Traveling to Malawi Download this Document Airline Options: British Airways (they partner with American Airlines) – they have a direct flight from Seattle to London and then a flight from London to Johannesburg and then Johannesburg to Lilongwe on Air Malawi or South African.  With BA you have to route through London and there is usually an 8 hour layover (at least).  So this option allows you to take the tube into London and see some sights.  Then you have to route through Johannesburg as there is no longer a direct flight from London to Lilongwe. South African (they partner with Delta) – SAA has two direct flights to Johannesburg, one originating in New York from JFK and the other leaving from Atlanta.   SAA is a great carrier and if you would like you could stopover in Cape Town and then carry on to Johannesburg. Cape Town is an excellent city!! Then of course from Joburg you would catch a SAA flight into Lilongwe. Kenya Airways (they partner with Northwest/KLM) - Since Minneapolis is the hub for Northwest I think you would be routed through there no matter where you originate. Anyway this flight leaves the States bound for Amsterdam with an 8-10 hour layover in Amsterdam, then a layover in Nairobi, and then directly into Lilongwe from Nairobi. Sometimes there are some really great deals with this flight plan, you just have to keep your eyes open.  There is a risk with this flight as the Nairobi airport is notorious for theft of luggage, so any and all valuables need to be carried on and you should be sure you have insurance on your checked bags. Eithopian Airlines – They have one flight from Newark that stops in Rome then proceeds to Addis and then directly to Lilongwe. Usually there is just refuel in Rome and then a layover in Addis. Recommended Travel Agents: Raptim International Travel 145 North Fourth Street Lewiston, New York 14092 Telephone:1-800-777-9232 or (716)754-9232 Fax:1-800-766-2881 E-mail: raptim@raptimusa.com www.raptimusa.com   Ulendo Safari – Travel agent in Lilongwe PO Box 30728 Capital City, Lilongwe 3, Malawi Telephone: +265-1-754950/47 Fax: +265-1-756321 E-mail: info@ulendo.net www.ulendosafaris.com You do not need to apply for a visa before entering Malawi, the visa is issued upon your entry into Malawi at the airport. Recommended Immunizations – this list is not all inclusive, please consult the CDC or your international travel clinic for specific recommendations. Hepatitis A Hepatitis B MMR Typhoid Yellow Fever Polio Influenza Tetanus Anti-malarial drugs What to bring: Cash – you get the best exchange rate when you use USD as opposed to traveler’s checks or credit cards. There are really no ATMs.  Africa is still a cash only continent for the most part.  If you are traveling to Malawi via Johannesburg you will be able to use plastic there as it is basically first world, but once you reach Malawi you will be working with cash only businesses. Clothing (Women) Skirts – at least to the knee, mid-shin would be best.  Nothing too tight, loose and comfy is best. Skirts can be worn anywhere Pants – loose capris or long pants – Again, pants can be worn out in the evenings for dinner, at the lake, or on safari, in town, and in the village. Likewise shorts would be Ok for the lake or safari. Shirts – t-shirts/blouses that have at least a cap sleeve.  Tank tops would be Ok for the lake or safari, but not for town or the villages. Sweatshirt Shoes – flipflops, tennis shoes, nice comfy dress shoes Swimsuit – one piece Waterproof jacket – For those coming in the wet season, it generally rains at least once every other day (November – March) Jewelry – It is best to leave all valuable jewelry at home. Clothing (Men) Pants – Khakis or other comfortable slacks or jeans. Shorts would be OK for the lake or safari. Shirts – Button down shirts or polos are best. T-shirts would be OK for the lake or for safari. Shoes – flipflops, tennis shoes, nice comfy dress shoes Swimsuit – boardshorts Sweatshirt Waterproof jacket – For those coming in the wet season, it generally rains at least once every other day (November – March) Jewelry – It is best to leave all valuable jewelry at home. Toiletries – You will need to bring everything that you use on a daily basis – it would try to keep it down to the bare bones essentials. However, if you do need to purchase something in Malawi, more than likely you can get it, it is just going to be much more expensive than what you are used to spending.  And the likelihood of seeing the same brand selection is slim to none. Here are some recommend bringing: Sunscreen Band aids Advil (or your pain reliever of choice) Feminine products Deodorant Any prescription medication Aloe vera gel Allergy/Sinus medication Immodium – Peptobismal tablets 2 in 1 Shampoo/Conditioner Shaving supplies – facial hair is not widely accepted in Malawi, so men need to be sure and bring razors and shave gel. Motion sickness medication – the drive to the safari can make people motion sick that have never gotten motion sickness before. Camera – Digital, Video, or traditional 35 mm camera Film Water Bottle Backpack Snacks from Home Luggage Notes: Your Luggage allowance is ONE carryon weighing 15 pounds, and TWO checked bags weighing 70 pounds each. If you have never before locked your suitcase when traveling, this is the trip to start locking up every bag that you check – especially if you are going through Nairobi. Even if you are not going through Nairobi, it is not a bad idea to purchase locks that look like they would be harder to break. It will deter the thieves a little.  They might go ahead and break your lock, but at least you made them think twice, unlike suitcases that are not locked – those are fair game. Please be prepared to use more patience than ever before when traveling – not only with the airlines, but once you get on the ground in Malawi – for as much as we would like things to be efficient in Africa, generally they are not. You have to wait, even when you don’t know what you are waiting on, you have to be understanding when you have no idea what you are trying to understand.  For certain, things that should be incredibly easy at first glance are generally quite complex and that is why we have to be even more patient than ever.