International visits
Airlines
There are no direct flights from the UK to Malawi. Four airlines provide daily flights via transit airports. Most flights are overnight. Typical outward flights leave Heathrow at 8pm and arrive in Lilongwe at noon the next day. Return flights leave Lilongwe in the late morning and arrive at Heathrow at 7am the following day. The return flight usually has a 5+ hour wait at the transit airport. Lower cost flights may have an exceptionally long wait at the transit airport and this needs careful checking when booking.
Lilongwe airport is 16 miles north of the city centre. Taxis are available.
| Airline | Via | Details |
|---|---|---|
| British Airways | Johannesburg | Flight between Johannesburg to Lilongwe with South African Airlines - www.britishairways.com |
| Ethiopian Airlines | Addis Ababa | www.ethiopianairlines.com |
| Kenya Airways | Nairobi | Arrangement with KLM so flights between Nairobi and Heathrow may be with KLM - www.kenya-airways.com |
| KLM | Amsterdam | UK regional airports via Amsterdam to Nairobi. Flights between Nairobi and Lilongwe with Kenyan Airways - www.klm.com |
Accommodation in Lilongwe
For international visitors who want to stay overnight in Lilongwe, there are a number of hotels of different types and prices available.
Mabuya Campsite
On Livingstone Road, chalets and dormitories for backpackers, swimming pool www.mabuya.com
Heugin's Lodge
In suburbs, 8 rooms (5 ensuite), swimming pool. No website : use search engine for Heugin's Lodge.
Sunbird Capital
In capital city, 182 rooms (all air conditioned), swimming pool www.sunbirdmalawi.com
Sanctuary Lodge
Within Nature Sanctuary, ensuite chalets and campsite and swimming pool. Problem with the website www.thesanctuarylodge.net try using a search engine.
Sunbird Lilongwe
On M1 between old and new towns, 94 rooms (air conditioned), swimming pool www.sunbirdmalawi.com
Kiboko Town Hotel
In old town, 14 rooms of three standards www.kibokohotel.com
Korea Garden Lodge
In old town, 53 rooms and self-catering appartments www.kglodge.net
Tour Operators
A number of companies will organise tours in Malawi and act as booking agents for hotels, game park lodges, etc
- Responsible Safari Company
- Wilderness Safaris
- Ulendo Safaris
- Land & Lake Safaris
- Kiboko Safaris
- Barefoot Safaris
Books
Travel books on Malawi include the following:
Malawi Bradt Travel Guide, fifth edition April 2010
Zambia and Malawi Lonely Planet Travel Guide, first edition March 2009
Websites
- www.explore-malawi.com - information and booking site for accommodation, tours and activities run by the Responsible Safari Company
- Malawi Tourist Board - general tourist information
- Malawi Tourism Association - has links to sites of accommodation and tour operator members
- Foreign and Commonwealth Office - updated travel advice