malawi ministry of tourism

Malawi’s tourism sector recovers, earns K580bn

The local tourism industry slightly improved in 2021 after being worst hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, published figures from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) show.

WTTC country analysis published on Tuesday shows that the tourism sector contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) rose to 5.8 percent, generating $512.8 million (about K528 billion in revenue and creating additional 15 600 jobs to hit 513 200.

During the same period in 2020, the sector’s contribution to the economy stood at 5.7 percent of GDP and generated $490.8 million (about K506 billion), the figures show.

The figures further show that in 2019, the sector’s contribution to GDP stood at 7.3 percent and generated $622.2 million (about K703.7 billion)  and created 586 500 jobs. 

In a statement accompanying the report,  WTTC president and chief executive officer Julia Simpson said the future is bright, with tourism GDP and employment expected to reach pre-pandemic levels by next year.

“The recovery in 2021 was slower than expected due in part to the impact of the Omicron variant but mainly due to an uncoordinated approach by governments which rejected the advice of the World Health Organisation, which maintained that closing borders would not stop the spread of the virus but would only serve to damage economies and livelihoods,” she said.

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Wildlife Michael Usi was not immediately available to comment on the report, but earlier said  domestic tourism has been the biggest cushion for the sector.

“Our plans for the next financial year is to do more domestic marketing in conjunction with the private sector and local councils,” he said.”

Malawi Tourism Council chairperson John Malili earlier admitted that domestic tourism is doing well as local tourists appreciate the precautions put in place to avoid the spread of Covid-19.

The tourism sector is a high growth export service sector capable of making a substantial contribution to the socio-economic development of Malawi, according to WTTC.

Employment created within the sector has the potential to drive prosperity and empower both women and youths.

The sector also generates foreign exchange through visitor exports, tax and non-tax revenues.

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Minister Usi unveils 20-year national tourism investment plan

Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Wildlife has developed a 20-year tourism investment plan which contains 104 projects in tourism hotspots, of which 10 have already undergone feasibility studies for implementation within 10 years.

Speaking yesterday, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Wildlife Michael Usi said the 20-year investment plan is part of the urbanisation pillar of the Malawi 2063 and is aimed at boosting the country’s tourism market share.

According to Usi, it is very saddening to note that the country over the years witnessed the exponential growth of unplanned tourism development especially along the shores of Lake Malawi and the National Tourism Investment Masterplan is a blueprint that will address the challenges of unplanned tourism investment across the country.

“For Malawi to be competitive as a tourist destination, we need high quality tourism facilities and services. As a country, we need to utilise our prime tourist sites for tourism. In spite of the country being blessed with one of the richest natural and cultural resources in the region, Malawi’s share of the international tourism market has been growing slowly.

“One of the reasons for the slow growth is unplanned and low private sector tourism investment in the prime tourism sites which affect the competitiveness of Malawi as a tourist destination.

“The National Tourism Investment plan has been aligned to the Malawi2063 under the Urbanisation pillar which places tourism as a catalyst for tourism development. The implementation of the Masterplan is aligned to the Malawi Implementation Plan (MIP 1) to ensure availability of resources for tourism support infrastructure in the annual budgets,” said Usi.

Usi further added that the Malawi 2063 rightly acknowledges that Malawi has a rich diversity of unique natural, cultural and man-made resources that have not been fully utilized for tourism. Therefore, the masterplan is one of the key instruments that will guide proper and planned development of tourism in the country.

Usi further added that the implementation of the National Tourism Investment Masterplan will involve several stakeholders and not only the Ministry of Tourism.

Some of the institutions to be involved will include the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development; local Councils; Ministry of Lands; Malawi Investment and Trade Centre; Ministry of Forestry and Natural Resources; Public and Private Partnership Commission; financial institutions, among others.

The official launch of the 20-year Tourism National Masterplan will take place on Monday 4 April, 2022 and President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera will launch the National Tourism Investment Masterplan.

