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Driving in Malawi With a Car Rental 

Driving in Malawi allows travelers to explore the country's stunning landscapes, including the picturesque shores of Lake Malawi and the diverse wildlife in national parks. The road network varies in quality, with major routes and highways generally well-maintained, but rural roads can be less predictable. It's advisable to use a sturdy and reliable vehicle, such as a 4x4, especially if you plan to venture off the main routes. Traffic in cities like Lilongwe and Blantyre can be congested, so exercise caution and patience while navigating urban areas.

Distances between cities and major attractions in Malawi are relatively manageable. For instance, the drive from Lilongwe, the capital, to Blantyre, the country's largest city, covers around 310 kilometers (193 miles) and takes approximately 4-5 hours. Along the way, you can explore places like the Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve, Liwonde National Park, and the beautiful lakeside town of Cape Maclear. When driving, be aware of wildlife crossings in national parks and rural areas, and drive defensively to ensure safety.

Safety and Places of Interest:

Malawi is generally considered safe for travelers, but it's essential to take precautions while driving. Road conditions can vary, so always be prepared for unexpected obstacles and potential potholes, especially on rural roads. It's advisable to drive during daylight hours and avoid nighttime travel, as visibility may be limited. Additionally, be cautious when encountering pedestrians, cyclists, and livestock on the road, as they are common in rural areas.

Malawi offers numerous attractions for travelers to explore, including:

  • Lake Malawi: Visit this stunning freshwater lake for water sports, snorkeling, and relaxation on its sandy beaches.

  • Nyika Plateau: Discover the unique highland wilderness, with opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.

  • Liwonde National Park: Go on a safari to spot elephants, hippos, and various bird species.

  • Majete Wildlife Reserve: Explore this growing reserve and observe the Big Five in their natural habitat.

  • Cultural Villages: Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting traditional villages and experiencing Malawi's warm hospitality.

Driving in Malawi allows travelers to access these attractions while enjoying the freedom to explore the country's natural beauty and rich culture at their own pace.


Cheapest car hire in Malawi

Toyota Corolla

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 112.15 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla

7 Days rental at 785.05 EUR from 23/10/2023

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 112.15 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla

7 Days rental at 785.05 EUR from 23/10/2023

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 112.15 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla

7 Days rental at 785.05 EUR from 23/10/2023

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 112.15 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla

7 Days rental at 785.05 EUR from 23/10/2023

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Suzuki Vitara

4 Adults, 5 Doors

From 117.49 EUR/day
Suzuki Vitara

7 Days rental at 822.43 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Suzuki Vitara

4 Adults, 5 Doors

From 117.49 EUR/day
Suzuki Vitara

7 Days rental at 822.43 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Suzuki Vitara

4 Adults, 5 Doors

From 117.49 EUR/day
Suzuki Vitara

7 Days rental at 822.43 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Suzuki Vitara

4 Adults, 5 Doors

From 117.49 EUR/day
Suzuki Vitara

7 Days rental at 822.43 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 133.51 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla

7 Days rental at 934.58 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Volkswagen Polo

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 106.80 EUR/day
Volkswagen Polo

7 Days rental at 747.66 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Volkswagen Polo

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 106.80 EUR/day
Volkswagen Polo

7 Days rental at 747.66 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Volkswagen Polo

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 106.80 EUR/day
Volkswagen Polo

7 Days rental at 747.66 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Volkswagen Polo

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 106.80 EUR/day
Volkswagen Polo

7 Days rental at 747.66 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Suzuki Jimny

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 117.49 EUR/day
Suzuki Jimny

7 Days rental at 822.43 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Suzuki Jimny

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 117.49 EUR/day
Suzuki Jimny

7 Days rental at 822.43 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Suzuki Jimny

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 117.49 EUR/day
Suzuki Jimny

7 Days rental at 822.43 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Suzuki Jimny

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 117.49 EUR/day
Suzuki Jimny

7 Days rental at 822.43 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Land Cruiser

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 160.21 EUR/day
Toyota Land Cruiser

7 Days rental at 1121.49 EUR from 23/10/2023

  6 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Land Cruiser

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 160.21 EUR/day
Toyota Land Cruiser

7 Days rental at 1121.49 EUR from 23/10/2023

  6 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Land Cruiser

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 160.21 EUR/day
Toyota Land Cruiser

7 Days rental at 1121.49 EUR from 23/10/2023

  6 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Land Cruiser

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 160.21 EUR/day
Toyota Land Cruiser

7 Days rental at 1121.49 EUR from 23/10/2023

  6 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Hilux Double

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 117.49 EUR/day
Toyota Hilux Double

7 Days rental at 822.43 EUR from 23/10/2023

  0 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Hilux Double

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 117.49 EUR/day
Toyota Hilux Double

7 Days rental at 822.43 EUR from 23/10/2023

  0 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Hilux Double

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 117.49 EUR/day
Toyota Hilux Double

