Yes, hello, we are still alive and the beast is still roaring…
After our last update we received an unexpected call from two Kenyan baboons (Sam and Guy) and a Scottish giant (Callum) and drove back up to Cape Maclear to hang out with them (check out Matt’s ‘fro)…
Had a couple of days of kayaking and snorkelling in the lake – lots of fun…
Matt and Sam had a day’s fishing from kayaks and as you can see caught some real monsters…
After a few days at Cape Maclear, we headed up the lake shore, stopping at Nkhotakhota pottery for a yummy lunch (in our new team hats)…
Set up camp at Makuzi Beach (check out Sam’s hi tech tent). Lovely day swimming and posh meal in the evening, as a farewell to the boys…
After boys left, we decided to make our way to Mt Mulanji (in South) for Bonnie’s b’day. First stop was the Viphya Forest; Luwawa Forest Lodge, where we walked, fished and had lovely sundowners on the dam…
Tragically… their dog took a dislike to our tent and woke us at 6am by ripping through the fly sheet… gutted… as you can see, local tailor came to the rescue (sort of)…
Next stop was Liwonde National Park, kind of disappointing on the animal front, but lovely sundowner spot overlooking the river Shire, (can anyone identify this bird for us – it was HUGE)…
Stopped overnight on Zomba Plateau, at a Trout Farm with cute little forest huts… roaring fires all night…
On 1st May we did the final leg on a brand new highway that has been dedicated to an iconic African leader who has been a beacon of light for Africa’s development and democracy…
Arrived at Mt Mulanji (highest mountain in central Africa), just in time for Matt to get some fishing in (and get line stuck)…
Early on 2nd May Bonnie was ready with her war paint to face the mountain…
It was a stunning hike, with breathtaking views… but bloomin hard work. Took 6 and a half steep rocky hours to get up to the CCAP hut (built out of cedar in 1899 so currently on it’s last legs). Bonnie got an early bday pressie to keep her head warm on the mountain and we spent the evening toasty by the fire, and looking forward to seeing a spectacular sunrise on Bonnie’s bday…
hmmm, if the sun rose, we didn’t see it. Woke to heavy mist, which cleared as we walked down the mountain. Hot by the time we reached the bottom, so jumped straight in the river to cool off…
That afternoon, Bonnie got more pressies and in the evening we had the most amazing Stagg Chicken Curry (Yes, Matt managed to get hold of a chicken on the mountain), followed by birthday cake and posh chocs… yum…
Wow, mammoth update! We have been in Lilongwe for a little while now, Matt’s infection returned and he has had a few days of R and R to recover. Tomorrow we’ll head over the border into Zambia, first stop South Luangua National Park. We have loved Malawi, one of our fave countries, but very excited to be seeing somewhere new.
Lots and lots of love
Us xxx
PS. For anyone who is interested, we also visited Nyika Plateau (worth it) and Vwaza Marsh (not worth it), but lost the photos!
posted Wednesday May xxxx