Party Strip: Cape Maclear

Transcription

1 Malawi s tourism magazine Issue 2 - MARCH 2010 The Rock that does not Move: Mulanje Mountain Party Strip: Cape Maclear The quintessential Africa: Liwonde Park

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3 nali Africa s PERI-PERI Sauce Available in: HOT: gold, hot, mild SPECIALITY: garlic, paprika, ginger, curry masala BRAAI: chicken and steak NOW AVAILABLE IN ALL SHOPRITE SHOPS IN SOUTH AFRICA In the heart of Central Africa, in the shores of Lake Malawi, grows a rare treasure... the Birdseye Chilli. This world s famous chilli is the main ingredient of nali, Malawi s HOTTEST export Enquiries: Nali ltd, Partridge Avenue. P O Box 5767, Limbe tel: +265 (1) nali@africa-online.net

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5 In This Issue Editorial The Rock that does not Move: Mount Mulanje Party Strip: Cape Maclear Malawi s Home Grown Reggae; The Black Missionaries Air Malawi Packages and Schedule Win Win; Responsible Tourism The Quintessential Africa: Liwonde National Park City Life Jewellery from Nature Business Be My Guest is a publication of the Be My Guest partnership group: Publishers Info Joke van Kampen Arjen van de Merwe Tom M mangeni Charlet Communications Capital Printing Press Editor Photo Editor Sales & Distribution Design and Layout Printing For inquiries on advertising: For editorial issues: Write to us at: PO Box E199 bemyguest@africamail.com

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8 Malawi s tourism magazine EDITORIAL Welcome to Be My Guest issue Number two. We wish we could say that our fi rst issue did not suffer from any growing pains, but we cannot. An antilope for instance is a Dutch animal that equals an antelope in the language this magazine happens to be in. More importantly, Carolina s, that lovely lodge on the lake-shore in Sengha Bay does not have shared bad rooms but has quite nice shared bath rooms instead. We furthermore the photograph of the Boadzulu Lodge, was named as the Villa Tafi ka Bar. We apologize. Not withstanding, the magazine was received with approval from many sides. We managed to get the magazine out to South Africa and to Harare where it was distributed to travel agents. That is where the poten al tourist to Malawi will get informa on on all aspects of Malawi. When more issues become available over me, the travel agents can offer their clients an overview from all that is worthwhile visi ng in Malawi. Malawi has a lot of places worth visi ng, all with their own character and specific advantages. However, the whole of Malawi needs promo on. Be My Guest will endeavour to promote Malawi on a regular basis. Meanwhile, beginning with this issue, Be My Guest will be broadly distributed throughout Malawi as well. In coopera on with our adver sers we provide a page of coupons at the end of the magazine. Readers can use these to obtain some discounts here and there. If you are already in Malawi, and while you are browsing through your copy of Be My Guest we would like to draw you a en on to another publica on, The Eye, an invaluable source of informa on on Malawi. The Eye can be obtained for free and provides you with all the phone numbers, addresses and other informa on required for your visit. This issue of Be My Guest is also put on line integrally in order to serve people that are surfing for their next holiday des na on. We hope you will enjoy Be My Guest, issue 2. We will be back within a few months with the third issue of Be My Guest. The Be My Guest team. March

9 Be My Guest seeks to promote tourism to Malawi. In order to do that we will make Be My Guest available to the potential visitors, being the clients of South African travel agencies. So within weeks Be My Guest will be available at: Rennie s with over 100 offi ces all over South Africa; Flight Centre with headquarters in Johannesburg and over 130 additional offi ces; E-travel on Internet but with 50 walk in offi ces in all major cities of South Africa; Harvey World Travel with 130 offi ces. South Africa Airlines will put Be My Guest in all its offi ces and distribute the magazine to Botswana. Be M Guest will be found on board all Air Malawi flights DISTRIBUTION Malawi s tourism magazine March

10 The Rock that does not Move: Mulanje Mountain By: Omega Chanje If green thickets, the sound of flowing water and mountain slopes do it for you, then a visit to a mountain called Mulanje in Malawi is a must for you. Did I mention mystery? Yes, with towering heights and a magical feel about its enclaves, it is little wonder that Tolkien was inspired to write Hobbit after his visit to the mountain in Malawi. For years the mountain has been known to be a place of mystic occurrences. The mountain, situated south of Blantyre, in a rustic town called Mulanje, rises to towering heights of 2,800 meters above sea level, with its highest point called Sapitwa at 3002 above sea level. The undulating plains around the mountain give a sharp visual contrast to

11 the view. It is little wonder that Tolkien was inspired to write Hobbit after his visit to the mountain. Popularly known as Mulanje Massif due to its formation, the mountain sits on the southeast side of the country close to the Mozambican border. What would otherwise seem like a monotonous drive into the country; from Blantyre this trip will take you through vast tea fields that remain green throughout the year. The drive captured my imagination as I recalled the various myths told of the area, which includes that of a rock that would not be moved when road contractors built the road many yeas ago. It figures, the rock was magical and had its own permanent spot. Legend has it that, the contractors diverted the road plan to specifically accommodate the rock in that spot as it remains today. It is called Mwala was Nthunzi; The rock that does not move. As the drive continues, the tea fields become macadamia nut fields, which then become more tea fields, then alas - the mountain, which stands immaculately. This is not just any ordinary mountain, but one that is adorned with cedar trees sporadic to water falls that are visible all around the mountain and plateaux that offer breathtaking views of Mulanje and its surroundings. The fascinating thing about the mountain is that it has many facets to it physically ranging from various routes that are ideal if you are an adventurous hiker, or if you are a photographer looking for your golden mean. An expedition on the mountain is sure to please the professional climber, the amateur walker, even the novelist seeking inspiration. It is a place of peace, wonder and mystery. As I begin the climb, I am amazed at the number of cedar trees the mountain has. The cedar forest is well visible as

