Malawi is a diverse country known for it's beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. To help plan your trip within your budget, our travel cost guide has everything you need for your journey. With tips and prices for hotels, food, activities, and transit, you can enjoy every moment without worrying about your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Malawi?
You should plan to spend around $36 (MWK63,328) per day on your vacation in Malawi. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $10 (MWK18,020) on meals
- $13 (MWK21,859) on local transportation
- $28 (MWK49,287) on hotels
A one week trip to Malawi for two people costs, on average, $511 (MWK886,592). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Malawi expensive to visit?
Malawi is a very affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 10% of countries in the world for its affordability. Many budget travelers enjoy spending long periods of time exploring this country in depth.
Within Africa, Malawi is very affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in Africa for its affordability. Very few countries in the region are as affordable as Malawi.
For more details, see Is Malawi Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Malawi?
The average Malawi trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Malawi travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
MWK10,781
($6.21)
|
MWK24,643
($14)
|
MWK47,091
($27)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
MWK9,625
($5.54)
|
MWK21,859
($13)
|
MWK40,871
($24)
|
|
Food 2
|
MWK7,812
($4.50)
|
MWK18,020
($10)
|
MWK35,483
($20)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
MWK10,655
($6.14)
|
MWK24,386
($14)
|
MWK46,796
($27)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
MWK2,185-6,555
($1-4)
|
MWK4,970-14,910
($3-9)
|
MWK9,338-28,015
($5-16)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having a realistic perspective on your budget is crucial. While many like to think of themselves as "budget" travelers who can scrape by on just $17 a day, most people find this way of traveling less enjoyable. Consider what you really love about travel and consider your previous travel experiences. Are you more inclined to stay in hostels, or do you prefer resorts or vacation rentals? Is dining out a priority for you? Your answers to these questions will shape your overall travel budget significantly.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You may have heard that it's possible to visit Malawi for around $17 a day, but if you want to maintain any level of comfort, you should be ready to spend considerably more.
While budget travelers might manage to travel on that amount, it often means staying in hostel dormitories, eating at budget restaurants or fast food joints, using public transport or walking, and sticking to free attractions.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for fun, it's common to stay in mid-range hotels, dine at well-known restaurants, and visit the big museums and attractions that charge entry fees. You won't want to miss all of the major sights and attractions. As most activities are not free, you'll be spending at least some money on your trip. Given this, a more realistic daily budget would be around $37 per person, per day.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're seeking a deluxe vacation that includes premium service and amenities, expect to pay around $70. This budget will cover luxurious hotels, award-winning dining, extravagant tours, and private transportation, landing you in the "luxury" travel range. You might even find yourself vacationing in high-end spots like the major cities and resort areas.
Accommodation Budget in Malawi
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Malawi can be very surprising. Some destinations have much higher price tags than others, and even within the same areas you can find a big difference between the budget-friendly and higher-end hotels. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Malawi is $14 (MWK24,643). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Malawi is $28 (MWK49,287). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Malawi? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Malawi
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The cost of a taxi ride in Malawi is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $13 (MWK21,859) per person, per day, on local transportation in Malawi.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$13
MWK21,859
In Malawi, public transit options are often limited. It's advisable to rent a car or arrange for a form of transportation in advance, such as a guided tour. However, keep in mind that this might affect your overall trip budget.
Food Budget in Malawi
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While meal prices in Malawi can vary, the average cost of food in Malawi is $10 (MWK18,020) per day, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$10
MWK18,020
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in France is around $10 (MWK18020) per person, with previous travelers spending from $5 to $21. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Malawi are as follows:
- Breakfast: $1 to $3
- Lunch: $2 to $4
- Dinner: $3 to $7
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $2
Traditional Malawian food, like Zambian, revolves around one staple grain called maize, which is served in one form called
nshima. Nshima is a kind of thick porridge rolled into balls to be dipped in a variety of stews, commonly called relishes. The more specialty relishes include those of beef, chicken, or fish, while the more basic ones are made with beans, tiny dried fish (kapenta), peanuts, pumpkin leaves (chibwabwa), or other vegetables such as okra (ndelele), cabbage, and rape. Local restaurants generally serve nshima and relish for less than 5000K ($1). The nshima is more watered down into porridge for breakfast, usually with sugar. While this is a popular native dish, pretty much any kind of food, including Western cuisine, can be found in the city areas like Lilongwe and Blantyre. There are also many ethnic eateries in the city, and in most, pork products are not served to accommodate the Muslim population. Also be aware that tap water in Malawi is generally not drinkable unless boiled first. Bottled water is mostly available in the city areas, so be sure to stock up before a safari in the wilderness.
