International Driver's License in Malawi: Drive With Ease

How do I get an international driver's license in Malawi?

Before we answer this question, please note that an international driver’s license does not exist. The correct document that is highly recommended for foreign visitors to rent and drive a motor vehicle in the country to use is an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with a valid driver’s license.

Getting an IDP is relatively easy. You only need to follow these steps:

1. Fill out the application form, which can be found after you click on the Start My Application button found in the upper right corner of the page.
2. Attach a copy of your valid driving licence and passport size photo.
3. Input your credit card details to pay for the IDP fee.

Nature has provided us with many beautiful things since the dawn of time, one of which is Malawi’s beautiful country. Malawi was one of the nearest countries called Paradise on Earth, situated in the southeast part of Africa, flowing along the Great Rift Valley. Many people should understand Africa's true beauty and learn to appreciate the land’s beauty where our ancestors lived.

Liwonde National Park

Liwonde National Park is the most famous of Malawi’s game parks with its stunning riverine setting and teeming wildlife. Along the Shire River course, the most experienced wildlife spotting and safari zone of Malawi make its home. It's an image of East Africa’s majestic backcountry, a large reserve of flood plains and wetland swamps, of swaying grass fields and baobab groves. Wildlife includes reasonably significant numbers of elephants, and the river draws numerous hippos and crocodiles.

Blantyre

Blantyre, a business-minded metropolis of nearly one million residents, is Lilongwe's only real competitor when it comes to vying for the crown as the nation's economic leader. However, history also runs deep here. The city has been more than 150 years since it was founded by missionaries working for the Church of Scotland, hence the moniker: on the edge of the highlands back in the UK, a namesake of Blantyre. This place is a must-see tourist destination.

At the Malawi Stock Exchange and the numerous tobacco-packing factories that have arisen in recent decades, tourists can come and spy out old structures such as the Mandala Building or get a feel for the invigorated Malawian economy. The scenery around Blantyre is more beautiful than the area around Lilongwe, located in the Shire Highlands basin, which is surrounded by low hills and three mountain tops. While this does not mean that it is a busy tourist attraction, it is a central focus for travel in southern Malawi, as it is a lovely little town, understandably.

Kasungu National Park

One of East Africa's most off-the-beaten-track nature reserves is the Kasungu National Park. The region is a mosaic of swaying savannah and bush, sporadic miombo forests, and dusty plains and covers a whopping 2,100 square kilometers of land, where the rolling plateaus of western Malawi give way to the borderlands with Zambia.

Once known for its booming African elephant population, Kasungu has been hit by grave poaching problems recently. However, a clutch of lodges across the Lifupa lake waters has helped lift the profile of ecotourism, and safari going here is now all but back on track.

Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi is the country's most captivating natural wonder. It is only a 2-hour drive from Lilongwe, which is 210 kilometers away. It is the home of cichlid fish and a variety of aquatic bird species. The place is much less developed and less populated than the southern shore. It is where they hold the “Lake of Stars” music festival. In the Nkhata Bay district, to be precise. The north is chillier during the dry season but is perfect when it’s hot. The towns Livingstonia and Karonga also offer history and culture to entice you.

Experience a true paradise in Lake Malawi through its natural’s scenery and boating adventures. It is a source of pride and sustenance to the people and animals of Malawi. It offers golden beaches and colorful varieties of fish. The lake does not disappoint when it comes to snorkeling and diving. It provides rewarding sights underwater.

Driving in Malawi can be different than driving in the United States. Main roads in Malawi are usually okay, but they often don't have areas on the side for safe stops. There are many bumps on the roads, and people, bikes, and animals can be safety risks. Understanding the Malawi driving rules can help.

Road safety is very important. There are special things used for road safety. These things help keep cars and people safe. They tell people which parts of the road to stay away from, and which areas might be risky. They also help control traffic and keep everything orderly.

Drunk driving is against the law

Consumption of alcohol is a very well potential risk worldwide for maintaining road traffic accidents. Malawi is a low-income nation with a large and growing road accident burden. It has typically been regarded as a nation with relatively slight consumption of alcohol. Malawi has a 0.08 percent legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) threshold, with penalties for any first-moment offenses and possible jail sentences for repeated crimes.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not allowed in Malawi. It is necessary to be wide awake and vigilant when driving in this country. It is hard to do so because of the conditions brought about by the weather and the road. There are a lot of people and various settings you may run into along the way. Driving under liquor’s influence is most common during weekends when people enjoy after-workdays.

Don’t drive at night

Roads in Malawi are long, and only a few main road turnoffs exist. There are a few signs on the road. Some road signs are old already and hard to view because of the faded painting. Livestock roams freely on the road along with the residents that prefer walking and biking. Drivers must slow down and always be attentive while on the road to prevent accidents.

Cities have street lights, but there are none or only a few that exist in rural areas. You can see vehicles left on the road, and some travelers drive at night without vehicle lights on. Since you are new to this country, please avoid driving at night. You will not know what you may encounter in the streets at night. It would be best to stay at the hotel and enjoy the ride the next morning to prevent road accidents.

Drive below the speed limit

Main roads of Malawi have a speed camera installed to detect vehicles driving beyond the speed limit. The best speed limit in Malawi is 80 kilometers per hour in urban areas. You may drive at a general speed limit of 120 kilometers per hour on every freeway. Those who are caught by the authority may have their documents confiscated. The government imposes penalties like fines or imprisonment, or both.