Getting Around Malawi
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use minibuses for Lilongwe and Blantyre. Rural: Rent a car for Lake Malawi exploration. Coast: Ferries and buses along the lake. For convenience, book airport transfers from Lilongwe to your destination.
Train Travel
Intercity Buses
Reliable bus services connecting major cities like Lilongwe to Blantyre with daily departures.
Cost: Lilongwe to Blantyre MWK 5,000-8,000 (about $3-5), journeys 4-6 hours on main routes.
Tickets: Buy at bus stations or through agents, cash preferred, some online options emerging.
Peak Times: Avoid early mornings and weekends for less crowding and better availability.
Bus Passes
Multi-journey tickets from companies like AXA offer discounts for frequent travelers, around MWK 20,000 for 5 trips.
Best For: Multiple stops along major routes, savings for 3+ journeys over a week.
Where to Buy: Bus terminals, company offices, or select travel agencies with immediate use.
Long-Distance Options
National Bus Services and private operators link to border towns like Chipata (Zambia) and Songwe (Tanzania).
Booking: Reserve seats a day ahead for popular routes, discounts for groups up to 20%.
Main Hubs: Lilongwe main bus station central, with connections to Blantyre and Mzuzu terminals.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for rural and lake areas. Compare rental prices from $40-70/day at Lilongwe Airport and major cities, 4x4 recommended.
Requirements: Valid international license, credit card, minimum age 25, deposit required.
Insurance: Full coverage advised due to road conditions, includes liability and theft protection.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 120 km/h highways where paved.
Tolls: Minimal on main roads, occasional checkpoints with small fees (MWK 500-1,000).
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow roads, pedestrians and animals have right of way.
Parking: Free in rural areas, metered in cities MWK 200-500/hour, secure lots preferred.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations available in towns at MWK 2,500-3,000/liter for petrol, diesel similar, carry extra for remote areas.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation, essential for unpaved roads.
Traffic: Heavy in Lilongwe rush hours, potholes and dust common on rural routes.
Urban Transport
Minibuses (Matolas)
Informal minibus network in cities, single ride MWK 200-500, no fixed schedules but frequent.
Validation: Pay conductor on board, overcrowding common, hold valuables securely.
Apps: Limited, use local advice or ride-hailing like Bolt in Lilongwe for routes.
Bike Rentals
Bicycle hires in tourist areas like Cape Maclear, $5-10/day with basic bikes at lodges.
Routes: Flat paths around Lake Malawi, guided eco-tours available in national parks.
Tours: Community bike tours in rural villages, combining cycling with cultural visits.
Buses & Local Services
City buses in Lilongwe and Blantyre, plus ferries on Lake Malawi operated by Ilala.
Tickets: MWK 100-300 per ride, buy from drivers or stations, cash only.
Lake Ferry: Ilala steamer connects ports like Monkey Bay to Likoma, MWK 5,000-10,000 for deck class.Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus stations in cities for easy access, lakeside for relaxation in tourist spots.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for dry season (June-Oct) and holidays like Independence Day.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for weather-affected lake travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for mosquito nets, secure parking, and proximity to transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G in cities and along main roads, 3G/2G in rural Malawi including lake areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Airtel and TNM offer prepaid SIMs from MWK 1,000-2,000 with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, shops, or markets with passport for registration required.
Data Plans: 2GB for MWK 2,000, 5GB for MWK 5,000, unlimited for MWK 10,000/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels, lodges, and some cafes, limited in rural public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Airports and major bus stations offer paid or free WiFi access.
Speed: 5-20 Mbps in urban areas, suitable for browsing and calls, slower remotely.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT), UTC+2, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Lilongwe Airport 25km from city center, taxi $20-30 (30 min), or book private transfer for $25-40.
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus stations (MWK 500-1,000/day) and hotels in major cities.
- Accessibility: Buses and minibuses have limited access, many lodges offer ground-floor rooms.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on buses with carrier (extra fee MWK 1,000), check lodge policies.
- Bike Transport: Bikes can be carried on bus roofs for MWK 500, folding bikes inside free.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Malawi
Lilongwe Airport (LLW) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Lilongwe (LLW): Primary international gateway, 25km north of city with taxi connections.
Blantyre (BLZ): Southern hub 15km from city, bus to center MWK 1,000 (30 min).
Mzuzu (ZZU): Northern regional airport with domestic flights, convenient for lake access.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season (June-Oct) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Johannesburg or Lusaka and bus to Malawi for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines, Airlink, and Fastjet serve regional connections to Malawi airports.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and ground transport when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in recommended 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in cities, fees MWK 500-1,000, use major banks to avoid high charges.
- Credit Cards: Visa accepted in hotels and larger shops, Mastercard less common outside cities.
- Contactless Payment: Limited, growing in urban areas with mobile money like Airtel Money.
- Cash: Essential for transport, markets, and rural areas, keep MWK 10,000-20,000 in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary but 5-10% appreciated in restaurants and for guides.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid unofficial exchangers with poor rates.