Iringa – Chitimba Beach, Malawi
Following our last night in Tanzania, we head through abundant mountain passes, rich grazing land, and banana and tea plantations towards the Songwe border post and into Malawi.
Formerly ‘Lake Nyasa’, Lake Malawi covers almost an entire fifth of the country’s area and provides the source of livelihood for majority of the Malawi people. Fishermen, fish traders, and canoe and net makers all ply their trades here, and a common sight is that of a fisherman in his Bwato (dugout canoe made from hollowed out tree trunk) fishing on the lake at the break of day. The lake has the highest number of endemic freshwater fish species of any in the world.
You are free to enjoy your time on the beach or shop at a large curio market where you can put your bargaining skills to the test purchasing some of Malawi’s famous ornate and carved chairs or do a full day trip to Manchewe Falls – After a 11km hike, you can cool down in the natural bath. If you are up for more of an adventure, you can always hike to Livingstonia – a small village above the lake on the Nyika Plateau. You should be aware beforehand, however, that this hike is a relatively long one (+/- 15kms, or 3 hours one way), but the experience is well worth the effort.
PLEASE NOTE: The crew may make alterations to the published itinerary. Therefore, please treat the Malawi section of the itinerary as a guideline only.
Trip Highlights: Lake Malawi beach, curio market, Livingstonia hike option
Accommodation: Chitimba Beach Camp or similar – Twin share accommodation with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast x2, Lunch x2, Dinner x2
Wi-Fi: Yes
Distance Covered: ± 550kms
Approximate Driving Time: 11 hours
Optional Activities: Livingstonia Day Hike US$10
