Travel Guide

Getting to Malawi

Essential information to help you plan your journey to Salima, Malawi for our wedding celebration.

Getting There

Salima is located about 110km (1.5 hours drive) east of Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi. The closest beach area is Senga Bay.

Main Airport: Lilongwe International Airport (Kamuzu Airport, LLW) is the primary international gateway.

Alternative Airport: Blantyre Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in southern Malawi.

Major Airlines: Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Airlink serve Malawi with connections through Addis Ababa, Nairobi, and Johannesburg.

Visa Requirements

Important: Malawi updated its visa policy in November 2025. Please verify current requirements before traveling.

Visa: Most nationalities now require a visa. Check with the Malawi Immigration Department or your nearest Malawian embassy.

Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date.

Currency Declaration: You must declare all foreign currency when entering Malawi.

Health & Vaccinations

Please consult your doctor or a travel health clinic at least 4-6 weeks before departure.

Vaccinations: Yellow fever certificate, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Polio, and routine vaccinations (MMR, Tetanus) are recommended.

Malaria Prevention: Anti-malarial medication is strongly recommended. Options include Malarone, Doxycycline, or Mefloquine. Chloroquine is not effective in Malawi.

Mosquito Protection: Bring DEET-based repellent (20%+), wear long sleeves in the evenings, and sleep under a bed net.

Money & Currency

Local Currency: Malawian Kwacha (MWK). USD is accepted at some hotels.

Cash: Carry cash as credit cards are not widely accepted outside major hotels. Withdraw cash in Lilongwe before heading to Salima.

ATMs: Limited availability outside cities; daily withdrawal limits apply (approx. $140 equivalent).

Exchange: Use banks or authorized bureaux de change only. Keep receipts.

Weather & What to Pack

August in Malawi is during the dry season - expect warm days and cooler evenings by the lake.

Temperature: Daytime: 20-25°C (68-77°F). Evenings can be cooler, around 15°C (59°F).

Essentials: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, light layers for evenings, comfortable walking shoes, and swimwear.

Dress Code: See our dress code guide for wedding attire suggestions.

Safety Tips

General: Exercise normal precautions. Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.

Water: Drink bottled water only. Request bottled water at restaurants.

Swimming: Lake Malawi is beautiful but avoid swimming in areas with reeds or slow-moving water due to schistosomiasis risk. Stick to sandy beach areas.

Sun: The African sun is strong - apply sunscreen regularly and stay hydrated.

Things to Explore

Make the most of your trip to Malawi with these activities and attractions near Salima.

Senga Bay Beach

A beautiful stretch of golden sand on Lake Malawi. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like snorkeling and kayaking.

Senga Hills Hiking

Seven hills offering spectacular panoramic views of Lake Malawi. The full trail takes about 5 hours, or do a 90-minute round trip to the first hill.

Marelli Islands

Three uninhabited islands just 3km offshore, part of Lake Malawi National Park. Take a boat trip to explore these pristine islands.

Kuti Wildlife Reserve

A family-friendly wildlife reserve just 30 minutes from the lake. Spot zebras, antelopes, and various bird species on a game drive.

Cichlid Farm

Visit the Lake Malawi Cichlid Centre, home to over 150 species of the colorful fish that make Lake Malawi famous worldwide.

Local Culture

Experience Malawian hospitality, visit traditional villages, enjoy local music, and try delicious dishes like nsima and chambo fish.

Where to Stay

Accommodation options near Senga Bay, from luxury resorts to comfortable lodges.

Luxury & Upscale

Blue Zebra Island Lodge — Exclusive retreat on Nankoma Island in the Marelli Archipelago.
Sunbird Livingstonia — Luxury beachfront hotel with landscaped gardens and 1km golden beach.
Sunbird Waterfront — Modern lakeside property with lake views, opened in 2021.
Sigelege Beach Resort — Secluded resort with private white sand beach and 50 modern rooms.

Mid-Range & Lodges

Lakeside Hotel — Popular resort with various room types and conference facilities.
Blue Waters Lake Resort — Peaceful retreat with private beach, pool, and stunning lake views.
Joma Adventure Lodge — Stylish lodge at Leopard Bay with 9 deluxe rooms and private beach.
Safari Beach Lodge — Comfortable lodge with pool, platform bar, and forest garden views.

Questions?

If you have any questions about traveling to Malawi, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to help make your journey as smooth as possible.