Malawi Travel Security

Malawians are generally conservative, and the country traditionally has experienced little violence. Most visits to the country should be trouble-free, although crime, especially armed carjacking, is a serious and growing problem, and the rate of road accidents is very high. Those are the main reasons for the country's risk rating of 5.

Poverty among Malawians has created resentment for the government and the wealthy and fostered some political turbulence. Relations between the government and opposition parties are strained, and, with presidential and legislative elections due in May 2009, political activity is intensifying. Avoid demonstrations, rallies and large public gatherings.

Some health issues also should be considered: HIV/AIDS and malaria are common throughout the country, and flooding in recent years has resulted in outbreaks of cholera. On the other hand, the country also has experienced severe drought recently.

High-risk Areas

There are no areas of particularly high risk.

President Bakili Muluzi failed in an effort to amend the constitution so that he could stand for re-election in May 2004 elections. Thus, it was his hand-picked successor, Bingu wa Mutharika of the United Democratic Front party, who won the presidential election. The run-up to the polls was overshadowed by opposition claims of irregularities in the voters' roll.

The voting passed peacefully, but international observers said they were concerned about "serious inadequacies" in the ballot. In the end, Mutharika's party failed to win a majority in parliament, and he has been struggling to maintain a stable coalition government ever since.

Complicating the political situation, Mutharika quickly demonstrated his maverick nature, launching a determined attack on corruption and alienating many influential figures in the UDF, including his former patron, Muluzi. Eventually, Mutharika split from the UDF and founded his own party, the Democratic People's Party. The DPP drew support from a number of minor opposition parties and disaffected UDF legislators. Mutharika's uncompromising approach and willingness to upset his former colleagues led to an impeachment attempt in October 2006, the arrest of vice president Cassim Chilumpha and the ongoing suspension of parliament since September 2007. In May 2008, Mutharika charged that Muluzi had hatched a coup plot against him.

Despite some regional distinctions and rivalries, no significant friction exists between ethnic groups. The concept of a Malawian nationality has begun to take hold.

Malawi is an extremely poor, landlocked, densely populated country that is very dependent on aid from international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. The country has few natural resources.

Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, employing 85% of the working population; about 90% of these workers are engaged in subsistence farming. The land, however, is at serious risk of degradation as a result of population pressure and poor farming methods.

Traditionally, Malawi has been self-sufficient in its staple food, maize; in the 1980s, the country exported substantial quantities of food to its drought-stricken neighbors. However, the country is prone to natural disasters of both extremes, from drought to heavy rainfalls, putting it in constant need of thousands of tons of food aid every year.

Historical background

In 1994, the people of Malawi voted overwhelmingly in favor of multiparty democracy, ending nearly 30 years of postcolonial one-party rule. A constitution enacted in 1995 provides for a multiparty political system with a national assembly.

Civil unrest

Political violence is increasing amid growing resentment of the political and economic elite. Police response has been increasingly harsh. Although these events have had little impact on travelers so far, visitors should avoid large crowds, political rallies and street demonstrations.

Anger at high levels of common crime has occasionally resulted in mob executions of alleged criminals.

Human-rights abuses

Generally speaking, the government respects the rights of residents. In its May 2007 report, however, Amnesty International said that freedom of expression continues to be threatened--in 2006, a number of media personnel were charged with criminal libel. Instances of torture and ill-treatment by police and life-threatening prison conditions continue to be reported.

Violence and discrimination against women, human trafficking and forced child labor remain problems in Malawi.

Land mines and unexploded ordnance

Official reports say that some 1,000 people have been injured and dozens killed by land mines or unexploded ordnance during the past 10 years. The report cautioned that the number actually could be higher, as some incidents might not have been reported. Mines originally laid in Mozambique sometimes are carried into Malawi by rains or refugees.

In destinations with areas that have been contaminated with land mines or unexploded ordnance, never pick up any unidentified metal or plastic object. Report any finds to local authorities. Exercise caution around construction areas, as mines or ordnance could be uncovered during excavation. Travelers should be accompanied or briefed by guides familiar with mined areas. To the extent possible, remain on well-traveled roads, tracks and paths. Under no circumstances should you enter an area marked as mined.

Additional information

Modest dress, especially in rural areas, is recommended, although dress codes prohibiting short skirts on women and long hair on men are no longer in force.

You'll need a registered local guide if you plan to hike on Mount Mulanje.

