Malawi is now one of the remarkable 250 destinations in the world awarded the safe travels stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). This is a globally accepted and established standard in Health and Safety in the restart of tourism giving tourists the confidence to travel to and around.
In terms of getting around, the national road network has been greatly improved. Journey times have been shortening between the tourist attractions, major cities and township making itinerary more certain. However, the country’s earth road is sometimes impassable to smaller vehicles during heavy rains hence the need for off-road vehicles.
Road Access Fee
All motorists issued with a Temporary Importation Permit (TIP) by the MRA will be required to pay the Road Access Fee at the port of entry or on renewal of the TIP with MRA. Road Access Fee shall be paid through MRA designated banks and it shall strictly be paid in US dollars.
Clearance documents must be kept as drivers will be required to produce them for inspection. Failure to pay the road access fee shall attract a penalty of US$500 per vehicle on the spot
The Road Access Fee (RAF) is money charged on small foreign registered vehicles such as saloons, pickups, wagons and all those that are currently not eligible to pay International Transit Fee (ITF) including motor cycles and trailers. The Road Access Fee is charged in United States Dollars at a fixed rate of $20 per vehicle. This is payable at the borders upon entry into Malawi. www.mra.mw
Quick Tips
In case of Breakdown
You need triangles in case of a breakdown, but traditionally one can also use tree branches in front and behind the vehicle instead of the triangles.
Driving License
An International Driving License is required although national driving licenses will probably be accepted if a photograph is included. Regulations regarding speed limits and the use of safety belts still remain very important.
Spot Fines
On-the-spot fines can be collected by uniformed police. Routine roadblocks will be encountered, especially near the borders, but should not require a stop of more than a couple of minutes.
Some Requirements
Some of the requirements for entering Malawi include;- Vehicle Registration Certificate and if the vehicle is not owned by the driver, a letter of authorization form the owner or car rental company is required.
Transit facilities
Filling stations or gas stations provide other services which are required by travelers. These include; toilets, mini shops where one can buy snacks and other amenities needed during the trip.
All regional, international and charter flights have the option to land in either Lilongwe International Airport (Capital city) or Chileka International Airport (Blantyre). Regional links between Malawi and Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe are provided by Malawi Airlines and some of the national airlines of those countries.
Such connections can sometimes be used in conjunction with another African or European airline flying from Europe to these countries.
Malawi Airlines, through its association with Ethiopian Airlines can also offer connections around the world. Malawi-based air charter companies also link Malawi to its neighbours.
Other Amenities
- Travellers can access free WIFI at the airport
- Travellers can also access duty free and souvenir shops
Boarding Time
Passengers are advised to report 3 hours before their departure time to allow time for travel formalities. Furthermore, check in counters are closed one hour before boarding time
Links
Passenger Train Schedule
| Tuesday | Limbe to Balaka | 08:30 |
| Wednesday | Balaka to Nayuchi
Nayuchi to Balaka |
06:00
13:30 |
| Thursday | Balaka to Limbe | 05:00 |
| Saturday | Limbe to Balaka | 08:30 |
| Sunday | Balaka to Nayuchi
Nayuchi to Balaka |
06:00
13:30 |
| Monday | Balaka to Limbe | 05:30 |
Passenger Train Fares
Premier Class
| Limbe to Blantyre | MWK250 |
| Limbe to Balaka | MWK1,700 |
| Limbe to Liwonde | MWK1,700 |
| Limbe to Nayuchi | MWK2,800 |
| Blantyre to Balaka | MWK1,450 |
| Blantyre to Balaka | MWK1,450 |
| Blantyre to Nayuchi | MWK2,500 |
| Balaka to Liwonde | MWK600 |
| Balaka to Liwonde | MWK1,700 |
| Liwonde to Nayuchi | MWK1,200 |
Business Class
| Limbe to Blantyre | MWK300 |
| Limbe to Balaka | MWK2,100 |
| Limbe to Liwonde | MWK2,100 |
| Limbe to Nayuchi | MWK3,500 |
| Blantyre to Balaka | MWK1,800 |
| Blantyre to Balaka | MWK1,800 |
| Blantyre to Nayuchi | MWK3,100 |
| Balaka to Liwonde | MWK750 |
| Balaka to Liwonde | MWK2,100 |
| Liwonde to Nayuchi | MWK1,400 |
Travellers can use water transport on lake Malawi to visit attractions and places along the lake including the historic and popular MV Illala which is mostly used.
Visitors can also make arrangements with private boats through tourism operators such as accommodation facilities for private water transport.
Illala: the main water transport on the lake and to the islands of Likoma and Chizumulu.
Size: 620 tunnel vessel
Capacity: 360 passengers
Freight: 100 tons