12 you view the mountain, but the walk through them, up the mountain offers an even more magical experience. The trees are estimated to be between 200 and 300 years old, but they could have been around for much longer. As I become aware of my own little footsteps finding their way through the cedar trees, up this colossal mountain, I realise how small I am amidst all the vastness. I suddenly think of myself as Frodo Baggins in The Hobbit, as I anticipate the heavens to open up and reveal a magical creature of some sort; I m brought back to the present as the porter continues to speak of the mysteries the mountains holds. According to oral traditions, the plateaux of Mulanje Mountain were inhabited by the Batwa Stone Age hunters and gatherers. I can t help but notice the similarities between the word Batwa (which literally translated is dwarf in the Chichewa language) and Hobbit. As I found out recently, until you wear your hiking gear and commence the hike, one often gets an impression of, oh yes I can conquer this, ; that is of course, before your calf muscles begin to give in and you re running out of breath considering infrequent gym visits. The point being that, everyone could enjoy a trip to the mountain and its surrounds; even if you weren t going to climb, a tour around the tea plantations and pools are just as delightful and relaxing. A casual two hour walk takes us to a thundering torrent The tea fields become macadamia nut fields, which then become more tea fields, then alas - the mountain, which stands immaculately.

13 The air is still and all I hear is the sound of gushing water. It is truly an amazing place. of waterfalls called Dziwe la Nkhalamba. Here, the waterfall has formed a large pool with crystal clear water. I welcome the cooling effect it has on me. The air is still and all I hear is the sound of gushing water. It is truly an amazing place. Amidst the indulgence, I think of what other magical spots the mountain may have and ask the porter, he misunderstands me and tells me of the plight many have gone through by visiting those magical places. Like on most mountains in the world on Mount Mulanje people have gone missing, Some visitors, hiking on their own, have disappeared on the mountain, and the locals strongly believe they angered the spirits and therefore got taken by them. However, authorities strongly advise visitors against hiking on their own as they may get lost. Though a small town, Mulanje offers a sense of wellbeing and is certainly nature at its best. Perhaps owing to its accessibility, the people of Mulanje are friendly folk who have gotten used to being travel guides and are therefore always willing to give directions or offer assistance. A day in Mulanje could start with an early morning hike up one of the many trails. Most paths on the mountain are in good condition and, although quite steep in places, they present few problems for the reasonably fit.

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15 Where to stay? InfoMulanje is a good starting point if you want to visit Mulanje Mountain they make bookings for all accommodation around Mount Mulanje and arrange Department of Forestry and CCAP hut bookings on the mountain. They also organise guides and porters and give trail advice for walks and treks up the mountain. InfoMulanje also assists with day trips to other interesting sights around the base of Mount Mulanje, and even make bookings at local restaurants. They will organize tours to any of the nearby tea-estates, giving more insight into the tea making process, including a factory visit. For more information infomulanje@mountmulanje. org.mw or call Mulanje Veiw Motel offers basic rooms and is located in town, with a view on the mountain. Kara o Mula Country Lodge offers chalets in lush gardens, nice bar with a forest feel because of the use of so much rough wood. Lujeri Lodge, self catering, on a tea estate near the border with Mozambique. Sleeps 10, immaculate beautiful gardens to enjoy. Lujeri Guesthouse, similar gardens, 5 double rooms. Both are only rented out as a whole. Likubula is a good place to start exploring the mountain, the Likubula Forest Lodge offers nice rooms in a building with a great view from the veranda. The other option in Likubula is the CCAP Rest house, chalets with small kitchens, in nice gardens. March

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17 TALK OF THE TOWN Exclusive mens and ladies wear at affordable prices. Blantyre: Shop No 3 & 4 Chayamba Building. Lilongwe: City Mall, Area 9 Tel: (265) Cell: (265) (265) nishenkan@gmail.com

18 For reservations: Phone: 265 (0) Cell: 265 (0) chezmaky@globemw.com Located just minutes from Blantyres District Centre, off Kabula Hill Road, Chez Maky is more than just a place to eat. It is a quiet venue with beautiful views, yet the place to meet friends and make new friends. Host Maky and hostess Axchelle will make you part of the Chez Maky crew immediately, no one remains a stranger. Have a meal, have a drink, linger in the lounge, fire up your laptop and do a little work (globe wifi hotspot), take a cooling dip in the pool.

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20 Jambo Africa Ltd offering Zanzibar Specials from USD1, per person (mid range) for 7 nights / 8 days. Included is Airfares to Dar es Salaam and Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar return, Airport Transfers, Accommodation, meals and at the coast or Stone Town. Depart on a Friday and return on a Friday. Bookings to be made through: bemyguest@africamail.com or jamboafrica@africa-online.net BMG Numbers: Package reference number: BMGJA1 Casa Mia Fine Dining At It s Best Casa Mia is located at the end of Kabula Hill Road. Phone: casamia@africa-online.net

21 Party Strip: Cape Maclear Colourful fish that you can watch while swimming, facilities for every taste and purse, a strip to explore and discover. Cape Maclear has a lot to offer to the visitor. Stunning sunsets being an additional bonus. C ape Maclear used to be one of the more famous hippie hubs in Africa. One of those places where people with a distinctive vague sort of look, would ask you: What year did you say it is? One of those places where there was always someone with a guitar on the beach, one of those places where green and other goodies were always in abundance. Nowadays Cape Maclear has a lot to offer all round, with facilities of all sorts and prices. The official name of the peninsula is Nankumba but Cape Maclear is the name by which this tropical paradise is known to Malawians and tourists alike. 250km north from Blantyre, Cape Maclear is part of Lake Malawi National Park while the main tourist facilities are in or close to Chembe, a fishing village just outside the park March One of those places where people with a distinctive vague sort of look, would ask you: What year did you say it is?