Reasonable care should be taken with regard to personal security, particularly after dark. Displays of affluence may mark you as a target for criminals. Petty street crime, robbery and pickpocketing are common. In Lilongwe, most attacks on visitors take place on Kenyatta Drive and in Old Town, the new Capital City and around the bus station. Walking alone in the capital is not advisable.

Attacks also have been reported in Senga Bay, Nkhata Bay, Cape Maclear, Zomba and Blantyre. Tourists have reported being harassed by vendors at lakeside resorts.

Petty crime

Pickpockets and purse snatchers haunt bus stations, markets and restaurants. Burglaries of hotel rooms occur occasionally. Traveling on foot in urban areas can be hazardous, especially at night.

Hold bags and purses securely or carry them in an inside pocket, making sure the openings are fastened; keep the openings turned toward you and away from any passers-by. Don't carry a bag with a long strap, as such straps are easier for a thief to grab. Don't wear expensive watches or jewelry, and don't display large amounts of cash; take care with electronic equipment. If you're carrying a cell phone, take care to safeguard it, as mobile phones are highly coveted by thieves in many places. Keep car doors and windows closed and locked.

However secure a hotel may seem, you should remember that it is essentially a public place and that criminals are attracted to places where people are vulnerable. Avoid staying in first-floor rooms, especially the kind with sliding doors or doors opening onto public areas such as swimming pools. Don't leave valuables unattended in your hotel room--use the hotel safe. Keep your room door locked, even when you're inside the room. Don't allow strangers to enter your room, especially if you can't identify the individual at the door as a hotel employee. Call the front desk to verify that an employee has been sent to your room. If you have outside food (such as pizza) delivered, have it delivered to the lobby and pick it up yourself. Do not leave food trays outside your door--they can give strangers clues as to your vulnerability. For instance, a single drinking cup with lipstick stains indicates a woman traveling alone.

Violent crime

Armed carjacking, especially of four-wheel-drive vehicles, is common throughout Malawi. The Tete Corridor between the borders of Malawi and Zimbabwe is especially problematic. Most carjackers prefer to strike when a vehicle is stopped with its engine running. If an attack takes place, hand over car keys and anything else demanded. Many criminals are heavily armed, and some drivers who resisted have been shot.

Don't accept food or drinks from other passengers on public transportation, as they may include drugs that can be used to facilitate a robbery.

To reduce the risk of carjacking, avoid driving alone, especially at night. Keep an eye on persons and vehicles in the vicinity of your vehicle at all times, particularly when stopped at intersections or crosswalks. When driving, try to stay near the center lanes when possible. Always try to leave sufficient maneuvering room between your car and the cars beside and in front of you, especially when stopping in traffic. Check your rear-view mirror regularly to ensure you are not being followed. If you are, do not return to your hotel/residence. Proceed instead to a public place such as the front of a hotel or a police station; get out of the vehicle and seek assistance. Keep your windows rolled up and doors locked at all times. If you encounter a roadblock that does not appear to be manned by uniformed police or you notice a disturbance on the road ahead, turn around and use an alternate route. To minimize the chance of being trapped by a car pulling up behind you, do not pull into a driveway. Be prepared to drive away if you notice persons approaching your vehicle. Plan before you start your trip where you will go to seek assistance if a car attempts to block you or if you are prevented from reaching your destination.

Police effectiveness

The police are poorly trained and funded and have a severe lack of equipment, particularly vehicles. Their response to crime is well-intentioned but limited. Police checkpoints are common, but motorists with proper documentation usually pass through without difficulty.

Additional information

Malawians are friendly toward foreign visitors, but travelers should be cautious of over-solicitous people who offer to act as tour guides. Criminals sometimes pose as tour guides.

Malawi is prone to both drought and floods.

Flooding

The rainy season is generally November-April. In recent years flooding has further complicated a growing famine problem by destroying desperately needed maize crops. Flash floods have regularly swept central and southern lakeshore districts in Malawi--causing fatalities, leaving thousands of people homeless and washing out roads.