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The government identified the tourism sector as a key driver for sustainable economic growth and development.  Malawi Vision 2063, the country’s long term development plan, places tourism as a priority economic sector towards achieving inclusive growth and self-reliance.  Tourism investments are eligible for exemption of various import duty and excise taxes.  Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism sector contributed more than 525,000 jobs, representing close to seven percent of overall employment, and served more than 980,000 international visitors annually.  According to the National Statistics Office, regional travelers make up most of the tourist visitors and the predominant long-haul international travelers are from India, the United States, and Australia.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) to Malawi plunged by 80 percent due to widespread travel restrictions and a massive drop in demand, but the situation has improved and is expected to increase further in 2023.  

Potential investors in the tourism sector face significant challenges regarding land tenure and reliable data on tourism trends.  The government implemented the National Tourism Policy of 2019 to address these challenges and create an enabling environment for development and promotion of the sector.  In the medium term, the government intends to establish a semi-autonomous tourism authority aimed at improving efficiency in the tourism and travel sector.  With support from development partners, Malawi embarked on a tourism data gathering effort to help investors and the government make informed decisions.

Leading Sub-Sectors

Malawi hosts nature-based and cultural heritage tourism.  The prime attractions are Lake Malawi, the third largest freshwater lake in Africa; wildlife in numerous national parks, wildlife reserves, and forest reserves; mountains and scenery; and cultural and historical attractions.  

Opportunities

The tourism and travel sector in Malawi is growing.  Investment opportunities exist in eco-tourism, hospitality, water and lake sports, wilderness safaris, and tours that showcase Malawi’s natural treasures.  Malawi hosts the annual Takulandirani Malawi International Tourism Expo (MITE) to provide local and international tourism enterprises an opportunity to exhibit their products and services.  Successful enterprises will need to differentiate between tourism opportunities in Malawi and that of its neighboring countries.

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Malawi unveils three strategic documents during Launch of Tourism Month to Bolster Tourism

Malawi designated September as Tourism month in order to celebrate and highlight her diverse and unique tourism offerings as well as the tourism sector’s significant contribution to the country’s economy.  

Inspired by United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and World Tourism Day celebrations held on 27 September every year, the Tourism month provides a platform for the Malawian Tourism Sector to celebrate, reflect and commemorate milestones in relation to Sustainable Development Goals and the Malawi 2063 (National Development Goals).

During the event which took place on Thursday, 1st of September, 2022 at Kasungu National Park, Malawi through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Wildlife launched three documents which include the National Tourism Policy, National Ecotourism Strategy and the Ecotourism and Protected Area Management Investment Strategy.

These strategic documents aim at providing a framework, guiding and directing strategic vision for developing the tourism sector that reinforces sustainable contribution to socioeconomic development of Malawi for the next five years.

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When to Go/Climate

Malawi is a year-round destination with parks and reserves staying open in all seasons and only a handful of lodges choosing to have short annual periods of closure for re-furbishment.

For most people the dry (winter) season is most attractive (i.e. April/May to October/November). The chance of rain is slim, daytime temperatures are generally pleasant (in the 20s Celsius) and the low vegetation and limited availability of water mean that game viewing is at its best. However, some of the best birdwatching can be had from November to April and the orchids of Nyika are best seen from December to March/April.

Malawi’s temperatures are moderated by altitude. Only in the hottest month (usually November) will maximum temperatures get above 30°C, and then only in the hotter (low lying) locations. In the coldest month (probably July) maximum temperatures will be in the low 20’s. On the uplands (e.g. Zomba, Nyika and Viphya) it can be quite cold at night at those times. The hottest area, all year, is that at the lowest altitude – the Lower Shire Valley. Rainfall is extremely rare in the dry season and even in the so-called wet season, the rains are usually short-lived storms, as is typical of the tropics, and at no time does the climate seriously inhibit the traveller. Around the country, rainfall varies, with the highlands causing the highest figures.

Central African Wilderness Safaris have produced a helpful guide of the natural highlights of Malawi over the calendar year. Click here  to view. If you wish to time your visit to coincide with one of Malawi’s sporting or cultural/music events, check the listing on the Events page. And for a calendar of Public Holidays, see below.

