Malawi is a diverse destination famed for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, and this travel cost guide will help you plan the perfect trip without overspending. We've broken down average costs from past travelers, including where to stay, what to eat, and what to see, so that your trip is both affordable and unforgettable.
How much does it cost to travel to Malawi?
You should plan to spend around $43 (MWK75,041) 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:
- $17 (MWK29,734) 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, $606 (MWK1,050,574). 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.
-
One Week
Per person
$303
MWK525,287
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$606
MWK1,050,574
-
One Month
Per person
$1,299
MWK2,251,230
-
One Week
For a couple
$606
MWK1,050,574
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,212
MWK2,101,148
-
One Month
For a couple
$2,598
MWK4,502,460
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Malawi cost?
A one week trip to Malawi usually costs around $303 (MWK525,287) for one person and $606 (MWK1,050,574) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Malawi on average costs around $606 (MWK1,050,574) for one person and $1,212 (MWK2,101,148) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Malawi will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Malawi on average costs around $1,299 (MWK2,251,230) for one person and $2,598 (MWK4,502,460) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
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.
Whether you're looking for luxury or traveling on a budget, Malawi has an array of accommodation and activities to suit your needs. Budget-friendly hotel options are available, but there are also luxury hotels that cater to the more affluent customer, along with mid-range hotels for families or couples.
If you're worried about costs in Malawi, there are ways to cut back, like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $19 (MWK33,589) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $43 (MWK75,041) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $83 (MWK143,319) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to 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. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Malawi cost?
Malawi on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$6.22
(MWK10,781)
|
$14
(MWK24,643)
|
$27
(MWK47,091)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$5.55
(MWK9,625)
|
$13
(MWK21,859)
|
$24
(MWK40,871)
|
|
Food 2
|
$7.44
(MWK12,889)
|
$17
(MWK29,734)
|
$34
(MWK58,547)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$6.15
(MWK10,655)
|
$14
(MWK24,386)
|
$27
(MWK46,796)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$1-4
(MWK2,185-6,555)
|
$3-9
(MWK4,970-14,910)
|
$5-16
(MWK9,338-28,015)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations about your travel budget is very important. While it's easy to think of yourself as a "budget" traveler who can see everything on a shoestring, most find this style of travel quite challenging. Think about what you truly enjoy and your previous travel experiences. Are you drawn to resorts and vacation rentals, or do you like the budget-friendly environment of hostels? How important is it for you to eat in nicer restaurants? The answers to these questions will influence your overall travel budget.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You may have heard that it's possible to visit Malawi for around $19 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 $43 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 $83. 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 range of hotel prices in Malawi can be quite surprising, especially when you compare budget-friendly and luxury hotels. Peak season brings much higher prices, so consider traveling in the off-season for a more affordable experience. Booking in advance can also help with savings.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Malawi for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $28 (MWK49,287). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $14 (MWK24,643) per night. These costs are 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
-
On average, past travelers have spent $13 (MWK21,859) per person, per day, on local transportation in Malawi. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Malawi is significantly more than public transportation.
-
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 restaurant and meal prices in Malawi can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Malawi is $17 (MWK29,734) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$17
MWK29,734
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Malawi is around $17 (MWK29734) per person, with previous travelers spending from $7 to $34. 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: $3 to $5
- Lunch: $3 to $9
- Dinner: $6 to $14
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $3
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 dining out with children, be sure to look for a restaurant that features a kids' menu. This can help you save a lot, as these meals tend to be more affordable. Also, since some places don't advertise their kids' options, it's good to ask the waiter before ordering.
While a lot of hotels come with breakfast included in the price, others might charge extra. The quality and price can vary significantly between hotels. Understanding this beforehand can guide your decision on whether to splurge on the hotel buffet or seek a cheaper meal at a local bakery or café.
Bring your own water bottle instead of buying drinks at every turn. It's also a sustainable choice for the environment.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you understand which meals are included. If you end up paying for some meals yourself, it could have an impact on your travel budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Malawi
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets 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
Nightlife Budget in Malawi
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $5.74 (MWK9,940) on nightlife and 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
$5.74
MWK9,940
Enjoying nightlife is great, but being mindful of your drinking can help keep your budget in check.
Traveling in Malawi
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.