Leaving Zambia behind we headed over the border and into Malawi. We immediately noticed the number of people everywhere, all along the roadside there are children walking to and from school, women carrying babies on the back and water on their head, men on cycles loaded with charcoal or rushes, even children as young as 3 are walking beside the road, roadside sellers of fruits and lots of small markets selling vegetables, clothes and spare cycle tyres. Zambia was busy with people but Malawi seems to exceed it by far and everyone seems to be by the roadside.
Typical busy market.
We travelled to the south of the country, through the old capital of Zomba and onto a tea plantation. Spent a couple of nights in the former colonial home of the tea owner which is now a hotel. It was lovely to be able to walk freely as there are no wild animals and to play croquet on the lawn and visit the factory for tea-tasting. Quite an experience.
Tea pickers at Satwema
From there we moved to the south of lake Malawi and caught a boat to the small Mumbo Island, We thought we would be bored to death there for 2 days but it was surprisingly relaxing kayaking and snorkling in the sunshine.The lake was a little rough for the return trip but the manager assured us the skippers are very experienced and so we set off and within 5 minutes the skipper was sitting on the floor of the boat looking decidedly sea sick and our waiter was at the wheel! It didn't inspire confidence as the boat pitched around but we landed OK with the skipper taking over the helm to bring us ashore.
Our Island hiseaway.
Heading north again, around 160 miles we stayed at a pottery by the lake where every piece was chipped and the lake by this time bore all the resemblance to the grey seas of home, even with the white crested waves. Then came the first rains in a very heavy downpour and the street was suddenly full of soaking schoolchildren having been sent home as most of their lessons are on benches under trees. It seems the rainy season is almost upon us so travel plans may have to be a bit flexible if we are to avoid a Camel Trophy experience.
We are now in another wildlife wilderness and in a very luxurious lodge again but it is a comparatively new national park with only one road in and many trees so the animals are well concealed. Having seen so many animals during this trip and not wishing to see another elephant anyway that's fine with us.
Malawi has offered us the most diversity of interest since Namibia, with its incredible lake; forest scenery; and mountains too.
Typical busy market.We travelled to the south of the country, through the old capital of Zomba and onto a tea plantation. Spent a couple of nights in the former colonial home of the tea owner which is now a hotel. It was lovely to be able to walk freely as there are no wild animals and to play croquet on the lawn and visit the factory for tea-tasting. Quite an experience.
Tea pickers at SatwemaFrom there we moved to the south of lake Malawi and caught a boat to the small Mumbo Island, We thought we would be bored to death there for 2 days but it was surprisingly relaxing kayaking and snorkling in the sunshine.The lake was a little rough for the return trip but the manager assured us the skippers are very experienced and so we set off and within 5 minutes the skipper was sitting on the floor of the boat looking decidedly sea sick and our waiter was at the wheel! It didn't inspire confidence as the boat pitched around but we landed OK with the skipper taking over the helm to bring us ashore.
Our Island hiseaway.Heading north again, around 160 miles we stayed at a pottery by the lake where every piece was chipped and the lake by this time bore all the resemblance to the grey seas of home, even with the white crested waves. Then came the first rains in a very heavy downpour and the street was suddenly full of soaking schoolchildren having been sent home as most of their lessons are on benches under trees. It seems the rainy season is almost upon us so travel plans may have to be a bit flexible if we are to avoid a Camel Trophy experience.
We are now in another wildlife wilderness and in a very luxurious lodge again but it is a comparatively new national park with only one road in and many trees so the animals are well concealed. Having seen so many animals during this trip and not wishing to see another elephant anyway that's fine with us.
Malawi has offered us the most diversity of interest since Namibia, with its incredible lake; forest scenery; and mountains too.
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