Foto: Chambe at Lake Malawi on the Cape McClear peninsula (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Malawi - A day in Cape McClear. After breakfast in the morning, we go for a hike in Lake Malawi National Park. The original plan was to hike to the top of the mountain, but we opt for a three-hour walk without any steep climbs. That’s all possible here. We leave the lodge and turn right. We walk through the village street, pass the Baobab tree in the center, and shortly after, the MGozo Lodge. On the northern side, we leave the village and pause at the Missionary Graves. Here lie missionaries who died in Malawi, mostly due to malaria. At the entrance of the National Park, we buy an entrance ticket and head into the park. We follow the mountain ridge, walking among large boulders. Inside the park is an abandoned hotel from the 1950s. In the past, travelers en route from England to South Africa used to stay here. Back then, the water planes couldn’t cover the entire distance in one go. Even Queen Elizabeth once stayed here. Nowadays, the hotel is dilapidated, and monkeys have taken over the building. Following the beach, we arrive at Otters Point — a beautiful spot with crystal-clear water. Otters are known to appear here around sunset, hence the name. Otters Point is a great place to take pictures. Via the Lake Malawi National Park Museum, we return to Chembe. Back at the campsite, I retreat to the shade of the big mango tree. The waters of Lake Malawi look tempting, but due to the presence of the Bilharzia parasite, it's better to avoid swimming. After lunch, we take a walk into the village of Chembe. The fishing village has over 10,000 residents, mostly living in thatched houses. Around midday and in the bright sun, the streets are quiet. Still, children and people on their porches wave at us. It’s busier at the beach. Fish is laid out to dry, children are playing in the water, and women are doing laundry. We watch a fisherman mending his net. When I ask to take his photo, he proudly poses on his carved-out canoe. A big smile appears when he sees the result.
The old market of Lilongwe
Malawi - At the souvenir market, dozens of vendors try to sell their carved wooden figurines. Since we’re the only tourists here at the moment, everyone comes to us. The more skilled vendors politely introduce themselves, strike up a conversation, and try to ...