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Travel Tips

Directions from Lilongwe to Norman Carr Cottage – Head North out of Lilongwe as if going to the airport. The road to Salima turns right just before the industrial area. It is not signposted so one may have to ask. Turn right and proceed for about 100kms. You will come upon a police roadblock at the T- junction to Nkhata Bay, carry on straight for another 10km and you will see a road on your right to Balaka. Turn right and go along this road for about 80kms. After about 60kms you will see a sign to Monkey Bay (do not take this road) take the next Monkey Bay road after another 20kms. This is the S127 to Monkey Bay. Turn left and proceed along this road for 60kms. You will reach a T- junction turn right and you will see our sign 2kms along the way. Follow the pointers to the lodge.

Directions from Blantyre to Norman Carr Cottage – Head South out of Blantyre to Zomba, then on to Liwande. Cross the Shire barrage and look out for a badly signposted road to Mangochi. Turn right and keep on this road. After about 90kms you will get to Mangochi. Keep going straight and you will see our sign on the right-hand side of the road after 48kms. Turn right and follow our pointers to the lodge

Attire – Lake resorts and towns are informal, but remember that Malawians are conventional, even conservative people, so cover-up. It is acceptable, however, to wear beach-wear at the resorts. Long sleeves and light trousers are recommended for the evenings as this protects one from mosquitoes. From about May till August one will need a light jersey for the evenings and early mornings.

Currency – Foreign exchange may be converted at most banks or bureau’s De change in Blantyre and Lilongwe. Use of credit cards may be difficult outside Malawi’s major centres. When travelling to the holiday resorts cash is advised. Any major currency is acceptable. Traveller’s cheques are almost impossible to transact.

Visa Requirements -There has been a change is policy over visitors to Malawi. SADEC nationals are exempt from paying and can get a 30-day visitors visa on arrival. All other nationals must purchase a visa on arrival at US$50 for a single entry. Multi-entry visas can also be purchased at US$150 for 6-months and US$250 for 12-months.

Its been very vague as to where one is able to purchase a visa before you leave from your home country, so please check with the Malawi embassy in case of any changes.

Local Customs – Please respect local customs and traditions when visiting local villages and markets.

Remember – binoculars, cameras, spare batteries and charger, mosquito repellent and sunblock lotion. Malawi uses the British three-pin, square plug and a 220-volt supply, so take adaptors and transformers where necessary.

Security – Malawi has long been famous as the friendliest country in Africa – and this is still true. The people are a calm non–violent, non–aggressive race and crime in the rural areas is almost non-existent. One still gets petty crime in the cities though.