Malawi-22nd June

Malawi – Nkopola Lodge (Friday 22^nd June)

Camping under trees at Nkopola

Sunrise from campsite

We have reached destination. Yeah!! This feels like heaven, hot water showers, flushing toilets and electricity all day. Yes, you heard right, the kids can’t believe it. We are camped under the trees on grass and are right next to the waters edge. The water is colder than in Mozambique but is still warmer than Durban. We are the only ones here and the staff has been so helpful. George the caretaker has made us a new step for the motorhome at a small cost of R60 (2000 kwacha). For R30 (R1000 kwacha), two of the maintenance staff gave the outside of the motorhome a much needed  clean of all the sand and branches we had gathered on the way. They all work with such happy hearts and are a real pleasure to meet.  We have left Portuguese behind us and are now trying to learn the basics of Chichewe. Our bundle at the moment is, “zinkomo kwambiri,” which means thank you. I am astounded by how many of the locals can speak English or attempt to try. Aimee calls it kwach language.

We walked along the shore to the lodge this morning to the lodge and spent the morning at the pool, catching up on e-mails and swimming in the lake. We have decided to adopt the attitude of swim now  and take the common bilharzia tablet after

Waterpolo in Lake

Locals on a Saturday near campsite

We had lunch at the lodge while planning our proposed route and the kids played on the beach.

Netball Aimee style

Planning our route

In the afternoon we stayed at the campsite, pottering around and being entertained by the locals on the beach in front as their music got louder and their spirits got higher.

Sunday 24th June

This morning we went for a guided tour with Robert through the local village. We went to see some of the carving workshops and baobab forest. They are trying to cultivate their own ebony trees which will hopefully be ready for harvesting in 15 years. We then headed to the pool at the lodge to have a swim and this is where we are updating the blog, e-mailing and making payments. On to Cape MacLear tomorrow so hopefully will have wi-fi connection there.

Malawi – Fat Monkey’s (Monday 25^th June & Tuesday 26^th June)

We arrived at Fat Monkey’s in Cape MacLear on Monday morning after a very easy drive from Nkopola Lodge. We are parked in the parking lot as there are low hanging trees in the camping area. It is really beautiful here, we walked along the beach to Kayak Africa to confirm our trip over to Mumbo Island on Thursday and Friday. You are very much part of the village here as on either side of the campsite are locals and anywhere you walk to the left or right, you will be greeted by very friendly children. We had a supper at the restaurant here last night and had a lovely meal with spectacular views.

Sunset from Fat Monkey’s

We met up with Harry, a local tour guide and have organized to go to Thumbe Island, the closest to Fat Monkey’s on Wednesday morning for some snorkelling and fish eagle watching.
Tuesday 26^th June

This morning the kids had some fun, “negotioating,” with the locals for some gifts and after that we headed over to Chembe Eagles Nest, which is about 2km away from Fat Monkey’s, to look at the other camping on offer here. Bryce & Mitch paddleboarded over and Grant, Aimee  & I paddled in the orange boat.

Bryce's new chess board

Negotiating with locals

Bryce & Mitch paddleboarding

Kids playing in Lake in front of Chembe Eagles Nest

Bryce & Mitch wrestling in Lake

We had some lunch & coldrinks on that side & explored a bit before heading back to Fat Monkey’s.

Lauren & Aimee paddleboarding

Bryce paddling back to Fat Monkey’s

We have all been having a very peaceful, relaxing time here. The staff is friendly and the kids are enjoying the trampoline, swings and very big swimming pool i.e.The Lake.

The kids have all just headed off for a paddle and to do some of their own fishing and snorkelling. We are watching from the sundowner spot.

Wednesday 27th June

Today we went with Harry and Blessings on a boat trip over to Thumbi Island. The boat is in the background. Harry had brought some fish with him to feed the fish eagles. This was an amazing experience, you watch as they call the fish eagle, they circle overhead and next thing they have grabbed the fish from just in front of you.

Once we got to our snorkelling spot, "Three anchor Bay," you climb out onto this huge flat rock where you can snorkel to your hearts content. The colours of these little fish have to be seen to be believed.

We took some stale bread with us and you hold it in your hand and the fish nibble at it. Amazing! On the way back to Fat Monkeys Mitch and Aimee got a chance to steer the boat .

We are all very excited for our Kayak Africa trip to Mumbo Island tomorrow. We will be leaving the truck in the carpark at Fat Monkeys and will be on the island for Thursday & Friday night. I will try and post some photos on Saturday evening.

Kayak Africa reception