7 Days rental at 822.43 EUR from 23/10/2023

  0 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Hilux Double

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 117.49 EUR/day
Toyota Hilux Double

7 Days rental at 822.43 EUR from 23/10/2023

  0 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Top tips when hiring a car in Malawi

  • Drive on the left-hand side of the road in Malawi, just like the UK
  • Speed limits in Malawi are posted in KM/h with the maximum in the country being 100km/h
  • There are no toll roads in Malawi, but it's wise to carry small amounts of cash (MWK) at all times
  • Avis are the internationally recognised car rental agent in Malawi offering a wide range of approved vehicles
 

Popular car hire destinations in Malawi

Laws and rules of the road when driving in Malawi

  •  

    L

    Road Driving Side

  •  

    60kph

    Urban speed Limit

  •  

    80kph

    Rural Speed Limit

  •  

    120kph

    Motorway Speed Limit

  •  

    MWK  1316.98/Ltr

    Current Petrol Price

  •  

    80mg

    Drink Drive Limit

  •  

    MWK

    Currency

  •  

    NO

    Tolls

  •  

    23

    Min Rental Age

    18

    Min Driving Age

  •  

    Front and Rear

    Seatbelts

  •  

    Fixed and Mobile

    Speed Cameras

  •  

    Hands Free Only

    Mobile Phones

Average prices per day for car hire in Malawi

ItemPercent
January€ 204
February€ 181
March€ 180
April€ 185
May€ 188
June€ 170
July€ 168
August€ 188
September€ 190
October€ 172
November€ 188
December€ 204
ItemPercent
January€ 146
February€ 143
March€ 142
April€ 150
May€ 153
June€ 139
July€ 137
August€ 154
September€ 154
October€ 139
November€ 141
December€ 147
ItemPercent
January€ 273
February€ 269
March€ 267
April€ 275
May€ 278
June€ 250
July€ 244
August€ 278
September€ 276
October€ 241
November€ 274
December€ 275
ItemPercent
January€ 234
February€ 231
March€ 230
April€ 230
May€ 236
June€ 184
July€ 183
August€ 239
September€ 243
October€ 190
November€ 215
December€ 234
ItemPercent
January€ 292
February€ 288
March€ 288
April€ 288
May€ 296
June€ 279
July€ 277
August€ 300
September€ 307
October€ 288
November€ 289
December€ 290
ItemPercent
January€ 256
February€ 217
March€ 216
April€ 222
May€ 226
June€ 208
July€ 205
August€ 225
September€ 227
October€ 209
November€ 232
December€ 255
ItemPercent
ItemPercent
*average daily rates based on 7 day rental, search for today's best prices.

Fuel prices in Malawi

DieselUnleaded
Oct , 2022

€ 1.87

€ 1.70

Nov , 2022

€ 1.86

€ 1.69

Dec , 2022

€ 1.80

€ 1.63

Jan , 2023

€ 1.75

€ 1.59

Feb , 2023

€ 1.75

€ 1.59

Mar , 2023

€ 1.79

€ 1.63

Apr , 2023

€ 1.71

€ 1.56

May , 2023

€ 1.73

€ 1.57

Jun , 2023

€ 1.75

€ 1.59

Jul , 2023

€ 1.66

€ 1.51

Aug , 2023

€ 1.62

€ 1.47

Sep , 2023

€ 1.63

€ 1.48

Month, YearDiesel €/ltrUnleaded €/ltr
Sep , 2023 1.63 1.48
Aug , 2023 1.62 1.47
Jul , 2023 1.66 1.51
Jun , 2023 1.75 1.59
May , 2023 1.73 1.57
Apr , 2023 1.71 1.56
Mar , 2023 1.79 1.63
Feb , 2023 1.75 1.59
Jan , 2023 1.75 1.59
Dec , 2022 1.80 1.63
Nov , 2022 1.86 1.69
Oct , 2022 1.87 1.70

Car rental price statistics in Malawi

  • € 747.60
    Average price:
    (per week)
  • € 160.21
    Highest daily price:
    Toyota Land Cruiser
  • 32
    Total cars available
     
  • 8
    Most popular model:
    Toyota Corolla
  • 8
    Location with most cars:
    Lilongwe Airport
  • € 106.8 per day
    Cheapest daily price:
    AVIS - Lilongwe Airport
FAQs - How can we help?

There are always some points on which you are not sure when hiring a car, so we have done our best to answer the frequently asked questions. Just click this link and you will find the questions are sorted by category for easy navigation.

 


 

Useful links if renting a car in Malawi

Other Car Hire Locations in Malawi

We specialise in car rentals throughout Malawi to find you the best price and that's a promise...

Car Hire Lilongwe Airport
€159.7
 
 
Economy 5 5 3 from €159.7 per day
Fullsize 4 5 4 from €190.2 per day
Compact 5 5 3 from €182.4 per day