Malawi Under a Microscope

"To visit Malawi is to revisit the grace of a bygone age.  Much of its charm stems from its lack of sophistication, and the fact that it is untainted by the mad rush of progress.  Away from Lilongwe and Blantyre - the two major cities - life goes on much as it has for centuries."   Roy Watts

Its distinctive heart shape only begins to tell the story of why Mumbo Island is rated at the top of the list of the world's 100 most romantic trips by the UK paper, The Guardian.

The Guardian had this to say...

"Mumbo Island, in the middle of Lake Malawi, is a sleepy, jungly hideaway alive with the sounds of wildlife and waves.  You stay in tents - of the sturdy permanent variety with proper beds and uninterrupted views across the water.  Your day goes something like this:  coffee on the veranda, wander across the little wooden walkway to the beach, swim, sunbathe, have lunch, maybe a beer or two, probably a siesta, a potter around the island in kayaks if you can be bothered, dinner, early to bed.  Repeat the following day."

Kayak around Mumbo Island at sunset.  The stable, sea-going klepper kayaks are safe and easy to use and will bring you up close and personal with herons, fish eagles, otters and cichlids.  Take your fins and masks (supplied with the kayak) and stop off en route to snorkel in the uninhabited island's exquisite secluded bays and inlets.

A common phenomenon on Lake Malawi are swarms of "lake flies."  They initially appear like a spiraling smokestack from an old lake steamer.  They usually arrive a week before a new moon, taking flight as they lose their pupal cases.  At Chintheche, there are spectacular sights as the flies are blown onto shore in huge columns, accompanied by thousands of swifts and swallows.  White-winged black terns migrate here especially for this tasty treat.  People also enjoy them.  Rich in protein and calcium, they provide six times as much protein as ox liver.  Oh, and by the way, they don't bite!

Jack's Camp, Botswana

Jack's Camp in the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  When Jack Bousfield came across the site, he was so entranced that he immediately set up camp and was determined to share this magical spot with others.

Jack's is a camp of striking contrasts - moon landscapes and crystal and linen on the dining tables.  Ralph, Jack's son, and his partner, Catherine, have made a magical oasis in this desolate region.  The tents are roomy, the showers are hot, and the furnishings are classic.