22 Settlement on this side of the lake dates from long ago: It was named Cape Maclear in 1861 by Livingstone borders. Much of the peninsula, the islands and the lake, up to 100 metres off-shore, constitute the National Park, as such being the first ever national park that was set up to protect fresh water fish. For the same reason it is also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Settlement on this side of the lake dates from long ago: It was named Cape Maclear in 1861 by Livingstone (after a friend of the Livingstones, the astronomer Sir Thomas Maclear, residing at Cape of Good Hope). A mission was established in 1875 but the mosquito and tse tse fly once again drove the missionaries away, further up north. In the forties of the twentieth century BOAC (forerunner of British Airways) used Cape Maclear as a stopping point for their flying boats, a short lived service between the UK and South Africa. Substantial money and work has been invested on roads in Malawi of the last few years, so that you may reach Cape Maclear from all sides now over either brand new or well maintained roads. That is, apart from the last 20 km. This still is a corrugated dirt road. For saloon cars this road is always a challenge and is sometimes impassable during the rainy season. Many of the lodges will be able to assist you with transport from Monkey Bay where you can park your car safely providing you contact them beforehand. The facilities at Cape Maclear are many and over the years they have developed. Now there is something for everyone at Cape Maclear, from the backpacker with the small budget to the luxuriously spoiled water sport costumer, looking for luxury and excellent food. The shore of Lake Malawi here is granite, surrounded by the rounded hills. Under water the granite forms an excellent environment for the cichlids, Malawi s famous little colourful fish that end up in aquaria all over the world. Scuba diving is great but not even necessary, snorkelling or even swimming give you a good view of the fish through the crystal clear water, especially if you go to Otter Point at the northern tip of the cape (within the National Park). Boats and other water sport facilities are available at different lodges. Cape Maclear is no exception to Malawi being renowned for its amazing birdlife. In the National Park and also everywhere else at Cape Maclear (what do birds know March

23 about boundaries after all) one will come across cormorants, fish eagles, hamerkops, kingfishers and weavers. Away from the shore there are antelopes and rock hyraxes to be visited but the crocodiles and hippos are not often seen by visitors. For the visitor the best news about Cape Maclear is that it is some sort of a beach strip, unlike other areas at the lake where you need a car to go around. At Cape Maclear one can just walk through the village or on the beach from one place to another, looking for other relaxing souls to have drinks with, play games or organise a barbecue with. But be careful, it somehow feels as if this is one of those places where you could easily settle, forgetting about responsibilities and goals in life. Where you can enjoy yourself till you end up asking a visitor: What year did you say it is? Fat Monkeys is a straightforward, good place to stay in Cape Maclear. The camping site is mainly used by overlanders. There are cottages, double rooms, and dorms at different prices, all good quality for the price. March

24 Now, there is something for everyone at Cape Maclear. A nice beach bar, and a restaurant. Fat Monkeys works in conjunction with local beach boys who offer all sorts of trips for the visitor, thus regulating the branch a bit in order to create a situation in which the visitor gets a great experience and the locals get a reasonable price. Cape Mac Lodge with its good (now all air-conditioned) rooms is most worth visiting for its restaurant named Froggies. Best food on the Cape, no doubt about it. Nice bar with a view of the lake, swimming pool, and curio shop in the same complex. What else could you wish for? Gaia House definitely represents Cape Maclear when it was in its hippie days and represents the better part of that heritage. Cheap, basic, good and clean rooms, right on the beach, a shop where locally made articles are sold. Gecko Lounge, also and old-timer now but always improving. Now with its enlarged restaurant area overlooking the lake, the dorms have been replaced by rooms. Different sizes, different prices. For many people, Gecko is home away from home. rooms on the beach and water sport facilities. And then the new kids on the block: Mgoza Lodge, Tuck Aways and Hick ups. Mgoza lodge has a restaurant on a platform and a series of rooms (some of them still under renovation). This part of the beach is covered with big trees, providing nice shade, in front of the rooms to be able to use the hammocks for a siesta. Tuck Aways, also on the beach (where else), is ads a different facility to it all. Cottages on stilts, made out of bamboo and beautifully furnished, with a balcony, overlooking the lake are quite attractive. Bathrooms are shared. Hick- ups is a quite new brick building in the middle of Main Street. This is the place to be in the late hours, with its well stocked bars inside and outside; courts where you can see that the building is actually built around a tree, and its huge music collection. Hick-ups is also planning to open a restaurant and knowing the owner (who also runs Chinkuni Hills in Liwonde) this will not disappoint you either. At the far end of Main Street one comes across Danford yachting, Cape Maclear s luxury resort. Also expanding. At Danford one is truly pampered (at a price). Numerous water sport activities can be undertaken, from one or more days on its beautiful catamaran yacht, to water skiing, kayaking, diving, and snorkelling. Kayak Africa has also water sport facilities and manages the facilities on Mumbo Island and Dombwe (tented rooms, bookings through Africa Wilderness Safaris), renown as the most romantic spot of Malawi. Chembe Eagle s nest forms the last of the facilities at the other end of the strip from Danford. Great bar, tented

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26 WAMWAI BEACH LODGE Senga Bay We have: Aircon Rooms, Domitory Rooms, Camping, DStv, Water Sports, Scuba Diving, Bar & Restaurant, Parasailing Contact: Backpackers Welcome

