7Q7MW – Malawi

The 7Q7MW team will commence activities in Malawi by the end of October 2024.
Team – EA7FTR, CT1BOL, 7Q6M, 7Q7CT.
Nearest DX Point 7Q7MW
7Q7MW Log Searchsearch They will operate on the HF bands, including the CQ WW DX SSB competition event on October 26-27, 2024.
More information will be provided later.

Malawi

Malawi is a small country located in the eastern part of the African continent, which is covered by Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia on the map. This country is not washed by the ocean, but the land is exceptionally bright, the natural scenery is beautiful, and there are many wilderness trails that few tourists have set foot on.

It is true that not all operators offer tours to Malawi. This is all because the country is not considered one of the world leaders in tourism. However, for those who love amazing natural scenery, beautiful views and wonderful trails along which you can see many interesting things, such a trip will be unforgettable.

Malawi. Author – Pablo Varela.

Nature and climate

Freshwater Lake Niassa covers 25% of the state’s total area. It is incredibly beautiful, but we should not forget that the aquatic ecosystem here is made up not only of fish, but also of various reptiles, including crocodiles.

Niassa is not dangerous everywhere – there are beaches and swimming spots where a few tourists and locals take a break. Scuba diving is not common, but in more touristy areas, suitable equipment is available for rent. The waters here are very beautiful. It is especially interesting to observe the diversity of fish – there are more than 1,000 species.

Another natural value of Malawi is the topography. The mountains are not too high, but covered with dense vegetation. Mount Sapitwa is the highest mountain in the country. Its height is about 3 km. It is located on the territory of the national park and has many attractions.

Nyika is one of the most famous protected areas in the country. Visitors love to go there for horseback riding adventures and admire the rich diversity of flora and fauna, which will move almost everyone.

Malawi has an equatorial monsoon climate with rainy summers and dry winters. The rainy season begins in mid-to-late October and lasts until the end of April. The dry season begins in May and lasts until early November.

Precipitation is concentrated from November to March, when the southern hemisphere is in summer. Rainfall is concentrated in the mountains – 2-3 times more than in the plains. The temperature in the hottest month, November, ranges from +20+23 C in the mountains to +27 C in the valleys. But in July the temperature drops – to +14+19 C. July is the coldest month of the year in Malawi.

Malawi. Author – Jeff Rozwadowski.

Attractions and interesting facts

The local attractions are concentrated around the Loringwe River and the shores of Lake Nyasa. There are beautiful beaches with rolling yellow sand and large palm trees. There are more hotels and guest houses in Nkhata Bay. Various excursions are also organized here.

Boat trips play a special role in the life of seaside resorts. Tourists have time to see many things, including animals, beautiful places, exquisite bright beaches, and look at the water, which seems to shimmer everywhere in different shades. Loud waterfalls and cliff-like peaks, as well as highlands covered with lush vegetation – these are great places for tourists seeking to get to know the charm of unspoiled nature.

Photographers flock to Malawi every year to capture the atmosphere of isolated nature, where there are pavilions without roofs, only large dried fishing rods, fishermen’s platforms built haphazardly with stones, primitive bridges and especially suspension bridges – all of which blend perfectly with the colors of nature, the blue water, the bright sand, the lush exotic lawns.

In the old city of the capital, you can see unique buildings from the British colonial period. Interesting places in Mangochi include the Queen Victoria Tower, the Catholic Church, the Synagogue, and the missionary buildings.

Interesting facts about Malawi:

• The country is underdeveloped. It is the poorest country on the African continent, but despite this, the crime rate is low.
• The flower season in Malawi is always full of flowers. Orchids are especially abundant, with more than 400 species. Nyika National Park is home to a concentration of these flowers.
• Freshwater Lake Niassa is a treasure trove of animal diversity. There are about 1,000 species of fish and crustaceans, species that are found in almost no other lake in the world.
• The most popular currency in Malawi is cattle. The value of the U.S. dollar is usually lower than the value of the live animal.
• Markets can be found throughout the country. A common commodity is dried insects, which can be found in large quantities in bags on stalls.
• Lilongwe is the capital of Malawi, but the most interesting thing about it is that the city is divided into two parts by a crocodile-infested river.
• Homosexuality is illegal in the country and punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
• There are albinos in Malawi, and the number here is high compared to other African countries. Every such person is under strict police protection, as it is not uncommon for albinos to be kidnapped for witchcraft rituals.
• Television was introduced to China not long ago, to be exact, 10 to 15 years ago.
• All billboards erected in the city or on the roadside are bound to have a big hole in them. There is no other way to protect the building from theft. Locals more often use billboards as roofs for their houses.

Despite its extreme poverty, Malawi is a country of kindhearted people who love holidays, carnivals and mass events, so experienced visitors will be impressed by the beauty of the local natural scenery, which has earned it a reputation as the best natural area in Africa.

Malawi. Author – Rainer Jüngling.

urban life

Malawi takes city life very seriously, which surprises many people. It’s a place full of festivals, celebrations and unusual events. There’s always fun to be had here – the bright summer evenings are a great complement to daytime walks and trips to natural attractions.

Malawi has modern communities, high-rise buildings, shopping malls, but life here is a little different, not like life in a big city. Blantyre and Lilongwe have concentrated hotels and resorts, especially in the suburbs. Lilongwe is the capital of Malawi.

During the day, the city streets are always crowded. The local landscape is full of contrasts – first, you see beautiful buildings of a grand scale and rich decorations, even reminiscent of Rome in atmosphere. However, a little further, under a dilapidated fence there is a garbage dump. This contrast is typical of African cities.

The country’s biggest event takes place in September. It is called the ‘Lake of Stars’. Costumed parades and dances are an integral part of the celebrations, showcasing the intricacies of culture and customs. Other major festivals that no one gets bored of are New Year’s Day, Republic Day (July 6) and Freedom Day (June 14).

In Malawi you can buy a lot of things, but it is more convenient to take home tea, coffee, tableware, souvenirs. Dried and fried insects are especially exotic and not everyone will be interested in them. Bargaining is possible everywhere – local residents raise prices as soon as they see tourists. It is not necessary to exchange dollars for local currency, but it is better to have two currencies in your pocket. Stores and even markets accept dollars. You can exchange dollars at specialized points or banks.

7Q7MW. Where is Malawi located. Map.