What should I pack and bring for a safari in Malawi

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What should I pack and bring for a safari in Malawi

Malawi’s climate is generally tropical. The rainy runs from November to April. There is little to no rainfall throughout much of the country from May to October. The temperature and climate vary a lot depending on the terrain and altitude, the lake, for example, is warmer than Lilongwe. Mount Mulanje and Nyika Plateau can be pretty cold and while planning a safari holiday to Malawi you may need expert advice on what gear to pack and what not to pack here is what our Malawi experts have to say.

Most important things to pack before traveling to Malawi

• Passport
• USD for visas and park fees
• Malawian and Zambian Kwacha
• Daypack
• Binoculars
• Camera
• Closed walking shoes
• A basic first aid kit
• headlamp
• sunscreen
• mosquito spray
• binoculars
• water bottle
• sunglasses

The perfect dressing code for a perfect safari

Lightweight clothing is recommended for the day but at night and early mornings the temperatures can be very cool, especially in the winter months so we recommend it.

Packing warmer-covered clothing. Avoid brightly colored.

Clothing for game viewing. Women are advised to wear clothing that is not too revealing and dresses etc that are to the knee or below.

Neutral color clothes – although this is really only truly necessary for walking safaris. Lions are supposedly stressed by red and bright colors. However, on a game drive, this is really no big issue. Also, it is recommended that you stay away from camouflage prints and army fatigues as can attract unwanted attention from border patrols.

Beware of tsetse flies in the evenings. They are attracted to dark colors, so wear long trousers and stay away from blue or black – pack mosquito spray for the evenings as well.

Ladies – pack a sports bra…roads are always bumpy.

Book – for downtime between the morning and evening drives.

Batteries and external chargers -drives are usually a minimum of four hours and there can be power cuts at the lodge – bring a backup so as not to miss out on the money shot!

Jumper – depending on the time of year it can get chilly at night, especially on game drives.

Walking shoes/ trainers

Swimsuit if you are planning to stay at the lake

Hat, scarf, and jacket, especially if you are climbing Mulanje during winter or planning to go up north.

Charging

Electric Power is 230V running at 50Hz in both Malawi and Zambia. The plug type used is a three-pinned, rectangular blade plug – like the UK.