27 FIND CHICHIRI SHOPPING MALL FIND CHICHIRI SHOPPING MALL

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29 Malawi s Home Grown Reggae: the Black Missionaries Look into the newspapers to find out where the Black Missionaries, one of Malawi s most popular music groups are playing this weekend, it is worth a visit... It s all about love, says Peter Amidu, bassist with the Black Missionaries. The Black Missionaries are easily the best and most popular reggae group in Malawi. We talk after a successful show in the Warehouse Cultural Centre in Blantyre. The Black Missionaries work a lot. This is the third show this weekend, and that is pretty much the rule for them. And it shows: all that experience has formed them into a tight unit that delivers the music with ease and confidence. Still it is hard work. The instrumentalists back up several vocalists before they start their own music with singer Angilu Fumulani. All compositions of the band themselves, the whole concert sounds like no one else. They operate within a classic roots reggae style, with a personal sound they call Kuimba. The tenor of singer Fumulani is clearly recognisable, and the melodies are catchy. Several of them are sung along by much of the audience. The band is a family group: three brothers, and two cousins. They form a very steady unit. Unlike most of their colleague musicians in Malawi, who heavily rely on studio producers and session musicians for their arrangements, the Blacks play all instruments and create the arrangements themselves. The germ of the group was formed around 2000 when the Fumulani brother, Anjilu, Musamude, and Chizondi got together with their father s keyboard, to play some music. Their father Robert was also a reggae musician, and he encouraged his sons to follow in his footsteps. All this was fun, but the boys were inexperienced, so nothing came of it. Until their cousin Evison Matafale came back from Zimbabwe. He was an experienced musician, and heard talent in the brothers. With Matafale doing lead vocals, things became serious. They started performing, and recorded two albums. I became aware of the Black Missionaries around 2001, through their first hit song Watsetserenka, says Kondwani Kamiyala, music journalist with the Nation newspaper. The lyrics struck me as poetic and rich. Where most of the lyrics I had heard at that time were rather straightforward, here was someone using metaphors, to tell his story. Watsetserenka tells the story of an ant on the edge of a sugar bowl. But watch out for the sweetness: if you fall in you may never get out. It s a metaphor for HIV/Aids. They took Chichewa lyrics to a new level. When Matafale died under somewhat mysterious circumstances, the Blacks went through a difficult time. It seems Still the fan base of the Blacks is not limited to Rasta s, their attraction goes much further. they lacked experience and management skills. Although somewhat active in different line ups, the group seemed to be going nowhere. At some time Musamude Fumulani took over lead vocals, and the band found back their direction. Since then they have recorded 5 more albums, all well received in the Malawian press. Touring again the group shows its commitment to music and showmanship. But again fate struck and Musamude died. To lose a second singer, must have been a terrible blow to the band. Especially when it is such a closely knit family and friends group. But manager Ray Harawa says the opposite: the close community makes it easier to deal with, and easier to carry on. When I ask Musamudes successor and brother Anjilu if it was difficult to take his place, it seems it was only the right thing to do. He d always had aspirations to do lead vocals, from the days the brothers played around with their father s keyboard. Now the time was ripe, and the Black Missionaries had to keep going. Deeply religious, just like Musamude, he keeps getting inspiration from the bible. Reggae is spiritual music and it seems only fitting. When I ask manager Ray Harawa, he confirms: the tight spiritual nature of the group, and the family structure that s so important in African societies pulled the band through the subsequent deaths of two lead singers, and the death of Gift Fumulani, another talented singer in the family, who frequently shared the stage with the Black Missionaries. Also the support of the Malawian Rasta community played a part here. Still the fan base of the Blacks is not limited to Rasta s, their attraction goes much further. At their shows you find a cross section of Malawian youth. Those that can afford a ticket, that is. And the future? Well, they just keep going. Playing shows recording albums, and spreading the message of love and peace. March

30 air malawi NKHWAZI TOURS TOUR PACKAGES 1 2 MOUNTAIN/WILDLIFE AND BEACH 3nights/4days Day1: Arrive at Blantyre airport and transfer to Zomba Plateau, overnight at Kuchawe Inn on dinner, bed and breakfast. Day2: Leave Zomba for Liwonde National Park, game drive and overnight at Mvuu Camp on full board. Day3: After morning boat cruise proceed to SengaBay in Salima with a stopover at Kungoni Cultural Centre, overnight at Livingstonia Beach Hotel on dinner, bed and Breakfast. Day4: After breakfast leave for Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe for your flight. The cost is USD per person sharing on budget accommodation The cost is USD per person sharing on middle accommodation Includes: Return Air ticket; Johannesburg Blantyre / Lilongwe- Johannesburg Accommodation Meals as mentioned in the program (5nights/6days) SOUTH and CENTRAL MALAWI Day1: Arrive in Blantyre and transfer to Majete Game Reserve, gamedrive and overnight on full board. Day2: Leave for Mount Mulanje, hiking and overnight at Kara O Mula Lodge on bed and breakfast. Day3: Depart for Zomba plateau, overnight at Kuchawe Inn on dinner, bed and breakfast. Day4:Leave the mount for Liwonde National Park, game drive and overnight at Mvuu Camp on full board. Day5: Leave Liwonde for Salima with a stopover at Kungoni Cultural Centre, overnight at Livingstonia Beach Hotel on dinner, bed and breakfast. Day6: Leave for Kamuzu International Airport. The cost is USD per person sharing on budget accommodation The cost is USD per person sharing on middle accommodation Excludes : All taxes All expenses of personal in nature i.e. tip for taxi driver, and or Hotel staff, drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc. All meals not mentioned in the package.

