Important Information for Visitors to
Nkhotakota , Malawi

Passports - All visitors to Malawi and Zambia require a valid passport.

Visas for Malawi

We recommend that all visitors should confirm visa requirements with their travel agent, their nearest Malawian Embassy or High Commission, or, if this proves difficult, send us your passport details and we will ask the immigration dept for the current requirements. At present nationals of the following countries DO NOT require Visas for Malawi : Belgium , Denmark , Finland , Germany , Ireland , Italy , Luxembourg , The Netherlands, Norway , Portugal , Sweden , United Kingdom , Australia , Canada and U.S.A. However as requirements change from time to time please confirm the visa requirement in good time before your trip. If you require a Visa and live in a country without a Malawian Embassy then, if we have 6 weeks notice, we can usually obtain the Visa on your behalf from the immigration authorities and fax it to you. The costs vary from country to country but do not usually exceed about US $50 for a single entry visa and US $75 for a multiple entry visa.

Visas for Zambia

Most visitors from non-African countries normally require an entry visa costing US $50 - $100 to enter Zambia . Guests planning to go on the Zambian Safari, should send us their passport number when they book so that we can obtain an official invitation from the Safari Camp in Zambia . Usually with this invitation a visa is not required, but it is not guaranteed.

Immigration Procedures

On arrival tourists may be asked to show immigration officials their return ticket and evidence of funds to support themselves during their stay, a credit card is normally sufficient for this. For our guests a “Confirmation of Booking” letter will be supplied to show immigration officials, or for late bookings we will bring such a letter to the airport. All guests will also be given contact mobile phone numbers before they arrive. Immigration procedures are normally very simple. You may take a few minutes in the queue if your plane had a lot of passengers for Malawi . Usually immigration cards are given out on the plane but otherwise ask for one and complete it before you join the queue. In the unlikely event of any problems advise the official that you are being met by staff from Nyasa Lodges who will be able to explain the exact purpose of your visit.

Health Regulations and Health Certificates

Visitors from Europe, and other areas with no Yellow Fever, arriving by air in Malawi require no health certificates. Visitors arriving from an infected area require a Yellow Fever Certificate. However those booking the Safari to Zambia require a Yellow Fever Certificate to show to the Zambian Border officials.

Health Recommendations

Your doctor should advise you on specific inoculations. Check your tetanus jabs are up to date and a hepatitis A is probably worth having as it is fairly painless and, we are told, very effective. Many visitors have only these.

Malaria - is probably the biggest (but avoidable) health risk and it is essential to take a prophylactic against it. We understand that many doctors are recommending Larium; it seems to be a good prophylactic and for most people causes absolutely no problems, but for a significant number of people it has side affects which could really spoil your visit. If your doctor recommends Larium please start taking it 3 - 4 weeks before leaving so if you have a reaction you can change to a different medicine. Both Larium and Doxycyclyne have been used by guests on our earlier courses. However there are several other drugs also available and medical advice should be taken before deciding which one to use. Prophylactics do not give 100% protection, but should mean that if you do catch malaria it will not be severe and can be easily treated. However the best precaution against Malaria is not to get bitten by mosquitoes and this is fairly easy to achieve as mosquitoes only bite after dark. So if you go out after dusk ALWAYS wear long trousers, socks and long sleeved shirts or tops and use an insect repellent.

All the windows in the rooms where you will stay have mosquito screens, the walls and ceilings of all Nyasa Lodges are regularly sprayed with a (safe!) knockdown mosquito killer, there are electric mosquito killers in every room and the beds have mosquito nets.

Medical Facilities within Malawi - For simple complaints and fast service many towns, including both Dedza and Nkhotakota, now have new, clean and well equipped clinics run by the Marie Stopes foundation. Otherwise good health care is usually available at Mission Hospitals paying as a private patient, (Nkhotakota has an Anglican Mission Hospital), or at the few private health clinics which offer very good facilities but charge similar rates to European private hospitals hence we insist that all guests have health insurance cover.

