Malawi General Safety

PLEASE NOTE THAT CHANGES ARE MADE ALMOST ON A DAILY BASIS, PLEASE CONTACT YOU NEAREST MALAWI EMBASSY FOR MORE ACCURATE VISA POSTING AND UPDATES

UYAPHI SAFARIS CANNOT AND WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR CHANGES IN GOVERNMENT POLICY, SHOULD CHANGES TO THE BELOW OCCUR!

Malawi is considered a safe country and Malawians are rightfully known for their friendliness. However, the usual precautions should be taken as would be advised for any tourist anywhere.

Malawi is a developing African nation. Tourist facilities are limited. Aging infrastructure and lack of investment have rendered electricity, water supply, and telecommunications unreliable.

Credit cards are not commonly accepted.

Try not to travel alone, always keep to small groups, never hitch hike or get a lift from a stranger when you are on your own. Always read the local news and keep up to date on current happenings around the world and in Africa.

Websites like Allafrica.com, BBC, Afrol.com and Nyasatimes are updated with top stories almost hourly.

Street and petty crimes, including muggings, purse snatching, and pick-pocketing, are common, both in Lilongwe and secondary cities. Visitors must be vigilant when out in public areas and should not display jewellery or other expensive items. Do not carry more cash than required. Keep a photocopy of the first few pages of your passport, visas and air tickets, separately from the original documents.

Malawian law requires that all persons carry an identity document, such as a passport, when out in public and produce it if requested by police. A notarized copy of the biographic page and the Malawian visa are acceptable.

Medical facilities are basic to say the least and medicines are not always available. Clinics can provide general and basic emergency services and accepts major credit cards. Doctors and hospitals outside Lilongwe and Blantyre generally expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Urban road conditions/maintenance: Poor
Rural road conditions/maintenance: Poor
Availability of roadside assistance: Poor

Traveling in the rural area will sometime require a four-wheel drive vehicle (after rains - you could get stuck). Public transportation is extremely limited.

When driving in Africa there are a few simple rules, drive carefully and slowly (speed kills), remember animals and humans can cross the road at any time (quite often just in front of you), try never to drive at night, stay alert as roads are often poorly maintained and pot holes are to be found, always wear you seat belts.

Stay aware of what's going on around you, you have a good chance of enjoying a problem-free safari!

Safety on Safari:
Always listen to your guide!
When visiting wildlife areas do not walk into the bush without your guide!
Do not approach any wild animals too closely: It is dangerous!
Do not swim in any rivers (presence of crocodiles and hippo's)!
Never feed any animals, however inquisitive they may appear to be!

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
New Year's Day 1 January
John Chilembwe Day 15 January
Martyr's Day 3 March
Good Friday (varies)
Labour Day 1 May
Freedom Day 14 June
Republic Day 6 July
Mother's Day (2nd Monday of October)
National Tree Planting Day
(2nd Monday of December)
Christmas Day 25 December
Boxing Day 26 December