Market Visits

Malawian markets are full of life. The bustling and colourful local markets sell everything from fruit and vegetables to arts & crafts, meat and traditional dress. Even if you don’t need to buy anything, they are fascinating places to walk round and experience daily life and shopping Africa-style. If you are interested in making a purchase, be prepared to barter on price. Such negotiations can be fun and are usually very good natured. It’s important to keep a smile on your face and keep in perspective how much you are bargaining over and what that means to you and to the vendor. There is little to be gained by getting worked up about saving a few Kwacha!

One of the largest markets is the walled market in Lilongwe‘s Old Town, whilst the markets at Zomba and Mzuzu are slightly smaller but full of character and characters. Unsurprisingly, Blantyre also has a large traditional market, but most towns of appreciable size around the country will also have one.