Health & Safety

Immunisation against polio, tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis A is recommended. Yellow fever immunisation may be required only by visitors entering from a yellow fever zone. There is a risk of malaria and prophylactics should be taken. Seek up to date advice from your doctor. Malaria testing kits are readily available from hospitals/clinics over the counter from pharmacies found in Malawi’s urban areas. There is a risk of contracting bilharzia if bathing in some parts of Lake Malawi but the risk is negligible near the main beach hotels. Although serious if left to develop, the infection is relatively easily treated once diagnosed. Anyone feeling unwell after swimming in Lake Malawi should alert their doctor to the possibility of bilharzia infection. For further information about bilharzia in Lake Malawi click here . Malawi is a high risk area for AIDS.

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

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

As of 5 June 2023, visitors from around the world can enter Malawi without the need for any COVID-related vaccination or test. Click here for the official announcement confirming the change in regulations.

Various official announcements and documents about rules & regulations issued through the COVID-19 pandemic can be viewed in this folder .

For the latest information on all health matters check the Malawi Ministry of Health Facebook page .

For further details on getting to Malawi, go to our ‘ Getting There ‘ page.

Lilongwe Airport was also certified as ‘safe for travel’ , having been officially accredited on the Airport Health Accreditation (AHA) program for the COVID-19 pandemic. The accreditation is organised by the Airport Council International (ACI), a global trade representative of the world’s airport authorities.

Malawi’s tourism industry remained open for domestic travel through the pandemic and many of Malawi’s tourism operators adjusted their booking terms and conditions to allow for more flexibility and fewer penalties, particularly on postponements.

Tourism plays an important role in Malawi’s economy, particularly in rural areas. It is a vital source of essential foreign exchange, and, as well as providing income from which employees support their wider families (each employee in tourism in Malawi supports 14 or more people); lodges and tourism operators across Malawi support local communities and protect vulnerable natural environments through a variety of projects. The down-turn in tourism had a significant negative impact on Malawi and its people and so potential visitors are encouraged to visit Malawi as soon as possible in order to enjoy its warm welcome, amazing range of attractions – and to help it with its recovery.

Food & Drink

Excellent fish dishes are widely available but especially near Lake Malawi. Most hotels and safari camps serve “western” dishes with, perhaps, game and occasionally local foods such as maize meal porridge. Locally produced chilli sauce is popular for those brave enough to give it a try.

Soft drinks are available everywhere. Beers, South African wines and some spirits are reasonably priced and commonly available. Carlsberg has its only African brewery in Malawi and its beers are found throughout the country. Known by their bottle label colours, ‘greens’ and ‘browns’ will fast become the drink of choice for beer connoisseurs. When it comes to spirts, Malawi is rightly proud of its own gin and a ‘Malawi Gin & Tonic’ or ‘MGT’ is by far the most popular spirit drink ordered in bars and restaurants around the country. Bottles of Malawi Gin are also the best sellers in the airport duty free shops! As the first country in Africa to grow tea, the locally produced teas and coffees are also well liked. After all, this was the first country in Africa to grow tea, and in Satemwa Estate , Malawi has a Fair Trade tea producer that supplies both international supermarkets and speciality tea outlets.

For drinking, bottled water should be used in preference to tap water.

For those hankering after a taste of Malawi once they have left the Warm Heart of Africa, the Scotland Malawi Partnership has a page of information about where to obtain a number of Malawi products (including gin!) in the UK. Click here to find out more.

Dress is generally informal. Swimwear and very skimpy clothing should be confined to the beach resorts. For safaris, “natural ” colours should be worn in preference to light/bright colours. In the uplands, especially in the winter (April-September), it can be cold in the evening and extra layers may be needed. It can be very cold on morning or night safari drives.

Malawi’s unit of currency is the kwacha (abbreviated to MK internationally; K locally). The kwacha divides into 100 tambala. Practically speaking, only the kwacha is used. Banks in the towns are open weekdays from 0800 to 1300. Mobile banks operate along the lakeshore and in more remote areas (check days/times locally). Foreign (hard) currency notes are accepted by those in the tourist industry (hotels, lodge and tour operators) with the requisite licence, and also at the roadside curio stalls. But for general shopping, Malawi Kwacha will be needed. If using dollars to pay for your tours and accommodation, please be aware that $1 bills will not be accepted or exchanged; the minimum domination able to be changed is $5. Malawi Kwacha is easy to obtain from Forex Bureaux and banks, or from ATMs if you have a Visa  card or Mastercard. There are 24-hour ATMs in Lilongwe, Blantyre and Mzuzu. Only local currency is dispensed and that is limited to approximately the equivalent (depending on exchange rates) of GB£85, Euro110; US$140 in any period of twenty-four hours. Visa and Mastercard can also be used at the larger shops for direct payments.

