| Malawi |
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| Language | Currency | Time | Geography | Climate | Health | Transport | Tips | Holidays | Top 10 Attractions in Malawi |
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| General |
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The Republic of Malawi with its 118,000 km² and about 15 million inhabitants is situated in southeast Africa.
Its capital is Lilongwe and the biggest city is Blantyre.
Malawi is divided into 3 regions: Central Region, Northern Region, Southern Region |
| Language |
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English, Chichewa- both official |
| Money/Currency |
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| Malawi Kwacha (MK). 100 tambala equals one Malawi Kwacha. |
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| Time |
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GMT +2 hours |
| Geography |
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At the northwest Malawi shares its borders with Zambia, at the northeast with Tanzania and it borders Mozambique on the east, south and west. Tanzania and Mozambique are separated from Malawi by Lake Malawi, which lies to the east of the Great Rift Valley. The surface of Lake Malawi lies at about 457m above sea level.
In the mountainous parts of Malawi neighbouring the Rift Valley, plateaus rise even as high as 2,438 m above sea level (in the north). The Shire Highlands to the south of Lake Malawi lie at about 914 m above sea level. There are also two mountain peaks Zomba (2,134m) and Mlanje (3,048m) in this area.
The main river is the Shire, which flows southward out of Lake Malawi.
Most of the land is covered with savannas but also forests can be found, mostly in the highlands.
A great range of small and large mammals, birds and reptiles, inhabits Malawi, however the bigger mammals such as elephants or lions are mostly found only in game reserves. Lake Malawi is home for around 500 species of fish, what makes the lake interesting for divers. |
| Climate |
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Malawi has relatively dry and strongly seasonal subtropical climate. There are two main seasons recognised: dry season (April to November) and wet season (December to March). Between those two seasons it is rather wet and humid.
The temperatures are relatively acceptable; however in some parts of the country such as Lower Shire Valley temperatures can be very high during summer months. On the other hand, on the high plateaux, nights can be freezing during winter months. |
| Health |
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The HIV/AIDS prevalence in Malawi is high (2003 around 14% of the population).
The risk of infection with hepatitis A, malaria, plague and typhoid fever is very high as well so it is recommended to immune against those diseases.
Yellow fever immunisation is required only from visitors entering Malawi from a yellow fever zone. |
| Transport |
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There is an International Airport in Lilongwe that lies about 26 km from the capital and Chileka Airport about 13 km from Blantyre. There are also flights within the country provided by Air Malawi and Nyassa Air Taxi- air charter company.
One can hire a car at the airports in Lilongwe and Blantyre, however there is a good network of inexpensive public buses throughout the country. |
| Tips for the tourist |
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Visas are not required from citizens of Commonwealth countries, the USA and most European nations. Visas are limited to 30 days and are issued at point of entry. |
| Malawi has 12 public holidays |
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| Date |
Name |
| 1 Jan |
New Year's Day |
| 15 Jan |
Chilembwe Day. |
| 3 Mar |
Martyrs' Day. |
| 1 May |
Labour Day |
| 14 Jun |
Freedom Day |
| 6 Jul |
Republic Day |
| 11 Sep |
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) |
| 25 Dec |
Christmas Day |
| 26 Dec |
Boxing Day |
| Moveable holidays: Easter, Mother’s Day (second Monday in October) |
If a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, then the next Monday becomes a holiday.
Other Muslim festivals may be celebrated especially in the Northern Region and along Lake Malawi. Ad hoc public holidays or extensions may also be declared, sometimes at short notice |
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| The top 10 tourist attractions in Malawi: |
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| 1. |
Lake Malawi National Park |
| 2. |
Liwonde National Park |
| 3. |
Mount Mulanie |
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Cape Maclear |
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Salima |
| 6. |
Zomba |
| 7. |
Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary and Wildlife Center |
| 8. |
Majete Wildlife Reserve |
| 9. |
Manchewe Falls |
| 10. |
Kasungu National Park |
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| References: |
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malawi
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/country_profiles/1068913.stm
http://www.malawitourism.com/ |
