 Malawi is a small inland country, of which about 20 per cent is occupied by Lake Malawi – Africa’s third biggest lake situated at the southern edge of East Africa. It was called Nyasaland until it gained its independence in 1964.
Visa, Customs and Vaccination.
You need a full valid passport for entry into Malawi. Nationals of the Commonwealth countries (except India, Pakistan and Nigeria) and of the European Union, Iceland, Israel, Japan and the USA do not need visas.
They will be issued a tourist pass for 30 days or up to 3 months, return air ticket must be presented on arrival.
It is advisable to check with embassy or consulate about the current situation, as regulations are likely to change.
International visitors over the age of 18 may import the following items duty free: 200 cigarettes or 225 g of tobacco, 1 liter spirits, 1 liter beer, 1 liter wine and a reasonable quantity of consumer goods to meet the immediate needs.
Malaria prophylactic are recommended. Yellow fever vaccination is not needed for Malawi, but an immunization certificate can be helpful. It is also advisable to carry out vaccinations against tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis.
The main safari destinations in Malawi are:
Kasungu National Park
Kasungu National Park is an 800 sq mile (2100 sq km) area of natural woodland and bush. The number of some species of animals was reduced because of the poaching, but there is still plenty of wildlife to be observed. Elephants and antelopes are commonly encountered, as are small herds of buffalo and zebra. The lions and leopards are also an attraction. Hyenas, wild dogs, servals and jackals are also among the inhabitants of the bush. There you may also observe a significant number of hippos in the lake at Lifupa and, of course, as anywhere in Malawi, the birdwatching is awesome.
Dzalanyama Forest Reserve
It is about 40 km south-west of Lilongwe in a range of hills which has the same name. The reserve is great for exploring, trekking, and mountain biking. The birdlife is rather impressive; you may also encounter here a couple of rare species, the olive-headed weaver and Stierling’s woodpecker.
Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve
Nkhotakota is one of the two large game areas in the Central Region. Most of the reserve is miombo woodland with large regions of tall grasses and occasional areas of rainforest. This is a wonderful example of true wilderness which particularly attracts walking safari, fishing and climbing lovers. It is difficult to get there as there are few roads. The range of mammals is as good as anywhere in Malawi although it is difficult to observe because of the environment. Birdlife is plentiful with giant kingfishers and palm nut vultures among the 130 recorded species.
Lake Malawi
It is the third largest lake in Africa. Its approximate expanses are 365 miles (590 km) north to south and 52 miles (85 km) broad, hence it is also called "the calendar lake".
Access to the Lake is possible along much of its length but it is usually necessary to take a short detour off the main roads in order to reach the beach. There are long stretches of totally uninhabited golden sand lakeshore, and plenty of opportunities for visitors to enjoy activities on and in the waters.
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