Airport Taxes

There is a U.S.$30 airport tax payable by all international passengers on departure from Malawi . If we have bought your air ticket then we will pay this for you.

What to Bring

Clothing - May to August the climate at Nkhotakota is like a good English summer except that rain is very unlikely. You may require a light jumper in the evenings. The high altitude of Dedza means that the nights are cold during this period with early morning temperatures sometime as under 5ºC but the days are usually bright and sunny. If you are coming on the trip to Zambia you will need a windproof anorak (as well as a jumper in July) as it can be very chilly during the night drive on the open vehicle. Otherwise summer clothes. We recommend that you bring trousers and long sleeved shirts or tops for the evenings. The old laws forbidding ladies to wear trousers and short skirts were repealed in 1993, but to avoid causing offence it is probably wise for ladies not to wear anything too short or revealing while out and about. While relaxing on the beach swimsuits, bikinis etc. are quite O.K. A lightweight raincoat or cagoule or umbrella may be useful for those coming from November to April.

Shoes - If you wish to take any of the walking safari options or go walking through the bush then a reasonable pair of light and comfortable ankle boots is recommended. On site most people are happy in sandals or “flip-flops”. The latter are available in every market and are particularly suitable for the rainy season.

Suntan Creams and Shampoo are not always available in Dedza & Nkhotakota so it is best to bring with you what you will need for the visit. However toothpaste, toothbrushes, disposable razors, insect repellent etc. are available at the lodges.

Small First Aid Kit and any special medicines or creams you require.

Swimming & Snorkelling – Snorkels and Flippers are available for hire at Nkhotakota. At midday it is often wise to swim with a T-shirt to avoid excessive sun burn, particularly for those coming between September and April.

Torch - A good torch is essential when walking at night to avoid treading on a beautiful sleepy snake. Batteries that can be found in Nkhotakota easily are the large round R2 (Size D) and the small round Size AA. (Flat 4.5v. batteries are NOT available).

Radios and Music Players. Guests are welcome to bring these. In most towns tapes and CDs of local music are available fairly cheaply. There are U.K. type (square pin) power sockets in all the rooms where you will be staying; guests are welcome to plug in any electronic equipment. The electricity supply is a nominal 220/240v but sometimes the voltage varies and any sensitive equipment should be connected through a power protection unit. ( Solatek , U.K. supply a wide range). Most local radio stations are on FM, while the BBC, VOA, etc. are on SW.

Money Matters

Malawian Currency is the Kwacha and this must be used for paying for almost everything. The larger cities (but neither Dedza or Nkhotakota) have many Exchange Bureaus that give much better exchange rates than the banks, some will also give cash on debit or credit cards. Travellers Cheques take time to change and the rates are lower than cash. Some ATMs in the main towns will now accept Visa. Our Lodges accept payment by any of the following methods and for our guests we also offer a “bureau de change” service for cash or travellers cheques denominated in U.S. Dollars, Euros, Sterling , or South African Rand. We accept the following credit or payment cards; Diners Club International, Visa, Mastercard and JCB. Carrying a small amount of cash in low value US $ notes is useful en route or during the Zambian Safari. Note that dollar notes should be dated 2000 or later.

Keeping in Touch

There is good mobile phone network at Dedza Pottery Lodge and an improving network at Nkhotakota Safari Lodge. Internet services are available at Dedza Pottery Lodge and for those staying at Nkhotakota Safari Lodge the nearby Nkhotakota Pottery has an internet service for guests. Many guests find using the sms service on mobile phones is the most convenient and economical way to keep in touch. Contact phone numbers to leave with family and friends: Nkhotakota Safari Lodge (265) 1 751743 or Dedza Pottery Lodge (265) 1 223069 or fax to (265) 1 223131.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of booking that guests should have adequate insurance to cover medical, personal injury and loss or damage to personal effects. We recommend that the medical cover should include medical evacuation and that you also have cover in case you have to cancel very late due to unforeseen and that you also have cover in case you have to cancel very late due to unforeseen circumstances.