Malawi Information
About Malawi
Malawi is a malaria area. The chance of catching malaria is small, but you should take the necessary precautions!
We will be cycling in areas which are not easily accessible, and getting medical assistance is extremely difficult. Accidents can create huge problems and lengthy delays, and we ask that you exercise the utmost caution when riding. It is not a race, please slow down and enjoy the more sedate pace of Africa!
GPS routes for your Garmin will be supplied for all stages, and those wanting to ride in a faster group are welcome to do so. It is highly recommended that each rider has a GPS device, with daily routes loaded.
We will be sharing paths and district roads with off-road motorbikes, local cyclists, pedestrians, children, goats, chickens, the odd beaten up vehicle and occasionally even a pig or two! They are all hazards with zero road sense at all. When you see them (which will be often), take care!
The Tour Leader will buy basic refreshments along the way at village shops. There will also be occasions when it is possible to meet our support crew who will also have refreshments for everyone.
About 60% of Malawi’s population is under the age of 20, and in terms of GDP per capita, Malawi is the
second poorest country in the world. Poverty is everywhere. Despite their hardships, Malawi’s people are
immensely kind, cheerful, polite, and peaceful.
I have cycled thousands of km’s across Malawi, mostly alone, and I have been welcomed everywhere. There are a few basics to adhere to, Malawi is densely populated and in villages we must proceed slowly and
politely!!
The aim of these tours is to share great times with good friends. It’s not a race! There will be time to chill and to put your feet up!
Malawi is not well developed which makes it a wonderful country for cycling. We will see very few cars and trucks! The downside is that accommodation is not of the same standard as South Africa and often things go wrong – e.g., no power or the shower does not work! We simply must accept that “This is Africa,” but there is always a plan to be made!
Bicycle Shops are very rudimentary in Malawi – please ensure your bike is in excellent condition, spares are not available!!
Most asked questions and answers…
Is Malawi worth visiting?
Yes!!! Malawi is known as the “Warm Heart of Africa” for very good reason. It’s blessed with the friendliest people, and the country is perfect for cycling and holidays. You will love it!!
What precautions must I take?
Malawi is a malaria area. Most expats who live in Malawi never catch malaria by taking normal precautions including covering up in the evening and using mosquito spray. In Malaria areas beds come equipped with nets. Additional precautions including anti malaria tablets are recommended. Sunburn is to be avoided, lotions with high protection factors are highly recommended.
What is included in the tour fee?
The tour fee includes all transfers from the airport, all accommodation in hotels or lodges, 3 meals per day, basic
refreshments on the ride, Wi-Fi where available, a support vehicle which will transfer your luggage each day and a well-managed Tour, including fantastic researched and ridden routes!
Is this a fully supported tour?
Yes, all arrangements will be made before your arrival, you will be met at the airport, and you will have a Tour Leader with you throughout the tour to ensure you have a fantastic time and to help wherever required.
Your luggage will be transported by our support crew, and they will be on hand to transport participants wishing to sit out a day’s ride
What should I bring with me?
Your mobile (local sim cards are available for purchase or use Wi-Fi where available). Your bike (I ride a hard tail
MTB), chain lube, spare brake pads, a light cycling jacket (mornings can be cool), cycling kit including helmet, cycling
shoes and sunglasses, suntan lotion, mosquito repellant (room spray).
Casual clothing including warm clothing for the evenings, swimming costume, sun hat….
Please also bring a minimum of two bicycle water bottles.
A bicycle bell is highly recommended, it’s the polite way to get pedestrians out of your way!
Malawi is very laid back; a sense of adventure will hold you in good stead!!!
What weather should I expect?
March/ April/ May should be the end of the rain season! We might experience some shower’s so a rain jacket would be useful! The temperature will be in the range 10C – 28C, and warmer at the Lake. Even with cloud cover suntan cream is highly recommended, a high UV protection factor is best.
Are flights included and which one must I book on?
Flights are not included in the tour fee. Malawi Airlines which is 90% owned by Ethiopian Airlines, flies a daily
morning route of Lilongwe – Blantyre – Johannesburg, and an afternoon route JNB – Blantyre – Lilongwe, using a
Boeing 737. Please ensure Air Malawi includes transporting your bicycle both ways in your ticket price.
Airlink has also recently launched flights to Blantyre and back to Johannesburg on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday,
Friday and Sunday (as at Aug24). This is a smaller plane able to transport a limited number of bicycles.
Prior to the Tour you will receive an email with recommended flights. Currently the cost of flights is approx. R10 000.
(Return: JNB – Malawi – JNB).
What cycling rules and customs are followed?
Helmets must be worn whenever riding! It’s also a good idea to buddy up and should your buddy stop then please stop the rest of the Group.
The group will be small and if it splits into a faster and a slower group then choose the group you are the most comfortable with. If the group splits the Tour leader will lead the slower group and ensure that nobody is left behind. Remember it’s a Tour not a Race!
