When to go

The best time to visit Malawi overall is in the dry season, which lasts from late April to October or November. If you're coming to see wildlife, make it late in the dry season, when animals converge at water holes. But beware, the heat can be unpleasant, especially in the lowlands. The landscape is much more attractive and conditions less oppressive from May to July, but there are fewer animals about. The early dry season is the best time for birdwatching; it's also exceedingly hot, exceptionally wet or both.

Summer lovers will want to visit Malawi around August, while wildlife fans will want to come between May and October. Malawi's sunny skies and hot African temperament welcomes hikers and outdoors fans almost year round. Malawi's rainy season runs from January to March. This time of year is hot and wet and the weather makes travel tougher and less fun for everyone.

Malaria is prevalent in Malawi so it is advisable to take the necessary precautions. Also, bilharzia does occur in areas along the lakeshore, so it's essential to check with local authorities. Malawi is a very safe destination, with the most suspicious characters to look out for being hippopotami and mosquitoes. There are many craft and curio stalls where local arts and crafts may be purchased. One may also buy many items along the roadside. Goods are usually marked up and it is expected that you haggle with sellers for a reduced price.

Health & Safety

Malawi is a very safe destination, though there have been reports of tourists being robbed - sometimes violently. There are a number of money scams targeting tourists, so always keep your money and possessions in your own hands. The only other suspicious characters to look out for are hippopotami and mosquitoes.

To prevent contact with mosquitoes take precautionary measures such as: sleeping under a bed net (most hotels provide these) or in a room/tent with mosquito proofing (remember to keep the flaps zipped at all times); spraying your accommodation with insecticide; making use of a mosquito-repelling lotion or stick; and wearing long sleeve clothing, trousers and socks when outside at night.

It is advisable to be up to date with typhoid, yellow fever, cholera, hepatitis, small pox and tetanus inoculations. The lakeshore is not always free of bilharzia, so check with local authorities.

Medical Services
Good hospitals are found in Blantyre and Lilongwe. Most large towns have a hospital or good government clinics and pharmacies. Some medicines may be in short supply, so it is recommended you bring all medicine you may require, as well as a first aid kit. Doctors and hospitals often require immediate cash payment.

Water
Never drink tap water in Malawi. Bottled water is widely available, but ensure that the seal has not been broken. Vegetables should be washed with purified water and peeled.

Passports & Visa

All visitors to Malawi need a passport that's valid for at least six months beyond the date of their intended departure from Malawi. Wild Times is unable to offer a visa service for any of our clients. Therefore it is highly recommended that you contact the relevant issuing authorities in good time to double-check the entry requirements, and then arrange for all the necessary permits and visas you need.

Your local visa service agent or shop is also a convenient and useful solution: they will make sure you have all the necessary documentation and will apply for the visa on your behalf. Wild Times cannot be held responsible if visa applications are denied for any reason. We also cannot be held responsible for any changes in costs, requirements, delays, or loss of passports caused by the issuing authorities.

Other important documents you may need are:
• an international driver's license • inoculation certificates (e.g. yellow fever) • airline, car, hotel, hotel vouchers

What to Pack

Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year. The most practical items to pack for your Malawi holiday are:

• Blouses with long sleeves (even in summer, they will protect you from the sun and from mosquitoes).
• T-shirts.
• Shorts, or a light skirt.
• Jeans or trousers.
• Sweater and a warm jacket for game drives (necessary, even in summer)
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Sun block, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent.
• Binoculars and a camera are a must.
• Warm sleepwear.
• Light, compact raincoat is a good idea for the summer.
• Swimsuit, snorkelling and diving gear.
• Towel, torch and sleeping bag for camping safaris (sleeping bags can be hired from most safari operators).