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Malawi
Landlocked Malawi offers stunning scenery, mountain trekking,
plateau hiking, and marine life care of the epic Lake Malawi
on its eastern border which is also renowned for diving and
its beaches. Malawi is a traveler friendly country often known
as 'the warm heart of Africa.' Its history has been shaped
by Britain and the church through explorer David Livingstone
and Cecil Rhodes, who moved from South Africa to develop the
land when Arab slavers were capturing many Malawian. Today
Malawi is popular with tourists without yet being overdeveloped.
Zambia
Since the 1990s Zambia has gone through political reforms
and its fortunes are on the up and up. It's still a challenging
country to travel in but well worth the effort. The main attractions
are Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River, both centers for
adrenaline activities such as bungee jumping, whitewater rafting,
and kayaking. Zambia's game parks and wildlife reserves are
alive with wild animals. Often called the 'real Africa', Zambia
is bordered by eight different African countries and its unusual
because its borders are not dictated by tribal or linguistic
divisions.
When to Go
Mozambique
June to August sees both the lowest temperatures and lowest
rainfall. In the late dry season, around September, you will
spot plenty of big game. Ornithologists should aim for the
middle of the rainy season in November and December.
Malawi and Zambia
Avoid November to April which is the rainy season when many
park are closed and visit in May to October for the best game
spotting. The late dry season of August to October is best
for big game wildlife when animals huddle round the few watering
holes, although this is the hottest part of the year. Early
dry season (May to June) is best for bird watching in Malawi,
with conditions most favorable at the end of the year in Zambia.
People and Language
Mozambique
Mozambicans are warm and open yet hardy people who have to
live with their country's natural adversities as well as its
manmade ones. The main ethnic groups are the Makua, Makonde,
Sena, and Shanagaan peoples. There is a minority group of
Portuguese and some other European and Asian pockets. A large
proportion of the population are Roman Catholic, except for
the Makua who have traditional beliefs. Portuguese is the
most common language among the older and young generations
due to discontinued education during the wars, others speak
the native Bantu languages. Very little English is spoken.
Malawi
The main ethnic groups are the Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuko, Yao,
Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni and Ngonde with some Asian and European
minorities. The languages spoken by natives are all Bantu
languages with different dialects.
Zambia
Due to the strange geography of Zambia and its British colonial
history there are 35 ethnic groups. English is the national
language, even in remote areas. A combination of Christianity
and traditional animal totemic beliefs is commonly practiced.
Visas
Mozambique and Zambia
Most visitors needs a three month visa and proof of onward
travel.
Malawi
Citizens of commonwealth countries, the United States, and
most European nations (except Switzerland) do not need visas.
Visas are limited to 30 days though extensions are easy to
get.
Money
Mozambique
The currency is the Metical (MZM), with approximately 20,000
MZM to the US dollar.For up to date currency information, check the Currency
Converter.
Mozambique is inexpensive for luxury travel which can be had
for as little as $100 per day. Budget for around $50 a day
for more moderate standards and don't leave tips unless you're
in Maputo where they expect you to tip 15 to 20% of the bill.
Malawi
The currency is the Kwacha (MKW), with approximately 100 MKW
to the US dollar.For up to date currency information, check the Currency
Converter.
Bartering is commonplace. US dollars are widely accepted but
it's also wise to have travelers checks on you. In all mid
to top range restaurants and hotels a 10% service charge (6%
of which goes straight to the government) plus a 20% tax is
added to your bill. It's polite to leave a modest tip as well
as little of this goes back to the people. Budget for around
$25 for basic travel staying in cheap hotels.
Zambia
The Zambian currency is the Kwacha (ZKW) with approximately
5000 ZKW to the US dollar.For up to date currency information, check the Currency
Converter.
Zambia is more expensive than most countries in East and
Southern Africa, so travelers should allow up to $50 per day
for moderate standard travel. Feel free to bargain in the
markets only. Take cash in preference, or travelers checks
which can be changed in large towns at foreign exchange bureaus.
Health and Safety
Tetanus, typoid, malaria, cholera, rabies and hepatitis are
risks in all three countries. Make sure all food is well-cooked
and drink only bottled water, carry water purifying tablets
with you if you can not boil water and bottled water is not
available. In Mozambique there is an additional risk of meningitis,
diphtheria, and bilharzias. There are still many un-cleared
landmines - up to one million - from the civil war. Do not
stray from well-worn roads. In Zambia it is also compulsory
to have an International Health Certificate showing proof
of a yellow fever vaccination within the past 10 years. |
