I was told to go take a hike...: Malawi: Week 2

On Monday (aka International Labor Day), we took a taxi to Senga Bay, a town on Lake Malawi, to see the lake and have lunch. We took a taxi there and it was about a two hour ride. The drive there was probably the most interesting part of the day because it is fun to see scenery and drive through the villages. We went to one of the hotels in Senga Bay to eat their buffet lunch and walk along the lake. We had perfect weather for our trip but didn’t go in the lake because you can get a parasite from swimming in the water. After two weeks, you get testing and take a anti-parasitic pill but I didn’t want to worry about that, especially considering all you could do is float and splash around. There was a fence separating the locals from the hotel guests (see pic below) to keep the locals from trying to sell things to the tourists on the beach.

On Tuesday, Steph and I took a minibus (think a large van for 18 that they cram 20 or more in) to the market to get some of the local fabric and other things. We got on the bus after they told us to “Get on” and then off when we were told to “Get off” and then on again when we were told to “Get on.” Everyone on the bus thought this was the funniest and they laughed about it the whole 10 minute drive. We got some local fabric, an avocado, and some local crafts and then took the minibus back which was an equally fun experience.

On Wednesday, Steph and I went about an hour outside of Lilongwe to the town of Nkhoma to climb the mountain near it. As soon as we got on the trail heading to the peak, a random dog from a house next to the trail ran to join us. It proceeded to guide us through the hike! I am not kidding about this. The dog would run on ahead and then wait for us to catch up. It went the entire four hours with us and up to the peak. I was thoroughly impressed, even though I got us lost a few times because I thought I knew a better way. I don’t know how the dog knew where we wanted to go but he lead us great. We got a ton of stickers in our clothes because we had to wade through plants 8 feet tall but we thankfully didn’t get any ticks.

Thursday was a low key day as we got ready for our safari this weekend and random things I needed to do but didn’t really want to like laundry and organizing my stuff. This weekend I will be on in Zambia at the South Luangwa National Park for a safari. I will post about it when we get back but I feel as if it will be a highlight of the trip.

Fence dividing the hotel beach from the local beach

Locals out on the lake

Panorama of the beach

Saw some people on touring bikes driving to the lake and they went to the same place we did. I didn't get to talk to them but am adding bike touring to my to do list.