31 From: Blantyre to Lilongwe air malawi TIME TABLE WINTER 2009 effective 7th February Until 27th March 2010 From: Johannesburg to Lilongwe Flight Nbr. Su M T W T F S Dept. Arr. S/O QM 002 Q 6:00 6:50 QM 201 Q 6:00 6:35 QM 201 Q Q Q Q 8:00 8:35 QM 6204 Q 8:00 8:50 QM 6204 Q 14:40 15:20 QM 016 Q 15:30 16:20 QM 016 Q Q Q Q 16:30 17:20 QM 018 Q 17:30 18:10 From: Lilongwe to Blantyre Flight Nbr. Su M T W T F S Dept. Arr. S/O QM 001 Q 6:30 7:20 QM 181 Q 6:30 7:20 QM 141 Q 7:00 7:50 QM 141 Q 7:00 7:50 QM 181 Q 7:20 8:10 QM 141 Q 10:20 11:00 QM141 Q 11:00 11:50 QM015 Q 13:30 14:10 QM015 Q Q 15:20 16:00 QM017 Q Q 16:00 16:35 QM017 Q 16:20 17:00 QM017 Q 16:50 17:40 From: Blantyre to Dar-es-Salaam Flight Nbr. Su M T W T F S Dept. Arr. S/O QM6204 Q 8:00 13:00 1 QM6204 Q 14:40 19:20 1 From: Dar-es-Salaam to Blantyre Flight Nbr. Su M T W T F S Dept. Arr. S/O QM6203/141 Q 8:00 11:00 1 QM6203 Q 13:30 17:00 1 From: Lilongwe to Dar-es-Salaam Flight Nbr. Su M T W T F S Dept. Arr. S/O QM6204 Q 9:20 13:00 QM6204 Q 15:40 19:20 From: Dar-es-Salaam to Lilongwe Flight Nbr. Su M T W T F S Dept. Arr. S/O QM6203 Q 8:00 9:30 QM6203 Q 13:30 15:20 From: Blantyre to Johannesburg Flight Nbr. Su M T W T F S Dept. Arr. S/O QM201 Q 6:00 9:10 1 QM 201 Q Q Q Q 8:00 11:25 1 QM 201 Q 8:00 10:10 QM 201 Q 9:00 11:40 From: Johannesburg to Blantyre Flight Nbr. Su M T W T F S Dept. Arr. S/O QM202 Q Q Q Q 12:25 14:35 QM202/017 Q Q 12:25 16:35 1 QM204 Q 15:00 17:10 From: Lilongwe to Johannesburg Flight Nbr. Su M T W T F S Dept. Arr. S/O QM 001/201 Q 6:30 10:10 1 QM201 Q 7:00 9:10 QM181/201 Q 7:20 11:10 1 QM201 Q Q Q Q 9:05 11:25 Key: Dept: Departure Arr: Arrival S/O: Stop Over Flight Nbr. Su M T W T F S Dept. Arr. S/O QM202/016 Q Q 12:25 17:20 1 QM202/018 Q 12:25 18:10 1 QM202 Q Q 12:25 14:45 From: Blantyre to Harare Flight Nbr. Su M T W T F S Dept. Arr. S/O QM141 Q 8:10 9:30 QM141 Q 11:30 12:50 QM141 Q 12:20 13:40 From: Harare to Blantyre Flight Nbr. Su M T W T F S Dept. Arr. S/O QM142/015 Q 10:30 16:00 1 QM142/015 Q 13:20 16:10 1 QM142 Q 14:20 15:40 From: Lilongwe to Harare Flight Nbr. Su M T W T F S Dept. Arr. S/O QM141 Q 7:00 9:30 1 QM141 Q 10:20 12:50 1 QM141 Q 11:00 13:40 From: Harare to Lilongwe Flight Nbr. Su M T W T F S Dept. Arr. S/O QM142 Q 10:30 11:50 QM142 Q 13:20 14:40 QM142/016 Q 14:20 17:20 1 From: Lilongwe to Lusaka Flight Nbr. Su M T W T F S Dept. Arr. S/O QM181 Q 6:30 9:10 1 QM181 Q 7:20 10:30 1 From: Blantyre to Lusaka Flight Nbr. Su M T W T F S Dept. Arr. S/O QM181 Q 7:40 9:10 QM181 Q 8:40 10:30 From: Blantyre to Lusaka Flight Nbr. Su M T W T F S Dept. Arr. S/O QM181 Q 7:40 9:10 QM181 Q 8:40 10:30 From: Lusaka to Blantyre Flight Nbr. Su M T W T F S Dept. Arr. S/O QM182/015 Q 9:40 14:10 1 QM182 Q 11:00 12:50 Contacts: Blantyre Tel +265 (0) , , Lilongwe Tel +265 (0) / / Mzuzu Tel +265 (0) / 801 Club Makokola Tel +265 (0) South Africa, Johannesburg, Tel +27 (0) / Kenya, Nairobi Tel +254 (0) Zambia, Lusaka Tel +260 (0) / 121 / 123 Zimbabwe, HarareTel +263 (0) , Air Malawi General Sales Agents: Dar es salaam, HATS +255 (0) /2043 London, High Class Travel and Tours, +44 (0) USA- SITA Group Chicago. +1 (0) Taipei, Taiwan- Sky Express:

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35 WIN WIN, Responsible Tourism Tourism is affecting the environment and the local communities; there is no doubt about it. And there are no easy answers. But many tourist operators make their operations environmentally sound and set up projects for the benefit of the local community. Climate change (and long before we had ever heard that concept, the environment) is being affected by tourism. Travelling in whatever form or shape costs energy. All too often local communities, their habits and ways are uprooted by the influx of big numbers of tourists with their money, their camera s and their different habits. There are no easy answers. But there are efforts in many places in Malawi, carried out by bigger companies as well as individual lodge owners to maximize the benefit to local communities from tourism and to minimize the damaging effects to local structures, cultures, and the environment. Mvuu lodge, in Liwonde National Park, leased to Africa Wilderness by the Malawian Government, is one of the examples of a company that tries to contribute to a healthy environment and to minimise its carbon foot- March

36 print. And it must be said, that this is not an easy operation in a National Park where goods can only be brought by boat for 7 months a year, where there is no connection to the national electricity grid, no piped water, no disposal either. It is pioneering as well; Mvuu invented a whole series of measures completely based upon the local conditions and on locally available materials.... giving children the possibility to enjoy, value and experience the wilderness... There is always tension between local communities, living at the edge of (or actually in) national parks and commercial operators using the park to attract visitors. But besides that tension, Mvuu tries its best to get it right. Most people working at Mvuu are from that area, trained either on the spot or facilitated by Africa Wilderness Safaris. The vegetables used in the Lodge s great food are bought from the local population. Furthermore, Africa Wilderness Safaris has an international program called Children in the Wilderness, allowing children the possibility to enjoy value and appreciate the wilderness in which they live. The program facilitates week long projects during which orphans and other disadvantaged children are hosted at Mvuu camp. Three of Mvuu s employees were inspired by this program and set March

