Malawi

After getting back from Zanzibar we spent a few days in sweaty hot Dar Es Salem working out what to do next. Dar Es Salem sounds quite exotic but it isn’t so we were quite keen to hit the road ASAP. We were originally going to travel south and cross from Tanzania into Mozambique directly but the border crossing was meant to be tricky and the roads in Northern Mozambique a wash-out in rainy season so instead we decided to go inland, escape the sweltering coast and take in and extra country - Malawi.

First stop on the beautiful Lake Malawi was Livingstonia, a still active mission setup by the Scots in the 18th century we trekked from the Lake into the hills and back over two days, glad for the exercise and views over the surrounding valley.

Then to Nkhata Bay for a few days of R&R, swimming in the clear waters of Lake Malawi and a bit of beach volleyball.

Playing frisbie with the local kids;

Final stop in Malawi was Cape Maclear where we camped on the beach and then kayaked to the uninhabited Domwe Island for a night amongst wild bush pigs, civet cats, baboon and monitor lizards.

Only 11 days in Malawi but well worth the detour. Now we head for the coast of Mozambique on a three day jourmey via chapa (minibus), truck, back of a bike, chapa, train and coach.