides value for money services to all destinations it operates. Visit website
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Priority One Jets offers private jet charter and air charter services Malawi. With access to over 7,000 aircraft worldwide, no flight is too small or too large to handle. With just a few hours of notice, Priority One Jets is able to arrange any type of aircraft from Malawi or to Malawi regardless of the number of passengers. Book a Jet in Malawi Priority One Jets has access to all type of jets. Choose from any Citation, Hawker, Lear, Falcon, Challenger, Gulfstream, Global Express, Boeing Business Jet and even Jumbo Jets. Priority One Jets can arrange all your jet charter flights with just a few hours. Feel free to call our account executives to book your next jet charter flight in Malawi. Rent a Private Jet from Malawi or to Malawi Rent a jet and be ready to depart in just few hours. Priority One Jets can arrange your jet charter and air charter in Malawi. On Demand Jet Charter in Malawi Our on demand jet charter service in Malawi allows you to depart when you want and on the jet that you want. Arrange your flights from Malawi based on your own schedule. Avoid connecting stops and unnecessary layovers. Visit website
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Scandinavian Airlines or SAS is the flag carrier of Sweden, Norway and Denmark. SAS carried a total of 2.5 million passengers in March 2015, up 6.1%. The total traffic (RPK) increased by 1.8%. The total capacity (ASK) was reduced by 2.2%. SAS was the second most on time of all global airlines in 2014 0,04% behind the winner. And compared with other major European airlines, SAS was the third most punctual, with 88.62% of the companys 300,000 flights on schedule in 2014. Visit website
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National airline of South Africa. At South African Airways we are the proud national airline of South Africa. We offer great value flights to and from South Africa as well as within our beautiful country. We are committed to the highest standards in everything we do and aim to deliver a world-class experience on every flight. Plan and book your flights with us and experience why we are one of the leading airlines in Africa. Visit website
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The national flag carrier airline of Turkey. Turkish Airlines, one of the most preferred leading European air carrier with global network coverage thanks to its strict compliance with flight safety, reliability, product line, service quality and competitiveness while maintaining its identity as the flag carrier of Turkey. Visit website
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Ulendo Airlink offers a range of flight solutions to key domestic and regional destinations from our bases at both Lilongwe and Likoma Island. Delivering reliable, regular and safe flights, Ulendo Airlink is supported by a great team of experienced aviation professionals committed to delivering unparalleled service to leisure and corporate travelers alike. Our fleet flexibility and dynamic approach to flying ensure we are positioned to meet almost all market demands. ? Our vision is to grow with the Malawi tourism and travel sectors, evolving our product to surpass the expectations of increasingly discerning travelers while delivering first world service standards. We look forward to welcoming you on board an Ulendo Airlink flight soon. Visit website
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Ultimate travel is a fully Malawian owned Tour Operator and Travel Service Company. We are an innovative, reliable and independent ground-handling company that specializes in Malawi and Zambia (South Luangwa). No one has a better all-round knowledge of the Malawian tourism product and how to pull it all together than us. We do not handle the request with a one size fits all attitude but rather tailor make our services to meet what you need. Our independence means that we are happy to book any lodging facilities throughout Malawi; alternatively, we are always pleased to recommend what we believe to be the best itinerary to suit your criteria. Visit website
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