There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency imported but it must be declared and accounted for on departure. An equivalent of US$100 of local currency may be exported by travellers.

Malawi time is GMT+2, as with most of southern Africa.

Public Holidays

If a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, then the next Monday becomes a holiday. Muslim festivals may also be celebrated in some areas.

Electricity

Supply is based on the 220/240 volts system, using “British type” square bayonet three-pin plugs.

Communications

The telephone system is reasonably reliable, though mobiles can often be easier to get through to than landlines. Sim cards for local mobile phone networks are widely available and relatively cheap and easy to use. Most hotels and offices are readily reached by e-mail. The postal system tends to be slow. International courier DHL operates in Malawi.

TV & Radio

There is a national TV station, though its primary output is news. In addition, many city centre hotels receive international satellite channels. There are English language radio broadcasts.

Photography

Any camera equipment is best brought into the country and care should be taken to avoid its exposure to extremes of heat. Most Malawians will not mind being photographed but it is common courtesy to ask permission first.

Language Guide

While English is an official language, and is widely understood, a number of indigenous languages are also spoken. The most common is Chewa (or Chichewa – the language of the Chewa). Here are a few Chichewa words and phrases: Hello             Moni Goodbye            Tsalani Bwino How are you?        Muli bwanji? What is your name?         Dzina lanu ndani? My name is …        Dzina langa ndi…. I come from….        Ndikuchokera ku…. How old are you?  (To child)       Uli ndi zaka zingati? Excuse me            Zikomo How much?            Mumagulitsa bwanji? How much is this?        Bwanji ichi? Thank you                   Zikomo

A Chichewa-English Dictionary is available, with the publishers now offering an instant ONLINE translation facility: http://translate.chichewadictionary.org/

Small supermarkets are found in towns and larger villages. Large supermarkets and European style shops are almost exclusively found in Blantyre and Lilongwe. Markets and roadside vendors are popular with travellers. Attractive souvenirs are the excellent wood carvings, widely available, and straw goods together with work by local artists. The standard of craftwork varies but at its best is quite outstanding. In the markets, bargaining is expected. Traditional Chief’s chairs are popular. Shops and offices open and close earlier in the day than is the custom in Europe or North America.

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Strategic Documents

Malawi tourism 2022 at a glance

Published 30 December 2022 · Updated 15 July 2024

Best in Travel 2022

2022 has generally been a good year for Malawi tourism with a few setbacks. A summary of developments in tourism, travel, arts and culture.

Early in the year, Malawi was ranked “ Best in Travel 2022 ” by Lonely Planet. No better way to kick off the new year!

Tourism development master plan launch

In April the Ministry of Tourism, with support from the Africa Development Bank, developed a 20-year Malawi Tourism Development Master Plan . The plan identifies 103 tourism and infrastructure projects, the implementation of which will lead to the promotion and growth of the tourism sector in Malawi. This will in turn result in economic growth and job creation. President Lazarus Chakwera officially launched the master plan.

Showcasing Malawi

The Department of Tourism attended a number of tourism meetings and shows. These included the Meetings Africa 2022 and the Travel Indaba in South Africa and World Travel Market London.

Honourable Dr. Michael Usi, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Wildlife led officials from the Department of #Tourism and #industry players at this year's #WTM London. The World Travel Market London that was held in ExCel London from 7th to 9 November, 2022. pic.twitter.com/1to34eiA8I — Malawi Tourism (@TourismMalawi) November 14, 2022

Wildlife translocation

In June, Malawi’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife, African Parks and the International Fund for Animal Welfare translocated 250 elephants and other wildlife 350km north from Liwonde National Park to Kasungu National Park. The other wildlife included buffaloes, warthogs and antelopes.

Unfortunately, two bull elephants later escaped from the park and killed two community members and injured one other in separate incidents.

