Enchanting Nature
You will find yourself in the perfect position to explore the natural attractions surrounding Blantyre. Join in this adventure that will take you through mesmerising scenes.
Blantyre is a historical city in Malawi. With a population of over 1 million residents, it is the second largest of the country. Blantyre presents you with the chance to discover its history and explore the beauty that surrounds it. Top tourist attractions include Mount Mulanje, the Majete Wildlife Reserve, and the Mandala House.
Cheap flights to Blantyre are now available for a short time, so seize this opportunity to experience this interesting destination. The city is home to the Chileka International Airport (BLZ), which is a 25-minute drive from the city centre. This airport serves a number of airlines, including South African Airways, Malawian Airlines, and Ethiopian Airlines. Non-stop flights are available from Johannesburg to Blantyre. The flight duration from Johannesburg to Blantyre is 2 hours and 15 minutes.
| Flight Route | Airline | Trip Type | Travel Dates | Searched | Price From |
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You will find yourself in the perfect position to explore the natural attractions surrounding Blantyre. Join in this adventure that will take you through mesmerising scenes.
Blantyre owes its history to the foundation laid by Scottish missionaries in 1876. Discover architecture, exhibits and institutes that are part of a long lasting legacy.
Discover the artistic history of this destination. If you visit during October, you may even get the chance to join in the celebrations at the yearly arts festival.
Essential details you need to know before your trip
| Country | Malawi |
|---|---|
| Currency | Kwacha |
| Exchange Rate | 1 ZAR = 57.07 MWK |
| Language | Chichewa and English |
| Hub Airport | Chileka International Airport |
| Airline | Malawian Airlines |
| Time Zone | GMT + 2 |
| Travel Adaptor | Type G |
Blantyre experiences warm to hot weather throughout the year. From the summer to the beginning of autumn (December – March), the town gets heavy rains. The rain fades for the most part by April and May. During the winter period (June – August), nights become cooler, yet the days remain warm and clear. The winter is also the peak season for game sightings, with many cloudless days. From September to October (spring), the temperatures climb once more.
Average temperature (°C) & rainfall (mm) per month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low °C | 18°C | 18°C | 17°C | 15°C | 12°C | 9°C | 9°C | 10°C | 13°C | 16°C | 18°C | 18°C |
| High °C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 26°C | 24°C | 24°C | 25°C | 28°C | 30°C | 30°C | 28°C |
| Rainfall (mm) | 223 | 188 | 129 | 45 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 59 | 179 |
Blantyre, Malawi’s second largest city, is a base from which to explore the country’s more remote attractions, such as the Majete Wildlife Reserve and Mount Mulanje, both just one hour's drive from the city centre. There is also the Zomba Plateau, which includes a few treasures of its own.
There are a few places of interest, such as the Museum of Malawi, home to a collection of enlightening displays on the country’s archaeology, ethnography and history. Make sure to pop by the Chichiri Museum as well.
One of the oldest buildings in the city is Mandala House, situated in open and beautiful grounds. It includes an art gallery, a small museum section and a café. More arts and crafts besides those at Mandala House are available at the local markets and curio shops. Should you decide to visit during October, you might have the pleasure of experiencing the Blantyre Arts Festival.
Compare several airlines and book your cheap flights to Blantyre online at Travelstart.
South African passport holders will not need a Visa to visit Blantyre, or anywhere else in the country of Malawi. What is essential is that you check that your passport will remain valid for six months after your return date, and that you have three blank pages for entry stamps.
The South African High Commission to Malawi
Address: 3rd Floor, Kang’ Ombe House, Robert Mugabe Crescent, Lilongwe 3.
Phone: + 265 1 77 3722 Phone: + 265 1 77 3597 Phone: + 265 1 77 3036
Website: South Africa International
It would be wise to get comprehensive travel insurance to cover theft, loss and medical problems. Some policies exclude activities like motorcycling, scuba diving, skiing and even trekking. Make sure you are aware of what your insurance does not cover.
It isn’t safe to walk around alone in Blantyre at night. You would be best off using a taxi to get around after dark. If you find yourself at any of the busy bus and minibus stations, keep track of your valuables to guard against bag snatching.
| Item | Cape Town | Johannesburg | Blantyre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | R 100.00 | R 100.00 | R 39.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) | R 25.00 | R 25.00 | R 13.00 |
| Cappucino (regular) | R 22.00 | R 22.00 | R 20.00 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | R 20.00 | R 10.00 | R 10.00 |
| Pack of Cigarettes (Marlboro) | R 38.00 | R 38.00 | R 66.00 |
A large number of hotels and lodges are available throughout Blantyre, close to the city centre. The cost of booking accommodation with them ranges from over R 1000 to under R 4000. Some of these establishments include business services, free Wi-Fi, breakfast, wheelchair access, meeting rooms, fitness centre and more. Among the best of these include Sunbird Mount Soche, Protea Hotel by Marriott Blantyre Ryalls, Hostellerie de France, and Leslie Lodge.
Blantyre’s size means that you likely won’t need to use public transport to get around. If you would prefer to do so, there are the minibuses that operate along Chipembere Highway between the Mibawa Bus Depot and Limba Bus Station.
You can board a private-hire taxi from your chosen accommodation option and at the bus station. A taxi through the city costs around R 35.
Should you prefer to go at your own pace, there are car rental agencies throughout Blantyre.
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