Travelling in Malawi

© Arriving at Chelinda Lodge
All transfers by road or light aircraft are included in our Malawi Holiday Packages, however our Destination Consultants can include car hire for those wishing to self-drive.

Flights and Transfers

Flights to Malawi from your home city may be direct, or via Johannesburg or Dubai. All flights land at Lilongwe International Airport.

Air Malawi has a domestic schedule which provides regular connections between the main towns - Lilongwe, Blantyre and Mzuzu.

Air transfers are arranged from the airports to some of the National Parks airstrips. We utilise the services of charter companies who service the smaller towns and tourist destinations on a weekly basis.

Car Hire

At the airports in Lilongwe and Blantyre, there are car hire desks. Cars can be picked up and delivered in almost any location.

Public Transport

There is a good network of very inexpensive public buses throughout the main cities. There is a luxury bus service, which services most routes in Malawi. There are some buses in the rural areas, but it is best to hire a car. Please do not use the Motola system; the vehicles are not in a good condition and most of the time the drivers are not fit to drive.

Bus

Bus services are available throughout Malawi. There is a luxury bus service three times daily between Blantyre and Lilongwe and three times weekly between Blantyre and Mzuzu. Most road routes are covered in Malawi on a weekly basis.

Driving in Malawi

You need to have an international driving permit with you if you are going to self drive in Malawi.

Malawi traffic drives on the left hand side of the road - so this will be normal for visitors from Europe.

Most of the roads in Malawi have been tarred, but they are narrow. Potholes are not sign posted, so be aware of their possibility.

Because so much of Malawi is rural, you must watch out for animals and people on the road. Driving at night is not advised because of this.

To indicate a breakdown, locals put tree branches or some bush is behind the failed vehicle. So be aware of this.

Petrol is usually available, but make sure to fill your tank when you go below half, as it might not be available when you are between a town and national park.

Lilongwe International Airport is +-26 km (16 miles) north of the Lilongwe city centre.

Chileka Airport is just 13 km (8 miles) outside Blantyre. Hotels are centrally located.

Best Time to Visit Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi and its surroundings are quite beautiful - the combination of rugged mountain terrain and clear blue water make for vivid postca...more

Malawi Travel Guide to the Best Malawi Holiday Destinations

Malawi Travel Guide to the Best Malawi Holiday Destinations in the country. Find the perfect location to suit your needs, from relaxing Lake...more
South and East African Safaris
©2024 Siyabona Africa (Pty)Ltd - Private Tours and Safari
Privacy Settings