Get in

Looking to explore the town and its surroundings? No worries, there are plenty of transportation options available to you. First off, let's talk about the bus system. The AXA bus line is a great choice for comfortable and affordable travel. But if you're feeling adventurous and want a taste of local flavor, there are also rickety buses and minibuses that you can hop on. They may be a bit scary, but hey, they're budget-friendly! Now, if you're coming from Mbeya, Tanzania, here's a bit of advice to save you from falling into a scam. Be cautious of scam artists selling fake bus tickets. They even have an office in the main transit area in Mbeya, pretending to be professional ticket sellers. They might even go as far as using their cell phones to check seat availability for you. Sneaky, right? As of April 2013, there were no buses running from Mbeya to Mzuzu or any other town on the Malawi border. So, here's an alternative route for you. Take a minibus from Mbeya to the border town of Songwe, which will cost you about Tsh5,000 and take around 3 hours and 30 minutes. From the minibus stop, it's just a 15-minute walk (or a TSh1,000 motorcycle ride) to Tanzanian immigration, then another 10 minutes across the bridge to Malawi immigration. Just a little tip: there's a currency exchange office on the Tanzanian side of the bridge, in a vibrant yellow building. Once you're through customs, grab a shared taxi for K700 per person, and enjoy a 50-minute ride towards the transit center of Karonga. From Karonga, you can catch minibuses to Mzuzu once they're full. The journey takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes and costs approximately M2,000-2,500. Just keep in mind that waiting for passengers could take a few hours, so leave plenty of time for a smooth journey. Fun fact: Malawi is an hour behind Tanzania, so adjust your clocks accordingly! Want to skip the bus and take to the sky? Swiftair has got you covered. They operate scheduled flights from Lilongwe to Mzuzu and Karonga. Picture yourself soaring through the clouds on their twin-engine, 2-crew beechcraft 1900. To find out more, head over to their website at [URL="http://www.swiftairmalawi.com"]http://www.swiftairmalawi.com[/URL].

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Nsima is a staple dish in Malawian cuisine, made from ground maize flour which is then boiled into a thick porridge-like consistency. It's often served with a variety of sauces, including fish, chicken, beef, or vegetables such as beans, cabbage, or spinach. Nsima is usually eaten by hand, pulling small portions into one's mouth.

Chicken and peanut stew, also known as Chitenje, is another popular dish in Malawi. This stew is made using chicken cooked with groundnuts (peanuts), tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices. The recipe varies depending on regional influences, but it typically features a rich, deep flavor that is both spicy and aromatic.

Mpira pitta is a favorite street food in Malawi consisting of thinly sliced, marinated beef, often mixed with onions and chilies, then wrapped in a pita bread. The dish is traditionally served with a side of relish, a spicy condiment made from pickled vegetables. Mpira pitta offers a satisfying mix of flavors, textures, and temperatures.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing