Chacos & Chiponde: Paradise Found: Lake Malawi

So, almost four years after my first attempt to visit Lake Malawi, this past weekend I headed back there with my PPB roommates. This time, however, the trip was a success!

We left early Saturday, which left us with plenty of time to miss a turn, end up going 50km in the wrong direction (to Mwanza, a town on the border of Mozambique), and then find our way back to the correct route.

But soon enough, we had arrived at paradise: Lake Malawi! Crystal clear water as far as the eye can see, pretty islands, palm trees on a sandy beach, and a quiet, hippie hostel to call home for the night. The hostel, called Mufasa Backpakers, was really great - I'd recommend it for travellers not concerned with en suite bathrooms and luxuries like that. After being greeted by the friendly hostel staff, we booked a boat trip out to snorkel and swim at an island later that afternoon.

Monkey Island

Josey sitting on the boat front paddling!

The boat trip was hilarious on various levels. First, we saw a tiny boat and thought surely it was taking us to a bigger boat that could hold 4 people. But no, that was our boat. We all climb in, and chat for ten minutes waiting for the motor to start. When Lauren asked the boat driver about it, he said the battery was just dying, so the motor wasn't really working. Not sure how he thought we were going to get there. Lauren offered to paddle, then the boat driver took over since the island was still far off. Forty minutes of Josey's paddling against the wind later, we landed on a rocky island and found out the snorkel gear was broken so we all just swam. It was lovely!

climbing rocks in flip-flops...exactly why chacos were made?!

the view from Jam Rock!

A heaping plate of rice and Chambo (fresh fish) at Kingfisher's in Monkey Bay was a great way to end our first day. On Sunday, we asked the staff if there was a way to hike up and see a view of the Bay. They pointed us towards a rocky hill, and assured me that my chitenge, shorts, and flip-flops were fine hiking attire. That made for a pretty funny climbing adventure, but we made it to the top for some spectacular views! It was short and sweet, but SO beautiful, and fun to travel with Lauren and Cherise!

At Kingfisher's

Until next time, Monkey Bay!

Also, I typed a great post about our joint Malawi and American Independence Day 5th of Braii, but the internet failed me so here are some pictures which will hopefully suffice!