If you’ve got a layover in Club Makokola, don’t let it go to waste sitting at CMK. The city, in Malawi, is within easy reach — roughly 60 minutes by local transport. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Before heading into Club Makokola, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Malawi vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Club Makokola is roughly 60 minutes from CMK via local transport. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
The Best Way Into Club Makokola from CMK
You have two main options for getting from Club Makokola Airport into town:
- local transport: About 60 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 80 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Layover Budget Breakdown
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Club Makokola, budget roughly $40 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $20 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $10 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Club Makokola, two standouts are:
- Club Makokola Beach — Perfect for a short walk when you need fresh air after a long flight.
- Explore Club Makokola Resort Gardens — A calm place to walk around and decompress before your next flight.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside CMK — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Relax in CMK Terminal
- Observe Small Aircraft Operations
Eating Well on a Club Makokola Layover
- In the city: The Makokola Restaurant and The Beach Bar & Grill are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Club Makokola.
- At the airport: CMK Airport Snack Kiosk and Pre-Packaged Refreshments Stand will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Storing Your Luggage at Club Makokola Airport
Dedicated luggage storage at CMK may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Club Makokola’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at CMK for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Club Makokola or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Long overnight layover? Your options at CMK include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Malawi also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Club Makokola exploring the streets or relaxing at CMK, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.