Advice for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Travellers in Malawi

LGBT travellers in Malawi

As witnessed in many other African countries, many Malawians consider non-heterosexual behaviour (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) as taboo. All over the world, people in traditional, rural communities tend to have more conservative attitudes than the residents of more cosmopolitan cities. The people of Malawi are no exception to this.

In most areas of Malawi, public displays of affection or overtly sexual behaviour between any couples, whether heterosexual or LGBT, are generally frowned upon – as would any clear indication of an LGBT relationship. So we advise all our travellers, gay or straight, to avoid overt displays of affection or sexual behaviour, as these could offend people.

There’s one local practice of traditional life which we should mention here, so visitors aren’t misled. In many areas it’s perfectly acceptable for same-sex friends to wander around hand-in-hand, without a second thought. However, such behaviour has no sexual or relationship connotations: it’s just a sign of friendship.

When visiting Malawi it is important to realise that a large part of the population still live in rural area and tend to take a traditional view on this subject.

In Malawi’s larger towns and cities, you'll still find strands of this conservative thinking, but many people are also becoming increasingly tolerant, with more liberal views – and in cities like Lilongwe and Blantyre, you may well see openly gay people getting on with their lives.

In the tourism industry, and especially in Malawi’s more remote camps, lodges and hotels, staff have been dealing with a wide variety of guests, all with different backgrounds, for years. It's notable that rooms are almost universally configured with double or single beds, as requested, without any fuss.

It is almost unheard of to learn of a staff member who isn't tolerant and relaxed in their outlook, even if some may have personal views that are relatively conservative.

So, in conclusion, we'd advise all our travellers, gay or straight, to avoid overt displays of affection or sexual behaviour, as these could offend people. Other than that, a 'don't ask, don't tell' approach is a good passport to a trouble-free trip to Malawi for our LGBT travellers. But do feel free to call us to discuss any concerns if you’re thinking of travelling with us to Malawi.

Sources of advice and information for LGBT Travellers to Malawi are

• The UK foreign & Commonwealth office (FCO) provides general LGBT foreign travel advice for all countries.
• The FCO also has a useful, if brief, page on Malawi’s local laws and customs.
• Human Dignity Trust - is a legal charity that supports those who want to challenge anti-gay laws around the world.
• The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) provides information on the laws of countries worldwide, focused around a series of summary maps.