Malawi is known as the “Warm Heart of Africa”, this is because of the world-class friendliness of the people. The plethora of activities available for tourists to engage in makes the country one of the best places to visit in Africa. The enormous Lake Malawi is a popular destination for watersports, diving, snorkeling, and kayaking. The country also has national parks and game reserves where tourists can visit to watch the vast array of wildlife in the country. Wildlife animals which can be seen in the various game reserves include lions, zebras, leopards, elephants, and sea eagles. Zomba Plateau and the 3,002-tall Mount Mulanje, the highest peak in the country, are ideal trekking destinations for tourists.
The tourism industry in Malawi suffered a setback in the 1980s as a result of the economic recession suffered by South Africa, where most tourists come from, and the destabilization of Zimbabwe. In recent years, there has been an upturn in fortunes, the number of tourists’ visits have been on the rise. The tourism industry contributed 4.5% of the national GDP and 3.8% of the labor force.
Buying, selling, killing, or capturing of any protected wild animal or trading its parts without a license is considered a great offense. Anyone caught breaking this rule will be severely punished. Homosexuality is illegal in Malawi; foreigners should completely desist from such acts.
Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Botswana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Namibia, Saint Lucia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Tuvalu, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe can visit Malawi for up to 90 days without a visa.