Hotel Omuhipiti Mozambique Island

... and arrive a couple of hours later (just after 2pm). It’s a really cool place, right on the beach (well beach as in lake front, but it's sandy and the lake is so huge you wouldn’t know it wasn't the ocean). Straight away, we get lunch sorted and Kieren tells us about the upgrade options. We all decide to go for it, so us singletons grab the cottage - right on the beachfront with our own bathroom and private beach access ...

... popular spot for backpackers for its relaxing atmosphere nd beautiful bay location on the rocky shores. I stayed at Butterfly Space, run by two British girls, on the edge of the peninsula that has huts and a dorm right on the shoreline and they are involved in a lot of community projects in the area.


I generally spent the mornings walking around town and the afternoons and evenings back at Butterfly reading or hanging out ...

Up early to get to Lake Malawi by lunch. Drive took a little longer than expected and ended up arriving near on 2.

Staying at a place called Kandy Beach which looks lovely. Big sandy campsite with ample shade, hammocks strung up between trees, bar, pool table, tables and chairs overlooking the lake, which is massive and not like any lake I've ever seen. It stretches far and wide making it the last thing you see on the horizon, has a little island just off the ...

... of the country and supports a way of life for millions of Malawi people. Fishing villages, small farms and tourism destinations line the western shore. We drove into Cape Maclear at sunset, witnessing the rippling red,orange and pink sky melt into the silvery lake. Fishing boats and small wooden dugout canoes (typical vessels for Lake Malawi) transporting the fishermen out for the night's work silently silohetted away from land. Our camping spot for the next few nights was on a ...

... the $7 bribe. We thought we were for sure trapped in this tiny town since no buses were going anywhere until morning but we tried our luck at hitching. A huge semi with an extended cab picked us up and drove us 4 hours to Mocuba. It was late and dark and we needed to leave early in the morning so we just stayed at this **** budget hotel (if you could even call it a hotel) across from the bus ...

... comfortable and scenic than the cramped minibus journey down the lakeshore. The Ilala does a circuit north and south along the lake, therefore docking in each of the stops twice a week, going in different directions. It is the main method of transportation for Malawians on the lake, and for some places, one of the only links to the outside world. We planned to take it south from Nkhata Bay to Monkey Bay at the southern tip ...

... Cape McClear) convinced me not to go. Apparently, the touts are very aggressive and if you don't have the patience, they can ruin your time there. Already sick of the vendors in Nhkata Bay, it was an easy decision for me. I will decide tomorrow morning where I will go next.

... the door open so I can see the Lake. I would definitely exercise more if I had a lake right outside my door. It's just nice to look at something pleasant while you're in uncomfortable stretching positions. I am already altering my exercises so they can be more effective. To fight the boredom I was faced with today, I found myself pulling the hairs from my back. Too much informtion? Maybe. I don't have that much hair ...

... of a chicken ****. All I thought about was the boat tipping over and my backpack (along with my passport and money) sinking to the bottom of the Lake. I was glad when we reached land. When we reached Likoma, Erica took charge again and suggested we walk to our accomodations rather than take the free lift.It was a good idea. I can credit Erica for at least the loss of 5 pounds to my frame.She is always up for some hiking.We ...

... I find myself waking up each morning putting on the same white T-shirt and swim trunks. I love my white shirt. I don't know why. The t-shirt is actually never really white. It is pretty black from all the dirt and sweat. But I don't care and the best part is no one else does either. I'll wash it when it starts smelling. It's also quite rare that I comb my hair. I have probably combed my hair twice during my 5 weeks in Africa. It's nice not to give a ...