Is Malawi Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Updated On November 7, 2023
Malawi
Safety Index:
53
* Based on Research & Crime Data
User Sentiment:
80
* Rated 80 / 100 based on 10 user reviews.

Malawi is a landlocked country located in southeast Africa, sharing its borders with Mozambique to the south and east, Tanzania to the north, and Zambia to the west.

The greatest asset of Malawi is its people and it is often called “Warm Heart of Africa”, referring to the warmth and friendliness of its people.

They are known as very welcoming, colorful and energetic and for many, it is the highlight of visiting this country – interacting with Malawi people.

But don’t be fooled, people aren’t the only ones that make Malawi worth visiting: you can expect a geographically diverse country, probably with the most varied landscape in all of Africa.

You can now spend days with the warm people of Malawi in real African villages, with a chance to spend the night there, this way truly experiencing the colorful culture and traditions of this country.

And the best part – that option awaits for you pretty much anywhere in Malawi.

Apart from that, you can experience hiking the highest peaks in Malawi that reach around 3,000m in height, while the lowest point of the country is barely above sea level.

Malawi truly is magically diverse like no other country in Africa.

Warnings & Dangers in Malawi

Overall Risk

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Malawi is, for the most part, a safe country to visit. However, it does have a high crime rate, though it's mainly ridden with petty street crime. You should be vigilant and take all possible precaution measures in order to minimize the risk of getting stolen from.

Transport & Taxis Risk

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Exercise extreme caution when driving and avoid night driving altogether. Many cars have broken headlights and you can't see them and you can also hit someone since Malawians tend to walk in the middle of the road at night. Roads are generally more dangerous since there are many unlicensed drivers and the cars that are not in a driving condition.

Pickpockets Risk

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

There is an extreme threat to be a victim of petty crime. Pickpockets are an everyday occurrence, so you should be extremely careful when handling your valuables and never carry your money in a purse or a pocket. Never carry all your money in the same place, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Natural Disasters Risk

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

As for natural disasters, the biggest threat for Malawi is the regular floods that hit this country regularly, often killing people along the way and causing substantial damage.

Mugging Risk

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Violent crime is common in Malawi so be extremely careful on the streets. Just avoid moving around Malawi after dark which applies to most countries in Africa.

Terrorism Risk

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

There haven't been any recent terrorist attacks in Malawi's recent history, but they shouldn't be ruled out. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Scams Risk

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

As in any other tourist destination, there is the risk of getting scammed. Always check your change twice, negotiate the price of every service beforehand, and ask around about the real prices of services and other goods.

Women Travelers Risk

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Malawi isn't the safest place for a woman to be visiting alone. If you do, be sure to avoid remote streets, both during day and night, and do not flash your belongings or handle money in public. Stay out of the streets at night and be vigilant for any possible dangers at all times.

So... How Safe Is Malawi Really?

Malawi is relatively safe to visit, though violent crime is not exactly unheard of.

Muggings and robberies happen in larger cities, usually in Lilongwe, and in areas frequented by tourists.

You should just avoid walking alone at night altogether.

Carjacking is also a common occurrence and lately, there has been an increase in pickpockets operating in nightclubs and burs.

Never bring too much money with you, or cameras, electronics, and flashy valuables.

Keep in mind that you are advised to exercise extreme caution when driving – for example, night driving is not advised at all since most cars have broken headlights and you can’t see them and Malawians tend to walk in the middle of the road at night.

Roads are generally more dangerous since there are many unlicensed drivers and the cars have, in most cases, not been inspected and are not in a driving condition.

Be cautious with your health: as in Malawi’s neighboring countries, malaria can be a problem.

Malawi Lake is freshwater and is prone to bilharzia, especially in the Cape Maclear area.

The symptoms of this disease can take months to appear and there aren’t any treatments or tests that can help until around two months after being exposed.

How Does Malawi Compare?

CountrySafety Index
Malawi53
Morocco54
New Zealand90
Hungary83
United Kingdom77
Singapore90
Sweden83
Uruguay77
Switzerland89

Useful Information

Visas

Visas

Many countries need a visa in order to enter Malawi as a visitor. If you can’t get one before travel which is highly recommended, you can get a visa on arrival at any port of entry. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months past the date of your arrival to Malawi. If you are not sure about your visa status, it is best to visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa.

Currency

Currency

Malawian kwacha is the official currency in Malawi. ATMs are widespread throughout the country and credit cards accepted in most establishments.

Weather

Weather

Malawi has a sub-tropical climate, characterized by relatively dry and strongly seasonal weather. The warm and wet season lasts from November to April, and during this period 95% of the yearly rainfall takes place.

Airports

Airports

Kamuzu International Airport is an international airport serving Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi. It is often referred to as Lilongwe International Airport.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Malawi, since it covers not only the costs medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Click here to get an offer for travel insurance

Malawi Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan 23° C
Feb 23° C
Mar 23° C
Apr 22° C
May 20° C
Jun 18° C
Jul 17° C
Aug 18° C
Sep 21° C
Oct 24° C
Nov 25° C
Dec 24° C
Choose Temperature Unit

Average High/Low Temperature

Temperature / MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High
°C
272727272624242528303028
Low
°C
191818161311101114171919
High
°F
818181817975757782868682
Low
°F
666464615552505257636666

Where to Next?

10 Reviews on Malawi

  1. I jut,pit

    I just got back and I got pick pocketed 4 time smas the cops did nothing about it

    1. S
      Sam kalino says:

      Really sorry for that….It is not common in malawi
      We are friendly people

  2. V
    Veronica Alexa says:

    You just get to be unlucky if someone attacks you (steal from you) in Malawi because they are the most friendly people you’ll ever meet. Such a beautiful country with kind hearted people

    1. There are friendly people for sure but there are also people who will take advantage of you. Maybe I was one of the unlucky ones you speak of. I had several issues with very rude, shifty people. I can tell you, I will not be going back anytime soon! Maybe I just had a target on my back…

      1. Malawian People have good values

        Malawi is not a place for Bars and nightclubs. Local people are raised conservatively. Most of which don’t drink alcohol. Not all people living in Malawi are from Malawi. Many are from naigbouring African countries which don’t share the same values as Malawians. Malawians are a peaceful nation. I Love Malawi ❤️

  3. Malawi Is Not A Bad Place

    Malawi Is Just Safe

  4. A
    Anonymous says:

    STAY IN A 5 STAR HOTEL ONLY

    LEARN THE LANGUAGE OR DO NOT VISIT AS A TOURIST!

  5. W
    World Is Safe says:

    Safe

    Malawi Is Safe

  6. J
    Jennifer Martins says:

    Majority of the population understand English

    Malawi is one of the nicest countries I’ve been to. I would recommend visiting, the people there are so welcoming and they are keener to help you if you are a foreigner. I would say that Malawi is one of the safest countries I’ve visited.

  7. Loved Malawi

    I was in Malawi in 2016, an older (49) woman traveling alone. I spent a week traveling from Tanzania to Zambia, mostly along the lake. I used the local transport (vans) and found myself often given the “privilege” of riding up front (where there were just 2 passengers and the driver), though at times I was squished in a middle seat, sometimes with a random child placed on my lap. While not comfortable, it was a great way to meet people (squashed next to them for a few hours). No matter where I got off, it was easy to find a hotel in the area where the most “deluxe” room was reasonably priced, with electricity and water. As a white woman, I was met with curiosity, but never felt threatened. English was widely spoken, and people were happy to point me in the right direction.

Malawi Rated 4 / 5 based on 10 user reviews.

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