Malawi - Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi - page 747

tourism promotion is handled by UK-based Malawi Tourism ( 0115-982 1903;
www.malawitourism.com ) , which responds to inquiries from all over the world.
Travellers with Disabilities
Even though there are more disabled people per head of population here than in the West,
there are very few facilities. A few official buildings are constructed with ramps and lifts
- but not many, and probably not the ones you want to visit. Some major hotels in the cit-
ies also have ramps and/or lifts, but again, not many.
Visas
Visas are not required by citizens of Commonwealth countries, the USA and most
European nations. On entering the country you'll be granted a 30-day entry stamp, which
can easily be extended at immigration offices in Blantyre or Lilongwe; however, the next
month requires a fee of MK5000.
Volunteering
There are numerous volunteer opportunities in Malawi. A good initial contact is Volun-
teer Abroad ( www.volunteerabroad.com ) , which has listings of current volunteer options
in Malawi. Otherwise, local grassroots opportunities include the following ones:
Billy Riordan Memorial Trust Offline map ( www.billysmalawiproject.org ) Has an estab-
lished clinic in Cape Maclear and provides medical care in the area. The trust needs med-
ical volunteers (doctors, dentists, nurses, lab technicians).
Butterfly Space Offline map Google map ( www.butterfly-space.com ) Involved in a number
of projects in Nkhata Bay, including a nursery and a community resource centre. It en-
courages volunteers who can devote more than a few weeks and get involved with the loc-
al community.
Cool Runnings Offline map ( 0999-915173, 01-263398; [e-mail]) In-
volved in a variety of projects, including local education, in the Senga Bay area.
Panda Garden Offline map ( 0999-140905; www.heedmalawi.net ; Main St, Chembe
village) Based in Cape Maclear, Panda Garden is always on the lookout for divers (to help
with bilharzia research in the lake) and art teachers.