37 up a project to develop a traditional rural school into a substantial and well equipped primary school. The program aimed at raising the awareness of children on the importance and relevance of wild life and nature, and to introduce them to the pleasure and usefulness of environmentally sound behaviour. At the lodge itself, Mvuu, since the 1 January 2010 has organised a so-called back of the house tour where visitors are introduced to the ins and outs of running an environmentally sound operation. Electricity is generated by solar panels. The electricity going into batteries provides light at night in addition to generators. Solar geysers provide hot water. The sewage system is an ingenious invention. The waste goes through pipes into a series of basins. This waste is bio degradable and without any addition of chemicals, gets cleaned by the plants in the connected basins. It is called biologically sewage purification and it works. The basins are located in the park; no odour gives away its real content. At the last basin often game can be found drinking the water. In 2005, at Cape MacLear a group of tourist entrepreneurs discovered that although the Chembe village is right on the lake side, most of its inhabitants do not have access to safe water. A project was set up in which water from the lake is being purified. First the water is filtered to remove the particles; UV light is then used to clean the water free of germs. Through a system of pipes the water goes into a water tower and from there leading to a series of taps in the village. Now, the project provides 4000 people with clean water, substantially reducing diarrhoea among the children. The sewage system is an ingenious invention. The waste goes through pipes into a series of basins. This waste is bio degradable and without any addition of chemicals, gets cleaned by the plants in the connected basins. March

38 SUNBIRD Home of Hospitality

39 The quintessential Africa Liwonde National Park is a must for the visitors to Malawi. Liwonde national park is relatively small but the atmosphere is unique and its position on the Shire River makes for game viewing from the water which is a special experience and the animals are in abundance. Liwonde National Park is a must for the visitors to Malawi. It is only an hour drive from Zomba, the entrance to the park is just outside Liwonde town, a bustling little town, with a market and woodcrafts everywhere. The terrain is largely part of the flood plain of the Shire River. Close to the river are swamp areas, further inland there is mopane woodland and grassland with Palm trees along the riverside. This type of mixed vegetation is renowned for its capacity to regenerate, which makes it healthier every year. Wild flowers are everywhere, changing March with the seasons. During the rains, ground orchids and lilies in all colours can be found, during the dry season the Impala Lilly flowers in bright pink. There is a huge elephant population in Liwonde, in fact there are so many that in the last two years groups of elephants have been transferred to Majete Park in the South of Malawi. The park is evenly crowded with hippos of all ages and sizes. Warthogs, sable antelopes, bushbuck, kudu s, crocodile, wildebeest, and buffalo s are seen at

40 almost every safari, including the vervet monkeys that will come visit you. Hyena s, more heard than seen and huge baboons are also inhabitants of Liwonde Park. The black rhino has been reintroduced to Liwonde, they live in a huge enclosure and are reproducing. Development projects in the communities living close to the park and policing have brought poaching under control to a large extend. The annual mammal count, carried out by volunteers each October shows bigger populations each year. For birds, Liwonde has no equal in Malawi and in Africa with over 400 species recorded, their numbers being as impressive as the variety. Fish Eagles, cormorants, herons and hamerkops, sunbirds and bee-eaters will all be seen while having a drink in one of the lodges. The big attraction of Liwonde are the river safari s that can be organised by all the lodges in the park. Especially in the dry months when all the animals come to the river to drink, a close encounter with many animals is possible and likely. You can drive with your own car in Liwonde Park but the roads are only accessible for a four wheel drive and in practice only during the dry season. Just outside the park is the Hippo View Lodge, a big hotel situated in lush rose gardens, with a restaurant and a bar at the river side. The Hippo View is recently renovated The annual mammal count, carried out by volunteers each October shows bigger populations each year. March

41 and houses many conferences and workshops since it has excellent facilities for large groups. Within the park there are two places to stay: Chinguni Hills and Mvuu Lodge. Chinguni Hills lies in a valley in the Chinguni Hills, just 5 km into the park from the main gate near Liwonde town. This road is good in all weather conditions. The views from the elevated lodge and the camp site are spectacular. Chinguni has rooms in the main lodge, and a large camping site with tented rooms, A frames and large outside sitting areas. There is also a dormitory. This is a place for every purse with a very good restaurant. A place to meet people as well, Malawians, South Africans, Europeans, Americans, and people from many more places on the planet find their way to The big attraction of Liwonde is the river safari s that can be organised by all the lodges in the park. Chinguni to chat around the fire in the evenings. Chinguni organises walks, boat safari s and drives both during the day and in the evening. There is a large collection of books on animals and flora in the lodge to determine what you have been seeing or are seeing while seated on of the decks. The other accommodation in the park is Mvuu Lodge and Camp. This is luxury safari place, split up in two parts. Mvuu camp has tented rooms, most of them with a view on the river, a small veranda and bath rooms made out of natural materials. The roofed restaurant provides a view on the river as well; the food here is a tasty and abundant affair. Two large buffet meals per day might seem quite over the top but the wilderness makes hungry. Mvuu organises boat safaris, walks and drives and has very knowledgeable guides who have something to offer to even the most experienced wild life viewer. A sun downer safari, nipping a Malawi gin and tonic seeing the hippos and crocodiles at very close quarters is indeed an experience which no one will easily forget. Close by but different is Mvuu lodge, an even more luxurious complex. Four tented with twin beds, all en suite, a dining room with a view on a waterhole, books, umbrella s and viewers at hand, not much is left to coincidence here to make you stay a very, very pleasant one. A small balcony attached to each tent overlooks the lagoon where animals come to drink. A swimming pool compliments the facilities. Mvuu can be reached by car but generally only in March

42 the dry season. In any case it is wise to call Mvuu before you take off to inquire about the condition of the road. Mvuu offers boat trips to the Camp and Lodge, starting from the barrage in Liwonde (called the Kamuzu Barrage). The barrage controls the flow of water down into the Lower Shire River and contributes to the water level of Lake Malawi. Unfortunately a constant effort is needed to control the growth of water hyacinths which are everywhere in the river. This is a 45 minute trip with stunning views and already many animals. There is a safe car park at the Hippo View Lodge where the boat leaves. Mvuu is owned and managed by African Wilderness Safari s and bookings can be made both in Lilongwe and in Blantyre at the Wilderness Safari offices. Wilderness offers packages that include accommodation, the boat trip to and from Mvuu, safaris and food. As said before, visiting Malawi and missing Liwonde is, well, it is denying yourself something very special and as African as Africa goes.

