Air & Road
- Companies: South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Malawian Airlines
- Duration: Approximately 10 - 12 hours (including layovers and road travel)
- Distance: About 2,000 km
- Costs: Approximately R10,000 to R15,000 per person for round-trip airfare, and R1,000 for road transport and other expenses
- Roads/Routes: A1 route from Lilongwe to Mzuzu
Pro Tip: While flying from Johannesburg to Malawi, it is advisable to book an early morning flight. This allows ample time for travel from Lilongwe to Mzuzu, ensuring you avoid late-night travel on unfamiliar roads.
For a smooth journey, start by flying from Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Lilongwe International Airport (LLW) via Ethiopian Airlines or Malawian Airlines. The flight duration is around 3 to 4 hours with a potential layover in either Addis Ababa or Nairobi. After arriving in Lilongwe, rent a car or hire a trusted taxi service to drive approximately 350 km north along the A1 route to reach Mzuzu. This road trip will take roughly 5 to 6 hours, so consider traveling during daylight for safety and better views of Malawi's scenic landscape.