where we fly...
Hold that thought...
We've been hit with a curve ball from government! Commercial Aviation Operators in
Malawi are regulated and licensed by the Department of Civil Aviation who have
recently informed scheduled air service providers in the country that new Airline
Operators Certificates (AOC's) need to be issued to replace the old Air Service
Permits (ASP's). It's all terribly confusing as local legislation has not kept up
with international requirements for licensing commercial aviation operations, a
situation which is by no means unique to Malawi. Despite holding all the permits
required under existing legislation to operate, the authorities have decided that we
need to take a giant leap forward and have moved the goal posts by requiring operators
to hold a permit which does not, as yet, exist in the country so that we can satisfy
ICAO criteria designed to standardize international regulations for airlines to operate.
The long and short of it: Ulendo Airlink, along with other private operators in
Malawi, can continue to offer charter flights however we are temporarily suspended
and may no longer offer, nor advertise, scheduled flights. Only the national airline,
Air Malawi, hold the necessary permits to offer scheduled services in the country.
We're working closely with the authorities to adhere to their new requirements and
look forward to re-launching our route network once all the boxes have been ticked and
the regulators are satisfied that we comply with the new rules.... rules which we are
hoping will be legislated over the next few weeks.
We’re continually looking at expanding our network but believe in a “Pang'ono Pang'ono” or “slowly, slowly” approach as we fully intend to be around for a very long time. Everyone is full of grand ideas for route expansion and global aviation domination – our focus is delivering a reliable, sound route that our passengers and agents can confidently book knowing the flights will operate.
Malawi does not enjoy the greatest reputation for reliability in air travel – we’re here to change that and help the country enjoy the service recognition it deserves.
Prefer to head off to some exotic (or not so exotic) destination? Give us a shout and we’ll happily give you a quote for private charter flights!
lilongwe...
Situated in the Central Region of Malawi, Lilongwe has been the countries capital city since 1975 and is apparently one of the fastest growing cities in Africa! Kamuzu International Airport, situated approximately 26km from the city centre, is the gateway to Malawi serviced by Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and South African Airways on a daily basis. The city itself is unique in design having 2 distinct sections namely Old Town and New Town. Government, NGO’s and diplomatic offices tend to be based in the newer part of the city while Old Town has a vibrant traders feel and energy unique to modern African urban centres.
A variety of accommodation options are available to visitors which range from the new Lilongwe International Convention Centre due to open in February 2012, a luxurious 5 star hotel to be managed by one of the well known international hotel chains to some superb guest houses and lodges. We are proud to be affiliated to Burley House in Area 43, a great property that meets the needs of both business and leisure visitors to Malawi’s capital city.
blantyre...
The largest urban area in Malawi is accessed through Chileka Airport which is a blast from the past for first time travellers and not the most salubrious of the regions international airports! Now with a population in excess of half a million, this settlement has its origins with the Scottish missionaries from the time of David Livingstone. (It is named after Livingstone’s birthplace in Scotland.) Today it is unquestionably the centre of Malawi’s industry and commerce. Strictly two towns, Limbe and Blantyre form a continuous urban area yet retain their individualities and separate cores. Blantyre has the status and much of the administrative functions but Limbe is the more industrial.
Much of the city's recent development has been between the traditional centres of Blantyre and Limbe. New shopping precincts have been built, with one even boasting a cinema. A smaller mall, but one offering high quality mementoes of Malawi, is the Ute Waleza Centre, off Kidney Cresent. During the day, shops which are a must include African Habitat, with its locally crafted ornaments and furnishings, and the Central Africana gallery: full of fascinating books and modern and historical maps and prints. In the evening, L'Hosteria Restaurant and the Twiga Lounge come into their own.
Blantyre has a number of historical buildings of interest. These include the original town hall (Old Boma) and Mandala House, built in 1882 as the headquarter of the African Lakes Company. It was Malawi's first two-storey building and is believed now to be the country's oldest house. Perhaps the most impressive is St Michael and
All Angels church, built by men with no training in architecture, construction or even brick-making. Visits can also be made to the Museum of Malawi and Carlsberg Brewery, which lie bewteen the two town centres, as well as the tobacco auction floors on the edge of Limbe. Both towns have a good range of shops, markets and services.
