Visitor Guide & Homestays
Important travel details, camp entry permit requirements, and community homestay booking guidelines for visiting Dzaleka.
Visitor Access & Media Permits
Dzaleka Refugee Camp is open to the public during the Tumaini Festival, and no general entry permit or ticket is required for attendees. However, all visitors must carry valid identification (such as a passport) and are strongly encouraged to arrange their stay or tour through local guides or the official Homestay Program.
Important for Media & Researchers: Professional journalists, photographers, filmmakers, and academic researchers do require official clearance and a media permit from the Ministry of Homeland Security in Lilongwe prior to filming or conducting formal coverage inside the camp. Contact the festival organizers via Tumaini Letu for assistance with permit coordination.
Visit Dzaleka
Explore the official Visit Dzaleka tourism platform for homestay bookings, guided cultural tours, artisan craft shops, local restaurant recommendations, and active camp events.
Go to visit.dzaleka.comThe Dzaleka Homestay Program
To encourage direct cultural exchange and provide direct economic support to refugee families, Tumaini Letu operates the official Dzaleka Homestay Program. Instead of staying at hotels in Lilongwe, visitors can book accommodation with a host family inside Dzaleka Refugee Camp.
- Direct Support: 100% of accommodation payments go directly to your host family, aiding household livelihoods.
- Cultural Immersion: Share meals, stories, and daily life with families from DRC, Rwanda, Burundi, and more.
- Safety & Comfort: Homestays are vetted, clean, secure, and hosted by experienced camp residents.
- Booking Coordination: Contact Homestay Coordinator Vann directly on WhatsApp at +265990397855.
How to Get to Dzaleka
Dzaleka Refugee Camp is located in the Dowa District, approximately 45 kilometers (a 1-hour drive) north of Malawi's capital city, Lilongwe.
Option 1: Car Rental or Taxi
Taking a private vehicle or rental car from Lilongwe along the M1 road north to Mponela/Kasungu, turning right at the Dowa turn-off. Taxis from Lilongwe cost approximately $30–$40 USD one-way.
Option 2: Shared Public Transit (Minibuses)
Minibuses travel daily between Lilongwe (Area 1 / Devil's Street depot) and Dowa Town or Mponela. You can request to be dropped off at the Dzaleka turn-off. Minibus fares are approximately $3–$5 USD equivalent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to visit and stay in the camp?
Yes, Dzaleka camp is a peaceful community. Vetted host families and community safety guidelines are in place. However, visitors should always follow standard travel precautions, respect community customs, and coordinate with hosts.
What currency is used in Dzaleka?
The primary currency is Malawian Kwacha (MWK). There are no ATMs inside the camp, so visitors should carry sufficient cash from Lilongwe for local purchases, meals, crafts, and tips.
Are there electricity and cellular networks?
Electricity in the camp is subject to national load shedding; many homestays utilize solar panels. Cellular service (Airtel and TNM networks) is widely available with good 3G/4G coverage for mobile data hotspots.