Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
John Chilembwe Day
15 January
Martyrs' Day
3 March
Easter
March/April - Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Monday
Labour Day
1 May
Freedom Day
14 June
Republic Day
6 July
Mother's Day
October - second Monday
Christmas Day
25 December
Boxing Day
26 December
Safe Travel
CRIME & PUNISHMENT
Times are hard in Malawi, and desperate people will do desperate things; in recent years
incidences of robberies or muggings have increased. Avoid walking alone at night in
Blantyre and Lilongwe.
Road blocks are frequent throughout the country, though most police who'll stop you
just want to say hello rather than breath- alyse you. Drivers caught drink driving or speed-
ing can have their vehicles confiscated on the spot, and face a fine and/or imprisonment.
Also beware of driving at night where the road becomes an obstacle course of cows,
goats, potholes, villagers, cyclists and abandoned cars - all of which have no lights on!
WILDLIFE
Potential dangers at Lake Malawi include encountering a hippo or crocodile after dusk
when they come up on to beaches. The Shire River is aflood with crocodiles and locals
disappear in dugouts on a regular basis, so be careful of dipping your hand in the water if
on a river safari. Popular tourist beaches are safe, although, just to be sure, you should
seek local advice before diving in. The most dangerous animals in Malawi are the mosqui-
toes that transmit malaria.
