Flight tickets from Pietermaritzburg to Blantyre

Welcome to a guide about the Malawian city of Blantyre! Situated in the southern part of the country, this major commercial hub is known for its vibrant atmosphere and interesting culture. In this text, we'll be exploring what makes Blantyre unique and what you can see and do when you visit. We'll discuss the city's history, its attractions, local food and much more - so let's get started!

Getting to Know Blantyre

Blantyre rests in the southern region of Malawi and is one of the country’s largest cities. The population of Blantyre was estimated to be a little over 1 million people in 2020. It is located in the Central Africa Time Zone (CAT) which is 2 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). English and Chichewa are the two primary languages, but there are also other regional languages spoken here. The official currency of Blantyre is the Malawian Kwacha.

Climate and Weather

Blantyre is located in southern Malawi, and has a tropical climate typical of the region. The rain season starts in November and ends in April. During this season, an average of 550 mm of rain is expected. Blantyre has a hot and wet climate, with little variation in temperature throughout the year. The average daily high is 25°C (77 °F) and the average daily low is 20°C (68°F). The hottest months of the year are October and November, when daytime highs reach up to 31°C (88°F). Blantyre also experiences two dry seasons, from May to August and from late December to early March. These dry periods are characterized by hot days, averaging 26°C (79°F) with little to no rainfall.

Touring Blantyre: Airport and Transportation

There is only one airport in Blantyre, and it is called Chileka International Airport. You can get from the main airport to downtown Blantyre by taxi, which generally cost about MWK 7,000 (about US$ 9.20). You can also take a local bus from the airport to downtown Blantyre, which will cost about MWK 3,000 (about US$ 4). There is no currency exchange service at Blantyre airport.

Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Blantyre

Blantyre is the third oldest city in Malawi and is the largest commercial and financial hub of the country
The Chewa people are the main population inhabiting Blantyre, and their traditional techniques and customs of basketry, pottery and woodcarving remain an important part of the city's culture
The Blantyre Arts Festival is held annually, showcasing and celebrating the traditional arts and culture of the area, including traditional music, dance, theatre, storytelling and crafts