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Malawi News
July 2014
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It was an exciting beginning to the month, when Malawi celebrated 50 years independence on the 06July 2014, along with the International Sailing Marathon event that took place on Lake Malawi from the 27June – 04July. Chintheche Inn had the privilege of hosting over 70 Sailing Marathon sailors and supporters, as well as holiday makers who took advantage of the long weekend. This was a busy weekend for the Chintheche Inn Team and a great success.
Meanwhile the sighting of large herds of elephants and buffalo at Liwonde National Park have left guests mesmerized. The Nyika Plateau remains the coldest part of Malawi with the frequent sightings of leopard, while the hikers take advantage of the dry months, as these prove to be the best time to enjoy the breath-taking scenery and landscapes of the Nyika during the Livingstonia Hike.
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Mvuu Lodge & Camp
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Weather / Landscape – As winter settles in, more and more trees shed their leaves, and the grasses are drying up. Early mornings are still cold and misty, followed by warm sunny days. Liwonde experienced a few drizzles in the middle of July, however the rainy season is months away. Keep your jackets and boots on in the evenings as the temperatures drop especially during a night safari.
Wildlife - A breathtaking sight of a happy herd of elephants was spotted in the Shire River, over 50 of them splashing in merriness. The Black Rhino have frequently been spotted within the Sanctuary, along with buffalo. Herds of zebra, eland, the handsome sable, kudu and impala never disappoint our wildlife fanatics. The night safari drives spotted White-tailed Mongoose, Bush babies, African Civet and Side-striped Jackal.
Birds and Birding - Pel's Fishing Owls were very common in July. Birding continues to be an exciting experience, with frequent sightings of the Goliath Herons, Spoonbills, Great White Pelicans, Greater Painted-snipes, Western Banded Snake Eagles, Martial Eagle, Little Sparrowhawk, Purple-crested Turaco, Spotted Eagle Owl, Saddle-billed Stork, Grey-headed Parrots, Malachite Kingfishers and an unusual display of the African Skimmers flying low on the Shire river.
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Other news - Guess who’s coming to dinner? Mvuu Lodge and Chelinda Lodge had the privilege and honour of hosting Award winning restaurateur and judge of MasterChef South Africa, Celebrity Chef Reuben Riffel this month, during the Landrover Expedition 2014 from Cape Town to Dar Es Salaam. We were humbled in his presence and received some great feedback on our culinary skills at the Lodges, giving Hussein’s dinner menu, a ’10 out of 10’, a succulent Fillet of Beef with Potato Croquettes, Seasonal Vegetables and Balsamic Vinaigrette. A great thank you to our Mvuu Lodge and Chelinda Lodge Team for making his visit a success!
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Guest Feedback -
“This is my 5th stay at Mvuu and every time has been excellent. Always bring my family when I come. The guides were pleasant and knowledgeable – patiently answering kid’s questions! Lovely people, food and service!” Loretta Specia & Family |
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Chelinda Lodge & Camp
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Weather / Landscape – It is very cold up at Nyika, temperatures dip to zero at night with a high of about 18 degrees Celsius. Guests are offered hot water bottles and cosy fires at Chelinda Lodge / Camp. This trip requires that our guests pack warm for the coming months. Controlled burning continues on the plateau often lighting up the night skies with an orange glow.
Early burning is not only safer, as there is still some surface moisture around after the rains to prevent fires raging out of control, but also less environmentally damaging giving the grasses an opportunity to regrow and establish themselves helping to minimise erosion in the dry season. New grasses have already started shooting in some areas attracting grazers like zebra and reedbuck.
Wildlife – During the winter months, game viewing remains scattered with a few sightings of Zebra, Roan Antelopes, Reed Bucks and some Hyenas. Leopards are still very active, obligingly showing themselves on night drives. The Augur Buzzard and Denham's Bustard have been spotted around the Dam area at the camp.
Other news - The Livingstonia Hike at Nyika Plateau boasts its brand new state of the art camping gear! To enjoy one of the very best hikes from Nyika to Livingstonia, book now through Wilderness Safaris!! reservations@wilderness.mw
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Chintheche Inn/Mumbo Island |
Weather / Landscape – While the winds are strong at night, Chintheche has enjoyed some warm sunny days with crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. Though some trees look bare, the gardens still stand out green and lush, offering a beautiful contrast to the clear blue waters of the lake and a haven to bird life.
Wildlife - Chintheche is frequently visited by the monitor lizards, Genet cats, tree squirrel, leopard tortoise, bush baby, scrub hare family and mongoose. And the gardens offer comfort to an array of birdlife, including the often spotted Pied King Fisher and African Hoopoe.
Other News
New Management at Chintheche Inn
Chintheche Inn welcomes our new Managers Wendy and Ollie Bushula, as our previous manager Dinara Kankhuni relocates back to Liwonde, Mvuu Camp.
Sailing Marathon Malawi
There was a great vibe at Chintheche Inn for the International Malawi Sailing Marathon. The the final prize giving event was hosted by our Team at Chintheche and over 70 guests, sailors and supporters camped at our campsite and tucked into a succulent spit braai and delicious salad bar.
Mumbo Island skipper in 5th place!
We are so proud of our skipper from Mumbo Island, Matola Mwawa and his sailing partner Mcford M'bwana Issa for winning their division in the Malawi International Sailing Marathon. They were loaned a Hobie Cat to sail by Hobie Cat South Africa, whose director was so impressed by their sailing prowess that he donated the yacht to Malawi. This year the race began at Chembe Eagles Nest in Cape Maclear, ended up north in Nkhata Bay, and back to Chintheche Inn for the event.
Matola is back with us in Cape Maclear again, having to limit his sailing adventures to local cruises on Kayak Africa's hand built catamaran. You know you are in safe hands when you sail with our intrepid skipper!
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Children in The Wilderness (CITW) Programme
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Children in The Wilderness has seen outstanding growth and success this year, working with surrounding communities and other project leaders, such as H.E.L.P. Malawi. At Nathomba - near Mvuu, the influence of scientifically motivated learner Billiat Ng’andeng’ande, who has made use of the William Kamkwamba Community Library and followed his footsteps in upgrading his small windmill into one that can supply enough electricity to houses around his small community, is encouraging. “I have books in the library to read and brain to think – I can”, Billiati.
The CITW Malawi project plays a major and important role in changing lives within the communities around our areas of operation. In May, Wilderness Safaris and the Ministry of Health brought in mainline power at Nandumbo Health Centre. This month CITW has assisted in the construction of teachers’ dorms at Nathomba, provision of after school life skills classes, and the planting out of approx 60,000 tree seedlings from the tree nursery at Nathomba School. More news on CITW next month!
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