Backpacking Malawi: Our Budget and Tips for an Unforgettable Trip

Hey everyone, it's Lisa & Pol! We're back with another blog post to accompany our latest YouTube video - this time, all about our time in Malawi, the "Warm Heart of Africa"! We spent 16 amazing days exploring this beautiful country in March and April 2024, as part of our 10-month backpacking adventure across Africa, from Cairo to Cape Town. We were blown away by Malawi's stunning scenery, friendly people, and unique experiences.

Malawi recap

In this blog post, we'll go beyond the video and share more about our experiences, including:

• Our costs : so you can get an idea of how much to budget for your trip.

• Cultural insights : to enhance your understanding of Malawian life.

• Tips : to help you plan your own adventure.

Make sure you watch our video that covers all these points and more ! We're also thinking about organizing group tours in the future, so sign up to our mailing list if you want to join us.

Lisa and the kids of Cape Maclear

Getting Around Malawi: Boda Bodas, Shared Taxis, and a Police Story!

Boda bodas also operate when it rains !

Malawi's transport system relies heavily on shared taxis and "boda bodas" (motorcycle taxis). These are cheap and convenient ways to travel between cities and villages, but be prepared for delays and overcrowding. Sometimes, things don't go as planned, as we discovered on our journey to Ntchisi Forest Lodge. We ended up at a police station after a misunderstanding with our driver, which turned into a rather amusing experience (though it wasn't funny at the time!). Watch the video to hear the full story – let's just say, it involved a very full car, some questionable driving, and a few beers!

Boda bodas are the main transportation system for remote villages

Accommodation: From Budget-Friendly Campsites to Eco-Lodges

Malawi offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. We camped at the Mushroom Farm in Livingstonia, a popular backpacker spot with stunning views and eco-friendly facilities like solar power and dry toilets. For a special treat, we contacted and setup a collaboration with Ntchisi Forest Lodge, where we stayed in a luxurious tent nestled in the rainforest. There are plenty of budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels too, like Warm Hearts Lodge in Cape Maclear.

Our campsite at the Mushroom Farm

Check out our dedicated article : Eco-lodges and backpacker's hostels in Malawi

Connecting with the Community: Couchsurfing, Non-Profits, and Local Cuisine

A classroom part of a school supported by Butterfly Space

One of the things we loved most about Malawi was the warmth and hospitality of the people. We had an awesome time Couchsurfing in Mzuzu with Wonderful, who gave us a glimpse into local life. We also volunteered at Butterfly Space in Nkhata Bay, a non-profit organization providing resources for children in the area. We helped Ian with blog posts, taught computer skills to kids, and enjoyed the beautiful lakeside location.

Tipezananso non profit, making an awesome work in Cape Maclear

Of course, no trip to Malawi is complete without trying the local food! We indulged in chapatis, a type of flatbread, and chatted with Chef Suneni, whose passion for cooking inspired us. We also loved the affordable and delicious meals at The Zathu Community Kitchen in Cape Maclear, a great initiative supporting young women in the community.

Chef Suneni, in Cape Maclear

Highlights of Our Malawi Itinerary:

• Livingstonia: Hike to the waterfall, enjoy panoramic views of Lake Malawi, and experience the chilled vibes of Mushroom Farm.

• Nkhata Bay: Kayak on the lake, volunteer at Butterfly Space, and relax at the lakeside cafes and bars.

• Ntchisi Forest: Explore indigenous rainforest trails, spot wildlife, and unwind in the tranquil surroundings of Ntchisi Forest Lodge.

• Lilongwe: Visit the Wildlife Centre. There are probably other attractions, but we found the accommodations to be expensive and the city unwelcoming, don't plan to stay too much there

• Cape Maclear: Swim, snorkel, and sunbathe on the shores of Lake Malawi, connect with the local community, and try a paper making workshop.

Lake Malawi at sunset

Our Budget for Backpacking Malawi

We spent around €400 per person for 16 days in Malawi, including accommodation, transportation, food, activities, and visas. This broke down to roughly €25 per day per person. Your own costs will vary depending on your travel style and preferences.

Here are some examples of our expenses :

• Accommodation: Dorm bed at Warm Hearts Lodge - €9/night

• Transportation: Boda boda ride up to Livingstonia (45min) - €5, Shared taxi, around €2/hour

• Food: Dinner at a local restaurant with beer - €4-€8

Travel Tips for Backpacking Malawi:

• Get a Malawian SIM card for easy communication and internet access. The cheap accommodations won't have free wifi most of the time. Be aware that scams can happen; we got tricked on our first attempt (the card was not registered properly, and hence totally usable). Prefer going to a real stone shop rather than buying a card in the street, and make sure to try it.

• Learn some basic Chichewa, the local language, to enhance your interactions with locals.

• Bring cash, as ATMs can be unreliable outside of major cities. For example there are no ATMs in Cape Maclear.

• Bring a book and a good dose of patience, the transportation system is not super reliable, and you may have to wait multiple hours for your bus to fill up. And again in the middle of the trip if your driver decides that he doesn't want to drive the full way :)

• Be respectful of local customs and traditions.

On our way to the Ntchisi Forest

We hope this blog post has inspired you to visit Malawi! If you're interested in one day travelling with us, we might organize a group tour in the future, so join our mailing list.

We can't wait to share more adventures with you!