"Where in the world is that?" is the usual response when you talk about Malawi.
Malawi is a landlocked country in southeast Africa, bordering Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique on the east, south and west. Malawi spans over 118,484 km² and has a population of just over 18 million people. An important feature, and major tourist attraction of the country is Lake Malawi, which takes up a huge portion of the country’s surface at about 29,600 square kilometres. It is the fourth largest fresh water lake in the world by volume, and the second deepest in Africa. It is said to have more species of fish than any other lake in the world.
But Malawi is known for more than its lake; it is not for nothing that it is called the warm heart of Africa. Of the more that 20 nations that I visited, Malawi has the friendliest people of all. Despite deep poverty, you will always be greeted with a smile and treated as a friend.
The children in this picture have never seen a TV screen, computer, or any electronic device, yet they are happy and know nothing but joy in life. The ball that they are playing with is concocted together by old T-shirts and twine, but watching them play you would never think they miss a real soccer ball. (Taken from a frame in a video)
The abject poverty in Malawi has no impact on the generosity of it people. They love to share what they have, and do so with great joy. The women in the picture below cooked their meal of goat meat, a sauce of tomato and onion, and corn porridge under the trees over an open fire. I was treated as a guest of honor by handing me the first plate loaded with their best.
Tourism is a major source of income in Malawi, and this is where their skill is showcased. Their crafts are of unusual quality and a true indicator of their creativity. Huge carvings can be seen everywhere, such as these displayed in the restaurant of the hotel where I stayed.
Malawi is blessed with gorgeous weather year round, which made my stay even more enjoyable. The restaurant of the hotel is outside, covered by a canopy of indigenous trees. There is nothing quite like having breakfast outside with the accompaniment of birds singing their morning song. A serving of fresh fruit, locally grown, with eggs and bacon makes a simple meal a lovely memory.
The African people have a skill that is probably unique in the world. You see them walk with heavy baskets loaded with their wares on their heads with no difficulty at all. From bananas to a pail with about 20l of water, nothing seems to be too hard to balance on their heads.
My hotel room had a balcony that overlooked a flea market where all kinds of crafts are sold. Every morning, before most people took to the busy streets, a woman swept both sides of the street for an entire block to keep tings tidy.
Malawi has much to offer at more than reasonable prices. Safari's with experienced coaches, typical African scenery, lush vegetation, all kinds of activities for those who enjoy water sports, and a unique fishing experience, are all part of a trip to this hidden jewel in Africa. Flights to Malawi connect in Nairobi and Johannesburg.
For your next break-away from the hustle and bustle of city life, consider Malawi where life is relaxed, and lived at an easy pace.
