The Makokola Retreat

Malawi is a small landlocked country in Africa, formerly known as Nyasaland. It falls into Southern Africa, although sometimes classes Southeastern Africa. A spectacularly scenic and unspoiled country, with diverse landscapes offering a variety of experiences: from a big five safari to exploring forest reserves, hiking Mt. Mulanje, visiting tea estates and of course, enjoying the lake!

Malawi means ‘fire/flames’ Africa’s newest big 5 destination Neighboring Countries: Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania Capital City: Lilongwe National Parks: 5 Wildlife Reserves: 4 Subtropical Climate Key Attraction: Lake Malawi

Independence: 6th July 1964 Area: 118,480 km² / 46,000 miles² (half the size of the UK) Currency: Malawi Kwacha Population: over 18 million Official Language: English Widely Spoken: Chichewa Top Exports: Tobacco and Tea National Bird: African Fish Eagle

Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) is in Lilongwe and Chileka International Airport is in Blantyre; both are located approximately 3.5 hours (best to work on a 4 hour trip, allowing time to clear customs etc.) from The Makokola Retreat. Should your flight land after 14:00 during winter months (June – August) you will have to book an overnight stay at a hotel/lodge within the capital city you land as we do not do road transfers after 14:00 during these months to avoid driving at night. Find out more about airlines to use and the best routes for road travel.

A visa is required for most nationalities to enter Malawi, but many African countries, a few international countries and some Diplomats are exempt (view countries visa exempted). Ensure that you have taken the necessary steps to obtain a visa for Malawi and transit countries is required. You must have a valid passport which does not expire within 6 months of your departure date from Malawi, with at least 2 blank pages.

You can apply online (3 days processing time), or most nationalities can get a visa upon arrival. For the latter, ensure you have US$ cash to pay at the airport and we recommend filling in the application form beforehand. Request a supporting letter from us confirming your reservation (email reservations@makokola.com).

Visa fees: Transit Visa US$50 (valid for 7 days) / Single entry US$75 (valid for 3 months, but must be extended for the additional 60 days at additional cost) / Multiple entry 6 months US$150 / Multiple entry 12 months US$250.

Quick Check: VISA Eligibility Online Application: E-VISA More Info: VISA Guide

There are ATMs, Banks/Bureaux de Change at the airport to obtain local currency. Major currencies are accepted at exchange desks (including US$, Euro, GBP, ZAR). US$ is widely accepted in Malawi but should generally be no smaller that $5 and of 2009+ series. Cards can be used at most lodges but you will need cash for your arrival visa; shopping at local markets/curios stores; visiting other remote locations.

We recommend contacting your doctor or a travel clinic regarding the most up to date medical advice for traveling to Malawi from your country.

Vaccinations: Yellow fever certificates are only required if you have traveled from or through a yellow fever zone. If you are doing a Zambia/Malawi combo safari, you will need yellow fever immunization. It is recommended that you are up to date with your routine vaccines (Polio, Typhoid, Tetanus, Hepatitis A) and that you seek further medical advice for updated requirements.

Malaria: Malawi is a Malaria area. We recommend that you contact your doctor about the most suitable Malaria prophylaxis for you.

Bilharzia (Schistosomiasis): While there is a chance of contracting Bilharzia in areas of Lake Malawi, we conduct tests on our private Makokola Retreat beach every 6 months which have indicated the area to be Bilharzia free, although this cannot be guaranteed. Praziquantel is a medication widely used and easily accessible in Malawi for preventative measures.

You must have comprehensive travel insurance with adequate cover for cancellation (unexpected illness/injury/hospitalization, flight delays, weather conditions etc), curtailment and all medical expenses with emergency air evacuation.

Subtropical, with a 7-8 month dry season and 4-5 month rainy season. Typically characterized as:

Hot and rainy: mid-November to April (with the peak rainy season being January -March)

Cool and dry: mid-May to mid-August (cool nights, warm days – occasional strong winds)

Hot and dry: mid-August to mid-November (the hottest/humid months are October and November)

Malawi is considered a year-round destination. There’s never a bad time to visit, but there will be ‘better’ times depending on your interests and personal preferences. The climate will vary throughout Malawi. Many prefer to visit in the dry season, but November to April is usually best for birdwatching. We can assist you with the best time for you to visit.