Floods kill more people than any other weather phenomenon--and most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Do not drive in an area where flooding is expected unless your journey is absolutely necessary. Water on roadways can be deeper than it looks and could cause your vehicle to stall. Do not attempt to drive through water if you are unsure of its depth, especially if the water is flowing rapidly, such as at a flooded bridge approach--as little as 12 in/30 cm of running water can wash away most vehicles. When proceeding through water, drive slowly and steadily to avoid creating a bow wave, and allow oncoming traffic to pass first. Keep the engine revving to prevent water getting into the exhaust and stalling the engine. Note that the air intake on many modern cars is located low down at the front of the engine bay, and it only takes a small quantity of water sucked into the engine to cause serious damage. Any engine may be affected, but turbo-charged and diesel engines are most vulnerable. If your car stalls, immediately abandon it and climb to higher ground. As you move away, watch your footing. Just 6 in/15 cm of fast-moving floodwater can sweep a person off his or her feet. Test your brakes as soon as you can after driving through water.

Health-care provision is rudimentary, and some medicines are in short supply.

Medical facilities

Medical facilities are basic in urban areas and poor to nonexistent in rural areas.

Diseases

There is a high prevalence of AIDS/HIV in Malawi. Safe-sex practices are essential. Physical attacks involving blood or fluid contact carry a risk of infection. Medical advice should be sought as soon as possible after contact.

Malaria is endemic, so see your doctor about preventive medications before departure.

There is a high incidence of rabies in Malawi.

Flooding in recent years has led to epidemics of cholera and aggravated an outbreak in March 2006 that claimed nearly 50 lives.

Bilharzia, a disease caused by infestation of blood flukes, exists in Lake Malawi and other lakeshore areas and rivers. Outbreaks of gastrointestinal infections occur, especially during the rainy season. Kasungu National Park is home to tsetse flies carrying sleeping sickness.

Mosquitoes carry many serious illnesses, including dengue fever, malaria and West Nile virus. To prevent bites and avoid infection, reduce the amount of exposed skin by wearing long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes when you're outdoors. Use insect repellent containing deet on exposed skin. Avoid outdoor activities from dusk to dawn, the time when mosquitoes are most active.

Cholera is usually contracted after consuming contaminated water or food. In areas where the disease is endemic, visitors should take care not to consume untreated water (including ice) or eat undercooked or raw foods, especially fish or shellfish. Stick to beverages and ice that are made from boiled or chlorinated water or that are carbonated. Foods that are cooked and served hot are usually safe. Fruits and vegetables that you wash with clean water and peel yourself also are generally safe. Don't assume that food and beverages served on airline flights, trains or vessels departing from affected areas are safe--items served on board the aircraft may have been locally obtained and could be contaminated. Seek medical assistance if you think you may have been exposed.

An independent report has said that the number of deaths per number of vehicles on the road is the highest in the world. Fatal accidents are common, and emergency services are extremely limited. Drive defensively, convoy with other vehicles when possible, and avoid road travel at night.

Road conditions

Malawi's principal highways are generally in good condition, but shoulders and lighting are poor to nonexistent. Obstacles such as broken-down vehicles are common, so avoid intercity driving after dark. Secondary roads are in poor repair and may be impassable to all but four-wheel-drive vehicles during the rainy season. Outside urban areas, emergency medical response to an accident is likely to be slow.

Public transportation

Travel between towns by public minibus or pickup truck is not recommended; the vehicles are often in poor condition or overloaded.

Within urban areas, the safest thing is to ask hotel or restaurant management to contact a car service or taxi for you.

Additional information

Land routes through Mozambique to the Indian Ocean and Zimbabwe, including the Tete Corridor, can be dangerous.

Facilities for travelers have been improving but remain limited, especially outside major cities. Electricity, water and communications facilities are limited in rural areas. Cell-phone service is available in major towns. Credit cards are not widely accepted outside major hotels. There are very few ATMs, and those that exist don't accept international cards. Internet cafes are available in Blantyre and Lilongwe.

No matter how safe you perceive a destination to be, it's important to use good judgment.

• Pay attention to local media.
• Avoid open displays of wealth, jewelry or other valuables. Safeguard travel documents such as passports and airline tickets.
• Avoid confrontations with locals.
• Avoid demonstrations and protests, especially if they appear political in nature.
• Don't permit people you don't know to enter your accommodations. Keep your door locked. Don't leave valuables in your room unless they can be locked in a safe.
• Avoid illegal drugs, and don't drink alcohol if its use is prohibited. Even if drinking is legal, don't overindulge.
• Be cautious of unsolicited offers of assistance from strangers.

In recent years, political terrorism has become a global phenomenon - an attack could occur with little warning anywhere in the world, even in destinations long regarded as safe. Travelers should keep themselves informed of developments that could affect their safety, no matter what their destination.