Transportation
Visitors from most countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, European Union countries, Japan, Singapore, and South American Countries now require a visa to enter Malawi. A single entry visa on arrival is good for 90 days and cost $75 USD. A 7-day Transit visa costs $50 USD. 29 countries need to acquire a visa in advance at a Malawi embassy.
By plane, Malawi's largest international airport is in Lilongwe - known as Lilongwe International Airport or Kamuzu International Airport. There are also some flights from Blantyre to regional destinations. Most travelers connect via Johannesburg in South Africa, Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, or Nairobi in Kenya.
There are no trains running in Malawi. It is possible to get in by car or bus.
Hitchhiking is a common practice in Malawi, though most people expect some form of payment, though it is usually cheaper than public transportation.
When traveling with children, look for restaurants with a kids menu. This can save you plenty of money as these options tend to be much lower in price. Some restaurants don't list the kids' options on their menu, so ask the waiter before you order.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Carry a water bottle with you instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also good for the environment.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
Entertainment Budget in Malawi
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Entertainment and activities in Malawi typically cost an average of $14 (MWK24,386) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$14
MWK24,386
Alcohol Budget in Malawi
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $5.73 (MWK9,940) on alcoholic beverages in Malawi per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$5.73
MWK9,940
Sure, nightlife is a top travel activity, but if you want to save money, reducing how much you drink is a great way to start.
Malawi on a Budget
Lake Malawi
Malawi is a landlocked country of Southeastern Africa defined largely by its highland topography and vibrant culture. One of its top features is Lake Malawi, the largest lake in Africa, which runs along most of eastern border. The lake sits in the Great Rift Valley, which is also home to a diverse array of wildlife.
Malawi is divided into three regions: Northern Malawi, Central Malawi, and Southern Malawi. Northern Malawi is home to the city of Karonga which is close to Malawi Lake and the Misuku Hills, Mzuzu which is the northern region's largest town, and Nkhata Bay a rocky bay towards the north of the lake with lodges popular for vacationing. Central Malawi is home to the capital city of Lilongwe, as well as the historic slave shores of Nkhotakota which is now ethnically diverse and renowned amongst tourists for golden sandy beaches and resorts. Southern Malawi is home to the country's largest city and economic capital, Blantyre. This city thrives with visitors and locals alike with an interesting downtown, good nightlife and music, a range of places to stay from upscale to guest houses, and a vibrant street and market culture. Other cities in the south include Monkey Bay, Mangochi, and Zomba - known for its British colonial architecture, markets for fabric and handicrafts, and some of the best Indian food in Malawi.
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Top Tourist Attractions
The country of Malawi probably has the most diverse landscape in all of Africa. From peaks that reach 10,000 feet to the lowest point barely above sea level, the Malawi topography is a range of plateaus, highlands, forests, mountains, plains, cliffs, and steep river valleys. The Great Rift Valley is the dominant feature, filled in by Malawi Lake, surrounded by popular resorts, bays, beaches, and abundant wildlife. The Central African Plateau lies to the west of the lake while the southern part of Malawi is best known for its highlands, with fresh mountain air and lush, green forests.
Lake Malawi is a paradise for boating and water sports activities. Some of the best freshwater diving spots can also be found here, right in Nkhata Bay. Like in many countries of Africa, safaris are also common with visitors. National parks and wildlife reserves offer the best opportunities for such activities. As one can see, the list of
things to do in Malawi can be quite comprehensive, as this dynamic country has everything from culture to wildlife.
Nyika National Park is Malawi's largest national park, Ntchisi Forest Reserve offers a stunning rainforest in an area untouched, Liwonde National Park is home to some of the best wildlife in the area. On any safari visitors are sure to come across striking landscape and animals like hippos, crocodiles, lions, elephants, and leopards, amongst others.
Mount Mulanje is the highest peak south of Kilimanjaro and a favorite among climbers. Many attempt to reach Sapitwa Peak, the tallest of Mulanje's peaks.
Cape Maclear is another of Malawi's top destinations - a nice haven of beaches and crystal waters for backpackers, boaters, and vacationers. It sits as a laid back fishing village on the tip of a peninsula jutting out into the southern portion of Lake Malawi
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.