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44 C D H FOREX NOW IN LILONGWE at City Mall (Mchinji round-about) next to Mr Price Investments Asset Management Forex Stockbroking Financial Advisory Diversity in Financial Solitions

45 City Life Yeah, we know. Malawi is a through and through rural society, 85% of its population lives in the country side (and are small holder farmers). But does that mean that we do not have a vibrant city life? By no means. Complete with bustling nightclubs, designer shops, great restaurants and many other facility that appeal to tourists. Hey, Malawi s cities can compete with other well known destinations, especially if you know where to go. This regular feature will show where to go in both Blantyre and Lilongwe and in upcoming issues in Zomba and Mzuzu. Lilongwe is the official capital of Malawi, having displaced Zomba (the colonial capital) in However since about 1997 Government has sat in Lilongwe, Zomba and Blantyre (the judicial capital and largest city in Malawi). The city of Lilongwe still seems to be somewhat surprised by being a capital and having all those of tall buildings, luxurious residencies and visitors facilities, restaurants, hotels, shops. Like many an African city it suffers from dust and chaos but this chaos is friendly and amusing and the city enjoys a mild climate year round. Ishq. Amazing design work, made from fallen trees. No tree will be cut down for this robust art work. Yasmin is the owner of the shop and the designer: The tree tells what it should be she says. Although this might sound rather vague or new age to many, if you have a look at the products it seems strangely accurate to put it that way. Every article is of international quality but although most of them are far too big to even think about carrying home, there is a whole cabinet of things that you could (and should) take home. Located in the Four Seasons complex. March

46 Things of Africa, does justice to its name. The owners have the uncanny ability to acquire items from all over Southern Africa. The shop, while cramped, is a treasure trove of items, some seemingly no as tasteful as others. There is enough to keep you looking for a few hours (your eyes need to get used to the amount of things and it takes time to pick out the real good stuff). And there is soooo much. Your one- stop souvenir shop, no matter whether you are shopping for yourselves, or to purchase souvenirs for your entire family or for colleagues, friends and bosses. Madidi Lodge, is different. There is no shortage of accommodation in Lilongwe (although surprisingly enough it takes sometimes substantial time and efforts to find a bed since everything is fully booked at times). Madidi has big rooms, nicely decorated, provided a good breakfast in the courtyard, and has a well stocked bar. It is conveniently located behind the Cross Roads complex. What else? O yeah, friendly owners, a good conference room and a reasonable price. Al Fresco, relatively new and Italian. As Italian as it gets in Malawi. A nicely decorated place, with a courtyard and everything that you would expect -great salads, good pizzas, pasta, and home made ice cream, espresso, and cappuccino. Nicely located at Bisnowathy complex where you can also find good food stuff at Foodworth. Al Fresco has a great ambiance and a nice vibe, with the little funny details of the wall paintings incorporating real wire. Great home made cookies are available. Always busy, which contributes to that feeling of being where the action is. March

47 Blantyre is distinctively different from Lilongwe. It is actually more the metropolis city than many other African cities with its Victoria Street being the commercial hub (with all the banks and shops), with the Mount Soche hotel, Ryall s hotel and a series of restaurants all in the same locality. Key words for Blantyre? Commerce, people, traffic. Blantyre is named after the small town in Scotland where Livingstone was born and even today, mail for Blantyre citizens can and does end up in Scotland every now and then. It is the oldest European settlement in Malawi. Blantyre is the oldest European settlement in Malawi and was named after David Livingstone s Scottish birthplace. Mail addressed to Blantyre (Malawi) citizens on occasion still ends up in Blantyre Scotland. St Michael and All Angels Church: Really worth a visit, especially for its stained-glass windows. This is the second oldest building in town (yes built by the Scottish missionaries), Mandala House being the oldest one. It is located off Chileka road, just past the Wenela Bus Station where a sign states National Monument (opposite the Grace Bandawe conference centre). David Clement Scott, the missionary responsible for its construction had no experience or skills in building and architecture -a miracle that the thing still stands. It seems that he learned the art of brick work on the job which he passed on to his workers. Martin s: Best local food, without a doubt. Martin is the father of the present owner (Veronica). Their first venue was in Limbe. Now located in the heart of Blantyre, opposite the entrance of the Ryall s Hotel, one cannot give it enough praise. Try the chicken curry with chips. Cosy environment with murals, friendly staff. The philosophy, we have been told, is good food with no fringes. Indeed. March

48 DreamCraft, The only real jewellery shop in Blantyre. They sell a lot of stones, both precious and semi precious and design jewellery in any metal you desire. They do custom jewellery work. Definitely the place to go if you choose to take the friendship with that lovely person you have met to the next level. DreamCraft also do work in semi- precious stones that are found at locations in Malawi. Buy them at the place where they are found, and have DreamCraft do the design work and setting. NB; there are local regulations regarding the export of stones. Twiga Lounge, dance the night away in an environment that is, well is it hot or is it cool? Probably both. The truth is that the Twiga Lounge is definitely the place to chill out at the weekend.they have the best stocked bar in Blantyre, in addition to all sorts of really unhealthy cocktails if you drink too many of them. Lady s nights on Wednesdays, sports on the big TV screens bring out the soccer fans, especially of course when Malawi is featured as in the recent African Cup of Nations (for the first time in 25 years). Dj s play a wide variety and the latest in music. They are open late. March

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50 DON BRIONI S

51 ENJOY AFRICA THE WAY WE DO NYASSA Air Taxi We are a small and exclusive operator providing safe and reliable charter since 1992, seat rate and fl y-in safari services to a variety of destinations around Malawi and its neighbouring countries. Exclusive fl y-in safaris with attention to detail are our speciality. Primarily, our itineraries include unspoiled wildlife areas, game parks and romantic island getaways. Reservations: sales@nyassa.mw Tel: Fax: Operations: / Pilot (Flight Operations) Address: PO Box 1527, Lilongwe / Malawi Plot 47/5/348, Mbabvi Rd, Lilongwe web site:

