Although Lake Malawi is rather close to Lilongwe, it was only my second time seeing it, due in major part to the fuel shortages we’ve experienced in the past few months. But boy, was it nice. The lake reminds me of the Caribbean Sea. Beautiful beaches, water sports, clean bluish-greenish water. Quite ideal spot… and I’ve only been to Senga Bay, 20 kms from Salima and the closest spot to Lilongwe. I’ve been told that there are way prettier places and spots South and North of Senga Bay…well maybe another time.
Our first night, we stayed at the Wheelhouse Marina campground with a nice secluded and private beach. The kids enjoyed the variety of the beach, as rocks and other natural obstacles provided them with a variety of discovering grounds. The snorkeling gear was also used to spot little fish, clams and whatever else was looming under water.
We had set up the tent, except the tent fly (it is missing…must have been left behind somewhere in Botswana when the boys used in during Christmas break!!!) and were hoping for no rain. Being in the rainy season, I was apprehensive and had told the kids that if it started raining, we would take all pillows and sleeping backs and move to the car! Of course, less than an hour after we all fell asleep, I was awoken with a start by a drizzle, woke everybody and moved all our gear to the car. Again, being the rainy season, I wasn’t sure how long and how heavy the rain would. So, since the rain didn’t stop, I saw no other option than sleeping in the uncomfortably hot car with the window closed (as mosquitoes and malaria are always around at the lake)…quite an uncomfortable night ahead…
That was without counting on the generosity of strangers! A lady and her daughter had rented a cabin right behind our tent, heard the noise we caused, came outside to investigate and could not see us spend the night in the car…. So, they offered us the extra twin size bed in their cabin. Emma, Alex and Ysabelle (Emma’s friend who was spending the weekend with us) slept on the twin size bed, under a mosquito net, while I crashed on the floor, in my sleeping bag, hoping that the OFF would keep mosquitoes at bay for the duration of the night!
The next day, we met up with my colleague Bianca and spent the day at their cottage. They actually have a long-term rental at the lake and rent one out of four cottages on one plot. Other friends of hers rent the other three. Since this was a long 3 day weekend, all cottages were occupied and more friends had even pitch their tents in the yard. Since Lilongwe is a small expat community, I already knew most people there and the children found classmates and school friends to spend the day with.
Oh, what fun they had! Water skying, boat rides, noodle, … plus a braii/bbq in the evening and plenty of sweets! This was a great day for all of us… one that sets the bar REALLY high for the next time we go to the lake. Hopefully the children will have forgotten how great a day in the sun and in the water they had – (like that’s likely to happen)
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| Traditional hollowed tree trunk, used as a flotation device by Lake Malawi Fishermen. They don't sit in it, but rather straddle the boat. |