There is a wide choice of accommodation including The Ryalls Protea and Sunbird’s Mount Soche which offer large, city style hotel options. A number of excellent small lodges and guests houses are scattered around Blantyre and we would recommend House 5, Casa Mia, Leslie Lodge or Villa 33 as alternative options. Malawi Sun also offers excellent vale and nice rooms in a central location.
Why not stay outside of town in the astoundingly beautiful Shire Highlands, a cool tea growing area 30 minutes from Limbe. We highly recommend a stay at Satemwa Tea Estates Huntingdon House - also see www.satemwa.com for more information.
likoma island...
Off the eastern shore of the Lake is Likoma Island: a little piece of Malawian territory in Mozambican waters. Its history – the setting up here of the headquarters of the University Mission to Central Africa (Livingstone’s mission) in the 1880s – caused it to be retained by Malawi when the Lake was divided politically after World War II.
Likoma’s claim to fame is its cathedral (the size of Winchester’s) on which work began in 1903. This vast building has some most interesting features including stained glass and carved soapstone.
The island is otherwise somewhat barren although it has bustling local communities and some lovely beaches. Nearby is another tiny island, Chizumulu, also Malawian territory. Access to Likoma is currently by boat or charter aircraft. Accommodation on Likoma is limited but includes a stunning luxury beach lodge, Kaya Mawa and a high quality backpacker lodge, Mango Drift.
mfuwe...
Deriving it’s name from the mighty Zambezi River, Zambia is a vast country laying claim to the spectacular beauty of the Victoria Falls, abundant wildlife with over 19 national parks, rich cultural heritage and stable political climate. Its parks pioneered the concept of walking safaris on a commercial basis and yet this gem of Africa remains relatively unexploited by commercial tourism.
A safari to Zambia should include the Luangwa Valley, accessible through Mfuwe Airport which we service 3 times per week on a scheduled basis or charter flights on request. Arguably the finest wildlife reserve in Africa with a wide range of professional safari operations offering guests the highest standards of service and memorable wildlife experiences which have made Zambia such a popular safari destination in recent years.
Zambia can easily be visited in combination with a safari to Malawi or as a stand-alone destination guaranteed to impress even the most seasoned safari traveller.
www.normancarrsafaris.com
www.robinpopesafaris.com
www.mfuwelodge.com
www.luangwa.com
www.flatdogs.com
club makokola...
2 flights per week from Lilongwe and Blantyre with Ulendo Airlink allow visitors to experience one of the most beautiful parts of Lake Malawi only a 30 minute flight from the countries 2 largest cities.
Magnificently set on an unspoilt Palm Fringed Lakeshore North of Mangochi, Club Makokola the “Warm Heart of Malawi” is the perfect retreat for discerning holiday makers who wish to relax, unwind and recuperate. Stylish spacious rooms combine luxury with modern African décor. The harmonious combination of lush gardens and 600 metres of wide Natural Sandy Beach makes this resort your dream destination. This all season resort has become re-knowned for its excellent cuisine and personal service of a bygone era.
Water Sports include parasailing, Catamarans, Sailing Dinghies, Snorkelling and Goggling, Water Skiing and the like. Listen to the call of a Fish Eagle as you take a Siesta Sunset Cruise around Bird Island. For your convenience, an Olympic size Salt treated beach pool and Bar are at your disposal.For the Golf enthusiast, the Mlambe Golf Club tucked amongst the Baobab Trees and a Natural Stream poses great challenge to the golfer.
Sometimes a visiting young Croc usually on hole number 9 makes the play even more exciting. This is a par 3, 9 Hole course.
Close to the Golf Club, is a Flood-lit Bowling Green. Excursions to the National Park, Zomba Plateau, Mua Mission or just the Fishing Village and other places of interest offering a true taste of Africa is always recommended.
This unspoilt beach resort is increasingly becoming the preferred Exclusive and Romantic Wedding Venue. See www.clabmak.com for more information.

