Getting Around Malawi

Air

Ulendo Airlink (www.flyulendo.com) operates domestic flights in Malawi, serving destinations including Lilongwe, Liwonde and Likoma Island.

Road

Side of the road

Road Quality

All major roads are tarmac and most secondary roads are all-weather.

Car Hire

Available from local and international firms, particularly in Lilongwe and Blantyre, with a number of companies offering a wide choice of vehicles. Standards do vary (even with the internationally franchised chains) so it's worth seeking a recommendation. Nonetheless, you should reserve cars well in advance as they are very much in demand. Chauffeur-driven cars are also available.

Coach

AXA Coach Service (tel: +265 1 876 000) operates coaches between Malawi's main towns and cities.

Documentation

An International Driving Permit is required.

Urban travel

Bus: There are services in all major cities.

Taxi: You can find taxis in cities, but they're less easy to pick up in rural areas.

Rail

Central East African Railways (tel: +265 1 840 841) operates the lines in the country. The main route connects Mchinji, Lilongwe, Salima, Chipoka, Blantyre, Limbe and Nsanje. Trains tend to be slow and crowded and are little used by tourists.

Water

The Ilala ferry connects communities along Lake Malawi and has single and double cabins.