MALAWI WILDLIFE GUIDE

Malawi, officially known as the Republic of Malawi, is a landlocked country located in southeast Africa. It is bordered by Tanzania to the north, Zambia to the west, and Mozambique to the east, south, and west. The capital city of Malawi is Lilongwe.

Malawi has a population of approximately 19 million people, with the majority living in rural areas. The official language is English, although Chichewa is widely spoken.

The country’s economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, with the majority of the population engaged in subsistence farming. The main crops grown in Malawi include tobacco, tea, cotton, sugarcane, and maize. Fishing is also an important industry, with Lake Malawi providing a significant source of fish.

Malawi is known for its warm and friendly people, as well as its beautiful landscapes and wildlife. The country is home to several national parks and reserves, including the Liwonde National Park, the Nyika National Park, and the Lake Malawi National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Despite its natural beauty and resources, Malawi is one of the world’s least developed countries, with high levels of poverty and limited access to healthcare, education, and other basic services. The government has implemented various initiatives to address these issues, including the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy and the National Health Policy.

Country Code: +265.

Crime: Malawi is a small landlocked country located in southeastern Africa. The crime rate in Malawi is generally low compared to many other African countries. However, crime is still a concern, particularly in urban areas such as Lilongwe, Blantyre, and Mzuzu.

The most common types of crimes in Malawi include theft, robbery, and burglary. These crimes are often committed by gangs, especially in the cities. There have also been reports of carjacking, pickpocketing, and fraud.

Violent crime, such as assault and homicide, is relatively rare in Malawi. However, it does occur, particularly in domestic disputes and alcohol-related incidents.

The Malawian government has taken steps to address crime in the country, including establishing a national police force and implementing various crime prevention strategies. However, there have been reports of corruption within the police force, which can hinder their ability to effectively combat crime.

It is important for visitors to Malawi to take precautions to ensure their safety. This includes avoiding walking alone at night, staying in well-lit and populated areas, and not carrying large amounts of cash or valuables

Currency: Malawian Kwacha.

Electricity: Type G (3-pin rectangular prong, triangular pattern).

Language: the official language of Malawi is English.

Latitude and Longitude: 13.2543° S, 34.3015 ° E.

LGBT: Homosexuality is illegal in Malawi and is punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The country’s penal code criminalizes same-sex sexual activity between men, but not between women. The law is rarely enforced, but discrimination and violence against LGBT individuals is still common.

In 2010, Malawi made headlines when two men were arrested and sentenced to 14 years in prison for engaging in homosexual acts. The case received international attention, and the men were eventually pardoned by the country’s president after serving over a year in prison.

In 2012, the Malawian government announced that it would not arrest individuals for consensual same-sex sexual activity, but the law itself has not been repealed. Additionally, discrimination against LGBT individuals is not explicitly prohibited by law, and there are no legal protections for LGBT people in terms of employment, housing, or other areas.

Population: 19.89 million (2021).

President:  Lazarus Chakwera.

Embassy of the United States of America, Area 43, City Centre, Lilongwe, Malawi.

Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), City Centre, Lilongwe, Malawi.

British High Commission, Area 18, Lilongwe, Malawi.

High Commission of India, City Centre, Lilongwe, Malawi.

High Commission of the Republic of Zambia, Area 12, Lilongwe, Malawi.

Embassy of the Republic of South Africa, City Centre, Lilongwe, Malawi.

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Area 43, Lilongwe, Malawi.

Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Area 3, Lilongwe, Malawi.

Here are a few hostels in Malawi that are highly recommended by travelers.

Chitimba Camp

The owner Ed is very kind and an amazing photographer. Think National Geographic Calendar amazing. Campsite is located on Lake Malawi.

Mabuya Camp

Located in Lilongwe, Mabuya Camp offers budget-friendly accommodation in a relaxed and friendly environment. The hostel has a variety of room options, from camping to dorms and private rooms. There’s also a bar and restaurant on-site, as well as a swimming pool and garden area.

Butterfly Space

This hostel is situated in the heart of the city of Blantyre and offers a variety of accommodation options, including private rooms and dorms. The hostel is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, as well as its community events and activities.

Funky Cichlid

Located in Cape Maclear, Funky Cichlid is a great option for travelers looking for a beachfront hostel. The hostel offers both dorms and private rooms, as well as a bar and restaurant on-site. There’s also a variety of water activities available, such as kayaking and snorkeling.

Chameleon Backpackers Lodge

This hostel is located in the town of Nkhata Bay on the shores of Lake Malawi. The hostel offers a range of accommodation options, from dorms to private rooms and even a treehouse. There’s also a bar and restaurant on-site, as well as a variety of water sports and activities available.

Doogles Lodge

Located in Lilongwe, Doogles Lodge offers a range of accommodation options, from camping to dorms and private rooms. The hostel is known for its friendly staff and social atmosphere, with regular events and activities taking place.

Malawi has two national parks.

Liwonde National Park:

This park is located in the southern region of Malawi and covers an area of 548 km². It is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, and numerous bird species. Visitors can go on game drives, boat safaris, and guided walks.

Nyika National Park:

Located in the northern region of Malawi, Nyika National Park covers an area of 3,134 km², making it the largest national park in the country. It is known for its rolling hills, montane grasslands, and unique biodiversity, including zebra, eland, roan antelope, and numerous bird species. Visitors can go on guided walks, game drives, and mountain biking tours.

Malawi is a beautiful country that offers a variety of attractions for tourists to explore. Here are some of the top tourist attractions of Malawi.

Lake Malawi:

Lake Malawi is the third-largest lake in Africa and is known for its clear blue waters, sandy beaches, and unique species of fish. Visitors can swim, snorkel, and scuba dive in the lake, as well as take boat tours to explore the various islands.

Nyika Plateau National Park:

This national park is located in the northern part of Malawi and is known for its vast grasslands, rolling hills, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can go on guided game drives to see animals such as zebras, antelopes, and leopards, as well as take guided walks to see waterfalls and other natural wonders.

Liwonde National Park:

This national park is located in the southern part of Malawi and is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. Visitors can go on guided game drives and boat tours to see the animals up close.

Mulanje Mountain:

Mulanje Mountain is the highest peak in southern central Africa and is a popular destination for hiking and trekking enthusiasts. The mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is home to a variety of flora and fauna.

Cape Maclear:

Cape Maclear is a small fishing village located on the shores of Lake Malawi. Visitors can relax on the sandy beaches, swim in the clear waters of the lake, and take boat tours to see the nearby islands and marine life.

Chongoni Rock Art Area:

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to over 100 sites with rock art, dating back to the late Stone Age. Visitors can see the ancient paintings and engravings, which provide a glimpse into the lives of early humans.

Malawi has a tropical climate, with relatively high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. There are two main seasons: a dry season from May to October, and a wet season from November to April.

During the dry season, the weather in Malawi is generally sunny and warm, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to low 30s Celsius (mid-70s to low 90s Fahrenheit). Humidity levels are generally lower during this time, making it a popular time for tourists to visit.

The wet season in Malawi is characterized by heavy rainfalls, especially in the months of December and January. Temperatures during this time are still warm, but humidity levels are high, which can make the weather feel even hotter. It’s important to note that flooding is a common occurrence during the wet season, especially in low-lying areas.

The best time to visit Malawi depends on what you want to do and see. The dry season is ideal for wildlife viewing and hiking, as the weather is generally mild and dry. The wet season is better for bird watching and exploring the country’s beautiful waterfalls and rivers, but it’s important to be prepared for heavy rainfall and potential flooding.