Remember that lighter is always better, plus you can trade any clothing, shoes, or toiletries you don’t want at the end of January for souvenirs!
Recommended Dress
It’s better to dress conservatively and fit in with Malawian norms than wear what you would at home. Malawian society, although not completely conservative, does not wear as much revealing clothing as students tend to at Colby. Consider the following guidelines for your time in Lilongwe and Chadika. Also note that while in areas with high levels of tourism, Malawians will be more used to seeing western-style dress and different outfits may be acceptable.
Females
- Should always keep their shoulders covered
- Wear long skirts (at least to your knees) while in the village
- Wear long pants or skirts in Lilongwe (no shorts, no tight pants)
Males
- Should wear pants while in the village (boys typically wear shorts while men wear pants)
- Can wear shorts or pants in Lilongwe
- Should avoid wearing tanks as these are mostly worn by boys and men wear tshirts, collared shirts, and jackets
You Need These
- Passport
- Copies of your passport/credit cards/travel insurance/etc.
- Immunization/yellow health card
- Emergency contact information
- Cash in USD or another currency
- Travel insurance card if you purchased one
- Water bottle
Recommended
- Money belt or another secure way to hold your valuables
- A backpack to carry your supplies for each day
- 7 pairs of socks
- 7 pairs of underwear
- 3-5 bras
- 3-5 sports bras
- 2-3 skirts that are knee-length or longer for in the village
- 3-4 spandex shorts to wear under your skirt for comfort
Karen Clark ('12) with Chadika's band
- 1-2 nicer shirts for dinners out
- 1 long sleeved shirt
- 5 shirts for working in the village
- 2-3 pairs of long pants
- 2 pairs of shorts for trips and around the lodge
- 1 pair of lounging/pajama pants
- 1 sweatshirt/fleece/jacket
- 1 rain jacket
- If you plan on running or going to the gym: loose shorts for boys, pants for girls, and a shirt that covers your shoulders, running shoes
- Bathing suit
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Shoes for the village, sturdy sandals or old sneakers are fine
- Shower shoes
- Towel and wash cloth
- Toiletries: please note that all toiletries will be available in Lilongwe but your favorite brands may not
- Books, iPod, speakers, etc.
- Journal with pens
- Camera and extra batteries
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Alarm clock
- Vitamins or medications you will need
- A laptop if you want
- Clothes/supplies that you want to trade for souvenirs
Not Recommended
- Flashy jewelry or electronics
- Excessive amounts of money
