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Malawi embodies the spirit of Africa, and yet this smaller African country is often neglected by gap year travellers or used only as a stop-off to the continent’s more well-known destinations. Those who don’t pause to explore Malawi are really missing out on this fantastic little piece of Africa, which has so much to offer in its own right. Malawi’s national parks and mountains offer wonderful hiking experiences where you can discover the country’s lush greenery, misty mountains and stunning wildlife. The biggest attraction in the country is Lake Malawi which is an unmissable destination for any gap year traveller. A fantastic testament to the power of Mother Nature, the lake sparkles in the African sun. Home to an enormous variety of aquatic life the lake is also a watering hole for hundreds of land-based wildlife. If you are feeling adventurous then there is also the chance to try out a range of different watersports. So if you fancy an escape to Africa but want to avoid the popular tourist routes then Malawi is the ideal gap year destination.
Welcome to Malawi’s secret paradise. This giant freshwater lake is famed for its heavenly beaches dipped in gold (can you believe this isn’t the ocean?). Wake up to birdsong, dip into crystal-clear waters and experience the local villages’ cultures on our Malawi tours. When night falls, the skies reveal why it’s nicknamed the “Lake of Stars.”
An entire universe is waiting to be discovered below the surface of Lake Malawi. Home to more fish species than any other lake on the planet, this destination is a dream come true for snorkelling lovers. Most of them are what we call endemic species, meaning that they are exclusive to these waters.
Because if stunning beaches and authentic travel experiences have not already convinced you to come, Malawi is a haven for wildlife. The Big Five are dotted throughout the country, so you can enjoy safaris practically all to yourself inside Malawi’s national parks. And that’s not all. Hike to lush waterfalls and listen to jungle ambience.
The staple food in Malawi is a thick corn porridge called nsima, but the country is also known for its fresh fish. It has been speculated that Lake Malawi is home to more species of freshwater fish than anywhere else on the planet so there are plenty of varieties for you to sample. A traditional meal to try is curried fish flavoured with exotic local spices. The bigger cities also offer a wide choice of western foods to suit every traveller’s taste buds.
The dry season is the best time to visit and this runs from May to November. Temperatures get hotter towards the latter part of the season but this is also the prime time to spot wildlife. Temperatures range, on average, from a cooler 22°C in July to the 30’s in November. The wet season runs from December to April where rainfall comes in sudden, tropical bursts. This is a good time however to spot the fantastic variety of birds in Malawi and also see the stunning orchids which grow during this wetter season.
Visas may be required depending on your nationality, travel plans, and length of stay. Below are the FCDO travel advice for British travellers. Entry rules can change at any time, so always check with the relevant embassy before travelling.
To make things easier, we’ve partnered with The Travel Visa Company, a UK-based visa specialist. Their team can guide you on requirements and, for a fee, apply for visas on your behalf.
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Malawi’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Malawi set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Malawi Revenue Authority.
Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you arrive in Malawi.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
You must apply for a visa to enter Malawi.
Single or multiple entry visas can be obtained on arrival. You are advised to bring US dollars in cash for payment:
On-line e-visas are available on the Malawi Immigration website.
If you wish to live, work or study in Malawi, visit the Malawi Immigration website for further information.
If you’re travelling with children aged 17 and under and passing through South Africa, see what documents you need in South Africa travel advice.
To enter Malawi, you must have certificates to prove you’ve had:
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Malawi guide.
The Ministry of Health and Sanitation require arriving passengers to complete a Traveller Health Check form. This can be accessed on arrival through a QR code or completed in advance.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Malawi. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Outside of central tourist areas women travellers should remain covered out of respect for the locals.
Drug taking or possession and the purchase of precious uncut stones are both illegal and can incur severe punishments.
Homosexuality is also illegal in Malawi so gay or lesbian travellers would be advised to be cautious and to not engage in public displays of affection.
Health care in Malawi can be below standard, especially in rural areas. It is advisable to take anti-malarial medication and there has also been some incidence of rabies in the country. Immunisation against polio, tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis A is recommended. Please see our general guide to health when travelling.
You should also avoid drinking tap water and only drink bottled or boiled water. If you get diarrhoea while travelling you should seek medical care.
In general Malawi is safe as long as you are sensible. Do not accept food or drink from strangers no matter how friendly they seem and if you are driving keep car doors and windows locked at all times. Keep your bag across your body to make sure it can’t be snatched and avoid walking alone at night. For your own safety avoid participating in political rallies as they can get out of control. Otherwise please read our general guide to safety when travelling.
We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.
