Malawi is a land locked country in southeastern Africa.

It is a relatively poor country yet is known as the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ due to the friendliness of its people. That was certainly our experience too.

It is worth noting that there is a material difference between the official and unofficial currency exchange rates. Using the official rate things will feel expensive…so bring US dollars and exchange through local contacts!

We spent two weeks in Malawi, spending the majority of our time around Lake Malawi, which takes up around one third of the country and is the lifeblood of communities living nearby.

Our first stop was in Senga Bay at a lakeside hotel around 30mins drive from Salima town.

Salima has some well named shops…

Driving to the lake provided the opportunity to see so much activity along the roads and villages along the way.

Some of the roads are fine enough and some are amongst the worst we encountered in Africa.

Luckily we decided to hire taxi’s but even when being driven some of the crater fields left us with a little PTSD. It’s all worth the effort but best be prepared…

When you finally get to the lake, it really is quite special.

At Senga Bay Jacqui went on a trek with a local guide who took her to visit his village and she captured these wonderful pictures.

There are so many small boats and fishermen on the lake. Small handmade wooden canoes are used to help stretch out the nets.

Our second stop was in Cape Maclear near Thumbi Island. This was the highlight of our trip, a much more humble lodge but in such a beautiful location.

Our evening sunsets were beautiful and so peaceful next to the lake.

The lake is also referred to as ‘Calendar lake’ due it being 365 miles long, 52 miles wide and fed by 12 rivers!

The little village nearby was very traditional and full of activity.

Below Jacqui hands over her beach bangles to the young girls in their party dresses.

The people here were so kind and welcoming.

Our drive back to Lilongwe, the country’s capital, was equally challenging but the roads got much better as we drove up into the highlands.

Soon enough we approached the outskirts of Lilongwe.

Our visit to Malawi was great, we had a lovely time by the lake.

Its a very safe and friendly place to visit and we really enjoyed our time there.

Next we head to Zambia for 10 days of relaxation before flying back to the UK.

It’s been an eventful 5 and half months travelling across sub-saharan africa. We have seen so much, experienced many safari game drives, encountered outstanding landscapes and been filled with admiration for so many of the people we have met.