Safety
Malawi is a very safe destination, though there have been reports of tourists being robbed, sometimes violently. There are a number of money scams targeting tourists, so always keep your money and possessions in your own hands.
The only other major caution to be given is for hippopotami and mosquitoes.
Water
Never drink tap water. Bottled water is widely available, but ensure that the seal has not been broken. Vegetables should be washed with purified water and peeled. Coca Cola is widely available, as is an orange drink called Orangina. Malawi makes Colesburg beer, and due to the colour of the labels, it is either referred to as a "green" or a "brown". Malawi Gin, which is slightly sweet, is becoming widely known, and a delicious coffee liqueur called "Mulanje" should not be missed. Avoid ice-cream, shellfish and undercooked meat. Malawi is also becoming famous for producing gin and sipping a Malawi Gin and Tonic must be the perfect way to watch the African sun go down.