Some days can offer a shorter and longer route. Those wishing to do a shorter route will be bussed part of the way.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Some hotels do not offer Wi-Fi. If Wi-Fi is available, we will set up a Wi-Fi Hot spot at hotels for everybody to use.
Must I bring bike tools and spares?
We will supply all basic tools including a foot pump, Allan Keys, Bike washing Kit etc. Suggest you bring a spare chain link, chain lube and a set of brake pads. Please note bombs are often confiscated on the flight, so we suggest you leave them at home.
Please ensure you have tubeless tyres containing adequate sealant, tubes are not recommended.
Will we be sharing rooms?
Finding suitable accommodation able to accommodate a group of 12 is a challenge in some parts of Malawi. In some places we would ask cyclists to share rooms / bathrooms (with single beds where needed). In the larger hotels we can offer a single supplement.
Please contact the Tour Organisers if you require more information on a single supplement.
What plugs are used in Malawi?
English plugs (see photo below) … The Tour Organisers will have a few adapters (for South African plugs) to lend out but please bring your own adapter if possible!
Is Malawi safe?
Malawi is a peaceful country, and the people are polite and considerate. It’s always a good idea to take normal precautions – keep an eye on your bike, and your belongings. At first you may feel a little uncomfortable riding through villages, but you will soon relax as you are welcomed and never threatened!
What currency does Malawi use?
The Malawi Kwacha! The Kwacha is worth approx. ZAR1 = MWK 100 or USD 1 = MWK 1900 (Approx Aug24). The
Kwacha is expected to de-value significantly in the coming months. ATM banks are only available at the Airport, major towns and in Blantyre.
What is not included in the tour fee?
Flights to and from Malawi, Bar Bills, Curios, Tips, laundry services.
Medical rescue or medical treatment is not included. You must ensure you have Medical Aid cover and Travel Insurance including repatriation cover.
Extra activities at the Lake (Snorkeling etc.) not provided free by the hotel. Motorised water sports, and booze cruises may incur an additional charge. A Game Viewing River cruise at Liwonde is not included in the tour fee. The price for such activities can be negotiated with local vendors.
Is the route available to download on my GPS device?
GPX files will be emailed to you prior to the tour. It is highly recommended that you have your own GPS or ride with a
friend who has one. The Tour leader will ride at the back with the slower riders. He has a GPS; he knows the routes and he will do his best to ensure nobody gets lost.
What admin must I do?
You must book your own flights. We will advise you which flights are recommended.
On arrival in Malawi, you will be requested to complete a Tour Indemnity Form and provide proof of Medical Aid and Travel Insurance.
Photography and Locals
Malawi is beautiful and a camera is a necessity! There will be stops for photographs – it’s a tour not a race! Some locals may request cash if you take their photo, but a polite Greeting “Bo-bo” followed by a Thank You “Zikomo” should suffice!
The locals who live close to the larger towns (Lilongwe and Blantyre) tend to beg for cash. Please do not part with cash – it creates the perception that cyclists are travelling auto banks!
Can I wash cycling kit while on Tour?
A minimum of 3 sets of cycling clothing is recommended. It will be possible to have kit washed on the rest days.
What if I want to bail?
We will not have a support vehicle behind us as the tracks make this impossible. If you are feeling unduly tired, you may elect to sit out the days ride and to travel in the support vehicle.
During the day we should meet our support vehicles at least once – offering those who have had enough a lift!
As a last option – Malawi has many motorcycle and bicycle taxis, cyclists have been known to hop onto a motor bike taxi to get to the overnight stop! It’s similar to Ubering, but Malawi style!
What happens if I’m involved in a crash, and I’m hurt?
The route is a safe route with little technical riding. The biggest dangers are pedestrians, children, animals, motorbikes,
local cyclists and very occasionally vehicles. You must be cautious and avoid dangerous situations: slow down
when you see hazards! If you are injured, we will make every effort to get you back to Blantyre or a major center
comfortably and as quickly as possible where Doctors and Medical help is available.
Please be aware that we will be riding in rural areas with limited road networks. This makes it difficult to get injured
people out and currently no helicopters are available in Malawi.
Do I need a Visa to visit Malawi?
South Africans will get a free 30-day visitor’s Visa on arrival at the airport in Malawi. If you are travelling on another passport, please check with the Malawi Embassy.
Do you hire out bikes?
Unfortunately, we do not hire out bikes but are looking at adding this service as a future option. Please bring your own bike. Bike bags will be transported from the start to the end of the tour.
A mountain bike or Gravel Bike with a wide range of gears is recommended. You may bring an e-Bike but most
airlines will not transport them. Should you wish to bring an e-bike please contact the Organisors for advice on getting your bike to Malawi.
Should you have any other questions please feel free to contact the Tour Organisers!
Disclaimer
Due to circumstances beyond the control of the Tour Organiser, arrangements, routes, accommodation and even flights might change at short notice. Such changes will be discussed with you, if and when they may occur.