Miss You Malawi

May is a popular month for the Indian diaspora to initiate long haul trips or freeze future travel plans. U.S and U.K maintain their dominance as top overseas destinations for the season. For domestic travel, Ladakh wins hands down. Since the last couple of months, I've been courteously helping my folks design their holidays. Some have returned from their trips and I've been enviously listening to their travel flaunts.

So where am I going this summer ? I will confess that some other time. Right now, I will share with you my utterly remorseful story - a holiday that was called off.  This summer I was adamant on spending a few weeks in two landlocked countries in East Africa - Zambia and it's erotic neighbour Malawi. Africa's profound beauty and striking landscapes have always enthralled me.   Apart from the fact that these countries met my preferred prerequisites, I also fantasized an enlightening Another time, Another world feeling - the crux of my wanderlust. I've never been to these nations and the urge was ballooning inside me. I had finally decided to take the plunge this July.

(Images via http://www.kayakafrica.net/ & http://www.kayamawa.com/)

This was going to be an epic holiday - full of adventure and almost like a dream come true. After landing in Africa, I planned to ditch my comfort zone by avoiding taxis/flights and restrict myself to public transport. (dont compare African public transport to London underground). Even though distances are long, slow travel is an ideal way to enjoy the vistas and watch the people of remote Africa. Transport is a mix of public buses (these buses don't follow a fixed schedule and depart only when they are fully stuffed), "matolas" (an informal African pickup truck where people and cows together are piled at the back) and some hitchhiking (a legendary sport).

Zambia has a lot more offer and deserves a dedicated post, so I will only focus on Malawi here. Malawi's biggest attraction is "Lake Malawi"- a stupendous freshwater lake stretching for over 300 miles and occupying more than 20% of the country. Lake Malawi is contained between tall rift valley mountains and has the similarities of a sea - except the fact that it's surrounded by landmass and contains fresh water instead of sea water. The lake could be confused with a tropical island with its turquoise water and sandy beaches under clear blue skies. It's especially famous for the brightly coloured little fish called “Cichlids”. Malawi is also called the "heart of Africa" and Lonely Planet ranks it as the friendliest nation in the world.

There is plenty of accommodation for all budgets available everywhere around the lake which stretches through the country like an inland tropical sea. However the hot spot for most people on the lake is the vibey "Cape Maclear". It's a stunning beach on the turquoise shores of the lake, encircled by granite boulders. Many activities are available: you can kayak out to one of the nearby islands, scuba dive-snorkel, or just laze around on the beach.

The best way to get there is to fly to Lilongwe - the capital city (Kenya Airways, South African Airways and Ethiopian Airlines connect there). After reaching Lilongwe you could either take to taxi ($200 each way to Cape Maclear in around three-four hours) or if you are patient enough use public transport (it could take up to one full day). A beach holiday in Malawi coupled with a Zambian safari is a terrific mix. It's advisable to plan well in advance since tourist infrastructure is limited and prices are sky high.

 Kayak Africa is an adventure-safari operator specialising in sea kayak and small boat safaris on Lake Malawi. They also operate two luxury camps on Mumbo Island and Domwe Island. For a romantic getaway, it's definetly the Kaya Mawa Lodge. Most of these pictures are courtesy to the Kayak Africa and Kaya Mawa website. Another option is to stay at the Gecko Lounge. It's laidback with fantastic food and a well stocked bar & they host the biggest parties on the lake.

(Images via http://www.kayakafrica.net/ & http://www.kayamawa.com/)

 

Sometimes life demands us to suppress our passions in order to fulfill other objectives. It was my turn this time and the trip was called off. Miss you Malawi....We have unfinished business !

"It's the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it. "



Greg Anderson