Malawi: Lake Malawi

Sunday 28th June: Lake Malawi.

We rose early to a wonderful view out over the lake from our cabins.

We breakfasted at 9 and departed at 11, ready for the reasonably easy journey ahead. It was not to be. Our destination was to be Nkhata Bay, about 4 hours south. We stopped at the only major town en route, Mzuzu. We got some provisions as well as some cash from the ATM. Nkhata Bay was only 90 minutes away now and when we arrived there, we headed for Mayako Village, a lodge that has wonderful views looking down on the bay. This was recommended by Gus & Kina, from Sweden. They stayed there for some time and really enjoyed it. I can see why. Unfortunately, it was full although the owner did show us around.

We decided to head further south as Mark from Sangilo Sanctuary had given us names of other lodges he felt would suit us. The first one we pulled in at was owned by Jim, from Stellenbosch in South Africa. He came out to greet us on crutches and looked decidedly unwell. He told us he had malaria & was on day two of the treatment. He also had a very sore looking leg. The barman had just gone home, unsurprising as there were no guests there. I doubt there was food either and we’d hate to expose Jim to any effort. He was a really nice man & when I asked if he knew Sandi & Chris at Ngala Beach Lodge, he did. He was able to give us the telephone number and tell us that it was about 60kms further south.

John & I had stayed at Ngala in March & we liked it so much we stayed 2 nights. We set off for that & I called Sandi to confirm she could accommodate us. She was delighted & said she’d arrange for dinner as well. www.ngalabeach.com

 

We arrived at 7pm and were promptly shown to our very luxurious rooms. She had rooms.What a sport! After a couple of cold beers, followed by dinner, we retired to bed at about 10pm but John stopped off in my room for a nightcap, as we had a drop of wine to finish off. It seemed a shame to waste it.