THE BASICS
Malawi Airlines flies to Blantyre and Lilongwe from Joburg; we found direct flights for R9 857 pp return (malawian-airlines.com, ethiopianairlines.com). SA passport holders do not require visas.
Malawian kwacha (R1 = 58 kwacha) can be obtained at airports and cities from ATMs (many are South African banks); check ahead before assuming that credit cards are accepted wherever you're going.
A decent road network makes Malawi viable for selfdrive visits, although rentals are expensive and rural roads in disrepair. Limited public transport means) has offices in Lilongwe (+265 1 776 000) and Blantyre (+265 1 830 209/166) and can arrange transfers or rentals for self-drive trips.