Cultural festivals

It was traditional festivals galore. Umhlangano wa Maseko Ngoni held their annual cultural festival at Nkolimbo village in Ntcheu district while the M’mbelwa Kingdom held their Umthetho cultural festival at the foot of Hora Mountain. The Chamare festival celebrated the unity of religion and culture at Mua Mission in Dedza.

The Chiwanja Cha Ayao cultural festival was held in Mangochi while the Mulakho wa Alhomwe festival was held in Thyolo.

During the Gonapamuhanya cultural festival held in Rumphi, President Lazarus Chakwera said all cultural festivals from 2023 will be held on National Day of Unity.

Images source: Malawi Tourism

Ministry launches strategic documents

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Wildlife launched the National Tourism Policy, National Ecotourism Strategy and the Ecotourism and Protected Area Management Investment Strategy on World Tourism Day in September. These strategic documents are aimed at providing a framework, guiding and directing strategic vision for developing the tourism sector that reinforces sustainable contribution to the socio-economic development of Malawi for the next five years.

Goshen City

During the course of the year, we got to learn more about Goshen City, a touristic city being built in Monkey Bay, Mangochi. The first phase of the project will include residential housing units, a five-star hotel and a 5 000 seat convention centre. Future developments include a hospital, a school and a sports stadium among others.

The sponsor of the project, Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, has met various stakeholders including members of the parliamentary Tourism, Trade and Industry Committee to sell his vision of the city. The project sealed agreements with various companies and institutions.

Images source: Goshen City

Rock climbing in Malawi

In November, Climb Malawi got featured in the New York Times in an article that explores if rock climbing is the future of tourism in Malawi. Climb Malawi is a socio-economically inclusive climbing community located in Lilongwe

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Climb Malawi - Kukwera Phiri (@climb.malawi)

Liwonde National Park

Liwonde National Park has had mixed fortunes in the past year. African Parks Network, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife and GIZ Malawi worked to reconstruct a new tourist area at the park’s western gate . The reception area includes a space for local artisans, including a group of women who make recycled paper from elephant dung,  to sell their crafts.

GIZ has also partnered with Central African Wilderness Safaris through a Public-Private Partnership to erect two solar-powered irrigation schemes for communities that no longer have access to the Shire River.

Earlier this year, Liwonde national park lost one of its rangers Given Gondwe. He was killed by a mob while arresting suspected rhino horn poachers. Later in the year, another ranger from the same park was attacked by poachers during a routine patrol and sustained a deep cut on his hand.

In November, a suspected water poisoning at a waterhole in the same park killed 18 African wild dogs. Some of the killed dogs were among the 14 African wild dogs that were translocated from South Africa and Mozambique to the park in July 2021 in an effort to reintroduce the endangered species to Malawi.

Statistics indicate that the park is losing four wild animals every month to poaching.

New environmental education centre

Recently the Lilongwe Wildlife Trust launched a new Environmental Education Centre in Lilongwe.

🌳 We’re excited to launch our new Environmental Education Centre. Officially opened by the @MinOfEducation today, the Centre will host our new hands-on learning programmes at Lilongwe Wildlife Centre. 🙏 With thanks to @undpmalawi & @tusk_org for their generous support pic.twitter.com/lnYGvzu2at — Lilongwe Wildlife Trust (@malawiwildlife) December 15, 2022

Visa waiver for priority source countries

Tourism Minister Micheal Usi announced that effective 1st January 2023, visa fees have been waived for tourists from selected priority markets. The include the United Kingdom, the United States of America, the Netherlands, Germany, Australia, Belgium, Italy, France, Poland, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, China, Russia and Canada.

National Arts installation project

Art Malawi in partnership with GIZ Malawi is embarking on a National Arts Installation Project that will involve art installations in six sites across the country. The sites of the installations include Mulanja, Michiri Mountain and Lilongwe among others.

Image source: Manota Mphande

Daily shuttles to Likoma island

The Likoma Express is set to launch shuttles from Nkhata Bay to Likoma and Chizumulu Islands in the new year. The 20-seater boat is scheduled to operate daily from  January 2023.

Image source: Visit Likoma Island

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