Africa

Malawi

Location

Southern Africa, east of Zambia.

Be alert to muggers, bag snatchers and conmen. Armed car-jacking is a risk, especially for drivers of 4x4s. House burglaries by armed gangs are also a risk. Do not accept food or drink from strangers due to the possibility of being drugged. Weapons (various), ballistics danger areas, vehicle security, vehicle convoys, personal security, gunfire, armed robberies, general travel, navigation, off road driving, building / office security, hot weather injuries, personal hygiene, sanitation / sterilisation, clothing & equipment, emergency first aid, helicopter safety, cultures / customs, communications, emergency shelters. Dress laws to be respected and adhered to.

Use bottled water only.

Narrow elongated plateau with rolling plains, rounded hills, some mountains.

Sub-tropical; rainy season (November to May); dry season (May to November).

Droughts.

Bacterial and protozoal diarrhoea, bilharzia, hepatitis A, malaria, meningitis, plague, polio, rabies, schistosomiasis, typhoid fever.
Hospital: Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe. Tel: 721 555

Deforestation; land degradation; water pollution from agricultural runoff, sewage, industrial wastes; siltation of spawning grounds endangers fish population.

Driving can be hazardous. The number of deaths per vehicles on the road is the highest in the world. Potholes, animals and abandoned vehicles often cause major accidents. Vehicles are often in poor condition and overloaded. Fatal accidents are frequent and emergency services are basic.

For more in-depth general information please download our Preparation and Training document.