FAST FACTS

Capital: -  Lilongwe.
Area: - 1 118 480 sq/km
Independence: -  July 6 1964 (from UK)
Population: - 10 385 849 (July 2000)
Ethnic groups: - Chewa,      Nyanja,     Tumbuko,    Yao, 
                            Lomwe,     Sena,        Tonga,          Ngoni, 
                            Ngonde,    Asian,        European.
Religions: - Protestant 55% 
                    Roman Catholic 20%,
                    Muslim 20%,
                    Indigenous beliefs.
Languages: - English (official ), 
                       Chinchewa (official), 
                       other languages important regionally.
Natural resources: - Limestone, arable land, hydro power, 
                                   unexploited deposits of uranium, 
                                   coal, and bauxite.
Currency: - KWACHA - 1 Malawian kwacha (MK) = 100 tambala

REGIONAL INFO: - SELECT FROM OUR LIST BELOW.

1)  FAST FACTS.
2)  Malawi.
3)  Health.
4)  Getting Around.
5)  Activities.
6)  Highlights.
                        a) Lilongwe.
                        b) Blantyre.
                        c) Livingstonia.
                        d) Lake Malawi.
                        e) Nkhata Bay.
                        f)  Monkey Bay.
                        g) Senga Bay.
                        h) Cape Maclear.
                        i)  Zombe.

Malawi

The “Warm Heart of Africa”, Malawi is home to the friendliest people in Africa.

Its rich lakes, woodlands, steep plateaux and charming inhabitants make for Unforgettable travels.

Steep yourself in a rich blend of African cultures and colonial heritage while Also benefiting the local population by supporting their tourist and visitor Driven initiatives.

In the heart of the Rift Valley, Malawi’s wet season runs from November to April and a dry season from May to October when the weather is cool.

Health

The biggest threat to tourism in this country is contracting malaria. There is Also a bilharzia risk in  Lake Malawi, most commonly near fishing villages or Stagnant areas. Treatment is provided in private clinics or hospitals in Lilongwe Blantyre, Limbe or Mzuzu.

Getting Around

Air Malawi has a country-wide network and links with neighbouring countries. Virgin Atlantic flies from Lilongwe to the UK. Sefofane Malawi, a charter Company, links national tourist centres.

Bus Shire Bus Lines is a private company that operates most buses around Malawi. Top of the range is Coachline, a daily service running non-stop between Lilongwe and Blantyre and Mzuzu.

Alternatives are Express, Speedlink, Inter City, Yanu Yanu and Nyike Express, Which have more stops.

Train Blantyre is the major centre where passenger trains go daily to Balaka. A Twice-weekly service runs between Limbe and Nsanje. There is also a service Between Balaka and Nayuchi on the border with Mozambique. Trains are slow And crowded, but slightly cheaper than taking the bus.

Car Main routes are tarred but not well-maintained, so look out for stretches of Potholes. Secondary and rural roads are graded dirt and after rains present Problems, so a 4x4 is advisable.  Blantyre and Lilongwe are the best places for Hiring vehicles.

Hitching Between Mzuzu, Lilongwe, Zomba, Blantyre and the southern lake Shore hitching is fairly easy. Don’t expect free lifts if you are hitching of main Routes. An unofficial transport service, called matola, transports local, a paid For service.

Activities

Nature Reserves Malawi does offer the Big Five, just not all in one game park! It is also world-renowned for its birdlife. And Lake Malawi has more fish Species than any other inland body of water in the world!

Five National Parks-Nyika, Kasungo, Lake Malawi National Park, Liwonde And Lengwe house elephant, buffalo, several antelope species, zebra and Hippopotamus. There are also four game reserves - Vwasa Marsh (which now Has accommodation). Nkhotakota, Mwabvi and Majete with limited Accommodation and road networks.

Liwonde, Nyika, Kasungu and Vwasa Marsh now have privately-run Accommodation to suit any budget, while the beaches near Lake Malawi National Park have a small number of simple lodges.

Elsewhere, reservations for government-run accommodation should be made Through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, tel 72 3566, on Murray road in the Old Town.

Trekking and Hiking Mount Mulanje offers six main routes from the plains Into the mountains, with a network of paths linking overnight huts.

Hiking is controlled by the forest station. Please note that Mount Muljane Experiences unpredictable weather, so be prepared for freezing night-time Temperatures, thick mists and flooded streams.

Highlights

Lilongwe

This sprawling capital city has a good variety of restaurants, shops and Cinemas, as well as embassies, travel agents, smart hotels, supermarkets and The like.

It is a good place to shop for crafts and curios.

There are a few gorgeous parks to rest weary limbs, but try to avoid these after Sunset.

The Nature Sanctuary, open between 7.30am and 5pm, and found between Old Town and City Centre, is an indigenous woodland reserve covering 150 Hectares, complete with the Lingadzi River and a variety of birds and mammals.

Blantyre

The  industrial and commercial centre of Malawi, Blantyre is a lively, pleasant City, offering lively entertainment with a variety of clubs and bars.

Blantyre stretches for about 20km, before it flows into the neighbouring city, Limbe. Three beautiful mountains, the slopes of which have been declared Forest reserves, surround it. Just outside the city you’ll find miles of tea fields. Tours can be arranged, but if you’re going solo you can get maps from the Forest reserve office 8km outside Blantyre, taking the Kabula Hill Road Nothward.

Doogles is the local backpacker hangout, while La Casa off  Chileka Road, is a Good spot for jazz enthusiats.

Should you wish to pre-book accommodation at Chembe Lodge, a Dive Course On the lake or a sailing safari, this can be done from Tumbuka Lodge in Sharpe Road.

Livingstonia

An ideal place to recuperate amid a peppering of colonial buildings. The town Museum exhibits original artefacts belonging to Livingstone and his missionary Workers. The Manchewe Falls, 3km from the town, are worth a visit. Getting To Livingstonia is tricky as there is transport only in the dry season.

Lake Malawi

Nkhata Bay is probably the most scenic of the  shore towns and is a budget Traveller’s destination.

A bus service operates to/from Mzuzu and Salima.

Exquiste Monkey Bay offers a lively market, post office, bank, bars, resorts And a few backpackers and camping sites. Diving courses are offered, as well As great opportunities for bird-watching at Kalwe Forest just outside the town.

Senga Bay boasts clear waters and excellent beaches. Watersports, hiking Handicraft shopping and hippo watching are enjoyed here. There are plenty of Camping sites and accommodation. To get to Senga, take a local pick-up that Runs fro Salima.

Cape Maclear, in the Lake Malawi National Park, is the most visited area along The lake.

Travellers love the sun, fun and friendly vibes.

Most activities revolve around the lake, or on a range of hiking trails. There is Broad choice of accommodation, with Chembe Lodge among the most popular. When the road is in good condition, Shire Bus Lines Intercity run from Blantyre and on to Monkey Bay.

Zombe is a must, a 2000m massif characterised by streams, lakes and waterfalls In a exquiste forest setting, and (literally) some of the best views in Africa! Access is straightforward and accommodation ranges from the Spartan to the Sublime.