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Malawi

The warm heart of Africa: safari, freshwater lake and plateaus.

Capital
Lilongwe
Currency
Malawian kwacha (MWK) — bring clean USD notes (newer than 2017)
Flight from Douala
12 to 20h total via one connection
Time difference
GMT+2 (1h ahead of Cameroon)

Nicknamed 'the warm heart of Africa', Malawi packs into one small country a vast lake teeming with colourful fish, parks where you meet elephants and hippos, and lush green plateaus. Less crowded than its neighbours, welcoming and affordable, it's the perfect nature escape for a Cameroonian traveller seeking a change of scene without the crowds.

Formalities

The visa, step by step

e-Visa
How to apply
Allowed stay
up to 30 days (extendable locally)
Cost
USD 75 (single entry)
Processing
Around 3 working days (allow 1 to 2 weeks)

How to apply

Apply online on the official e-visa portal before departure. Fill in the form, upload passport and photo, pay by card and print the approved visa.

Required documents

  • Passport valid 6 months (2 blank pages)
  • Recent passport photo
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Return ticket
  • Bank card for payment

Good to know

  • •Visa on arrival exists (USD cash, notes newer than 2017) but the pre-approved e-visa is safer: some airlines require it for boarding.
  • •Payment is non-refundable if the application is rejected.
How much it costs

A one-week budget

Backpacker
168 000 FCFA
/ week, excl. flight
Comfort
570 000 FCFA
/ week, excl. flight

Round-trip flight from Douala / Yaoundé

480 000 FCFA–870 000 FCFA

No direct flight: connect via Addis Ababa (Ethiopian), Nairobi (Kenya Airways) or Johannesburg. 12 to 20h total each way.

Indicative round-trip price: it varies widely by season, layover and how early you book.

Where the money goes (backpacker estimate)

🏨60 000 FCFA
🍽️33 000 FCFA
🚕24 000 FCFA
🎟️51 000 FCFA
Hostel
4 800 FCFA–13 200 FCFA
Mid-range
27 000 FCFA–57 000 FCFA
Nice hotel
72 000 FCFA–180 000 FCFA
Tailored

Budget simulator

Comfort level
Estimated total budget
648 000 FCFA
Must-sees

What to do there

1

Lake Malawi & Cape Maclear

Freshwater diving and snorkelling among colourful cichlids, kayaking and sailing in the heart of the lake national park.

2

Liwonde National Park

The country's best safari on the Shire River: elephants, hippos, crocodiles and boat safaris.

3

Zomba Plateau

Forested table mountain with waterfalls and shaded trails, scenic drives and day hikes.

4

Mount Mulanje

The country's highest peak, a multi-day trekking paradise (best May-Oct).

5

Nyika Plateau

Vast highland grasslands with orchids, zebras and antelope; a landscape unlike anywhere else in the country.

6

Likoma Island

Remote lake island with sandy beaches and baobabs, home to a surprisingly huge St Peter's Cathedral.

Itinerary

One week, day by day

  1. D1

    Arrival in Lilongwe, city and craft market.

  2. D2

    Transfer to Liwonde National Park.

  3. D3

    Liwonde safari: Shire River boat and game drive.

  4. D4

    Scenic day on the Zomba Plateau.

  5. D5

    Drive to Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi).

  6. D6

    Lake Malawi: diving, snorkelling and kayaking.

  7. D7

    Lakeside relaxing and return to Lilongwe / departure.

✓

Travel checklist

A printable list (or save as PDF) so you forget nothing.

Travel checklist — Malawi

Before you leave

What to pack

Visa sources: evisa.gov.mw · immigration.gov.mw

Indicative data (June 2026), reliability haute. Visa rules, prices and timelines change: always confirm with official sources before booking.

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