The Warm Heart Of Africa

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Food diesel and soft drink shortages, riots and political unrest, Water issues and power cuts. Every day is a challenge; every problem is met with a smile. This is Malawi.

Nothing surprises Malawians anymore, they battle on each day. Described as Africa for beginners, Malawi truly is the warm heart of Africa.

Arriving at a chaotic bus station and waiting 3 hours for a 4 hour bus journey will test anyone’s patients, but witnessing Africans singing together during an uncomfortable bus journey provides a rollercoaster of emotion.

Being the only white face in town attracts a lot of attention. Walking less than 10 minutes between inquisitive conversations is overwhelming, dealing with bus passengers taking it in turn to sit with you and chat is both monotonous and tiring.

One minute you find yourself laughing with the happiest people in the world, next you share grief with strangers for the loss of an orphan due to HIV. This is the rollercoaster of Africa, the poorest continent on earth.

Seeing a woman balancing bricks on her head, witnessing 20 chickens tied to a bicycle. Holding on for your life on a pickup truck, and chuckling to yourself as a village elder comes over to touch your skin.

As a cow and cart passes by, you can’t help stop and stare at a mud hut with solar panels. With a 3 piece suite sitting in the dusty garden, the family lives in a mud hut the size of a bedroom.

When the fuel runs out the locals use bicycles. When the water runs out they drink from the lake. When electricity runs out you hear laughter from locals crowded around the flicker of a paraffin lamp.

As children chase you down the road, others invite you into their home and local community. Children hold your hand while the village leader requests you attend the local football final.

Struggling to kayak Lake Malawi, swimming in tantalizing crystal clear water, catching Bilharzia while snorkeling with colorful fish, and chilling out on powder white beaches, it’s hard to believe you are looking at lake and not the ocean.

From dusty towns to turquoise lakes. From city madness to peaceful mountain retreats. Malawi has everything for an adventure seeking traveler, an absolute gem, hidden in the heart of Africa.

You will never feel so welcomed into a country as you will in Malawi.

Awesome Video Clips Above
More Stunning Photos Below

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Photos

Malawi Children
Kids asking for a photo!

Children Outside Their Home
Kids asking for a photo!

The Old Post Office
Apparently they wanted a new post office so decided to make a hole in the old one!

Kids Posing For A Photo
The children love to see themselves on my SLR Camera.

Me and Mozza the 4x4
Swamped by Children

Andy, Mozza & The Kids
Keeping kids away from our food supplies!

Dont Go Mzungus!
Children Chasing The 4x4

Lake Malawi Beaches
The stunning fresh water beaches of Lake Malawi

Kids in Lake Malawi
Pro: they're using condoms. Con: perhaps the instructions weren't quite clear enough

Comments

[Dancing Dave]

ITS HARD NOT TO LOVE MALAWI
Some of the biggest lows and highs I have had in Africa were in Malawi...one of the friendliest countries...great to see your blog...many memories.

[Slovenian girl]

Hello, hello!
great writing. Couldn't agree with u more - Africa truly is a place full of contradictions - ups and downs...but at the end we all want to go back : ) safe trip and lots of positive energy! Jana

[Susurros somnolientos]

Sounds great!
That's one of the first positive blogs I've read about Malawi, most other ones concentrated on the more negative aspects. Guess one has to go there and make up one's own mind. Cheers, Jens

[Jawso]

Unreal blog!
Unreal blog buddy, sounds like an awesome adventure. Your Malawi experience reminds me so much of my own that I am experiencing now in rural Tanzania. The daily challenges that people go through with nothing more than a smile on their face to get them by is absolutely amazing. Best of luck the rest of the way.