Malawi

In a Nutshell
Landlocked Malawi is dominated by its 500 km-long and 60-80 km-wide lake, the third largest in Africa and big enough to be an inland sea. The lake offers excellent fishing, swimming and a variety of water sports. There is abundant wild- and birdlife in the country's five national parks.

Top Attractions

• Lake Malawi - the ferry trip between Monkey and Nkhata Bays is one of the best ways of experiencing Malawi. The lake has over 500 species of tropical fish.

• Liwonde National Park - Take a trip up the Shire River in the park for fine game and bird viewing

• Nyika Plateau - excellent wildlife and bird viewing from horseback along this grassland plateau.

Connections By air to Lilongwe

Size 118,480 sq kms

Population approx 10 million

Biggest city (cities) Lilongwe

Official language (s) English

Religion Mainly Christian

Climate Summers are warm and wet; winters cold and dry

Best time to visit May-July

Visas most visitors, including South Africans, do not need visas

Health Yellow fever certificate if from infected area; anti- malaria precautions advised

Time GMT + 2

Unit of currency Kwacha

Electrical current 220/240 Volts AC, 50 Hz

Driving On the left

Credit cards Not widely accepted

Public holidays 1,15 Jan; 3 Mar; 13,16 April; 1 May; 14 June; 6 July; 2nd Mon in Oct; 25/26 Dec

Dialling code 09265

Water not safe to drink

Links to Useful Sites

www.members.tripod.com/-malawi