52 Jewellery from Nature Seeds, beans, pieces of wood, and many other things that are falling of trees, are being used in Malawi to make beautiful jewellery, necklaces, bracelets, earrings etc. The artisticity of the products comes with the combination of different sizes and the combination of the different colours of the materials. Just because these are all materials found in nature, the colours are in essence Malawian. Many different groups make the jewellery, there is a women s group close to MUA missions where the jewellery is sold in the shop close to the museum. There is another group in Mangochi and there are many individuals, in the streets of Lilongwe and Blantyre as well as at beach locations. Some groups have started to paint the natural materials taking away the natural Malawian of this jewellery but adding artistic quality instead. All the pieces are cheap, to make it something standing out, you want to combine a lot of different pieces to be put on together. They go together with T-shirts as March

53 well as with a fine evening dress. Somewhere on the beach we found George who is offering a wide range of necklaces. George: I made the first one for the woman who was my girl friend at that time. She is now my wife; she works at one of the lodges and guests were asking her where she had found that necklace. I go early in the morning into the forest near by, but I also look at the fruit trees and other crops that have things that I can use. Some of them I can use directly, others I lay to dry in the sun. Now, half of my family is involved in producing the jewellery. Have a look and obtain your own large set of Malawian jewellery from nature. March

54 photo contest THE ESSENCE OF MALAWI Readers, we d like to hear from you. Or rather see from you. Be My Guest organises a photo contest on visitor s experiences in Malawi. What is the essence of Malawi for you? Is it the lake, is it the mountains, is it the people? Everyone will have a different idea. Show us, and we show it to all readers. Send us your best photo on the theme: the essence of Malawi. The best photo will be published in Be My Guest and will be rewarded with a packet with some of the jewellery from nature you see featured in this issue of Be My Guest. Here s how to enter: simply send your best photo of the essence of Malawi to: bemyguest@africamail.com Do not forget to add your contact details. Terms: This Be My Guest photo contest starts at the issue of this magazine, the deadline for sending in photographs is April Each contestant agrees to the rules of the contest and states that they are 18 years old and older. Everybody ages 18 and over except for individuals affiliated with Be My Guest Magazine, including the contest jury and their immediate families (children, siblings and spouses) and others living in their households are eligible. For a photo in which a person is recognizable, you must secure a model release from the subject or, in the case of a minor, the subject s parent or guardian and provide it to Be My Guest upon request. Photos that violate or infringe upon another person s copyright are not eligible. Please submit photographs on-line through our at bemyguest@africamail.com. Submit no more than three(3) photographs per contestant. Photographs must be in a.jpeg,.jpg or.gif format. Files submitted may not be larger than 1,024k (1Mb). By entering the contest, entrants grant Be My Guest a royalty-free, non-exclusive license to display, distribute, and reproduce the entries, in whole or in part, in Be My Guest Magazine and its web site. Any photograph reproduced will include a photographer credit. Be My Guest Magazine will not be required to pay any additional consideration or seek any additional approval in connection with such uses. Judging will be conducted by the editors of Be My Guest. Winning photographs and selected finalists will be published in the May 2010 issue of Be My Guest. Decisions of the judges will be final. Please do not contact us about the status of entries. The contest is void where prohibited or restricted by law. Be My Guest magazine reserves the right to cancel the contest or modify these rules at its discretion. Decisions of Be My Guest magazine will be final. March

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56 Malawi s tourism magazine Issue 2 - MARCH 2010 Issue 2 MARCH 2010 Issue 2 MARCH 2010 Malawi s tourism magazine Issue 2 - MARCH 2010 Malawi s tourism magazine Issue 2 - MARCH 2010 Issue 2 MARCH 2010 Issue 2 MARCH 2010 Malawi s tourism magazine Issue 2 - MARCH 2010 Malawi s tourism magazine Issue 2 - MARCH 2010 Issue 2 MARCH 2010 Issue 2 MARCH 2010 Malawi s tourism magazine Issue 2 - MARCH 2010 Malawi s tourism magazine Issue 2 - MARCH 2010 Malawi s tourism magazine Issue 2 MARCH 2010 Issue 2 MARCH 2010 Issue 2 - MARCH 2010 Malawi s tourism magazine Issue 2 - MARCH 2010 Issue 2 MARCH 2010 Issue 2 MARCH 2010 Malawi s tourism magazine Issue 2 - MARCH 2010

57 Malawi s tourism magazine BE MY GUEST is a magazine aimed at contributing to the growth of the tourism industry of Malawi. It will be published 4 times a year and distributed in a circulation of 7000 copies for free to: Relevant tourism operators in South Africa and elsewhere Lodges, hotels and other tourist destinations in Malawi to be distributed to the rooms. Tourism in Malawi has potential that not has been used to the full. One of the reasons for that is that potential clients and markets do not have any material available to attract clients to visit Malawi. Be My Guest intends to fill that gap by making material on Malawi and the possibilities in Malawi available to potential visitors: first and foremost the clients of South African tour and travel organisers. Be My Guest is being published by an international partnership where Malawian creativity and skills and international experience and perspective has been brought together in order to guaranty a high quality product. The editorial content will pay attention to everything that is of interest to the potential visitor: Accommodation in Malawi Food in Malawi Nature and environment Culture Adventure tourism, sports Lake Malawi Travelling in Malawi Social issues BUSINESS All stakeholders will get the opportunity to advertise their strengths to potential clients both in paid advertisement and in editorial reviews. Be My Guest will start with 48 pages and grow towards 64 pages within the first year. Advertising tariffs are: Full page MK 200, Half page MK 100, March

58 GOLD CARD EXECUTIVE LODGE Your happiness is our pleasure Gold Card Executive Lodge boasts of one of Malawi s finest chefs who is experienced in preparing the very best in terms of traditional meals as well as English and Chinese cuisine (at your request). A perfect destination where business meets pleasure, situated in the up market suburb of Namiwawa. Namiwawa, Off Ring Rd, Mombo Rd, P. O. Box 939. Blantyre, Malawi Tel: /299 Cell: / Fax: Website:

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