Chikangawa (Malawi) : in the warm heart of Africa

S11°52.663' E033°47.509' (altitude: 1727m)
As at most borders there are many changes when entering Malawi. The pace slows, there are even more people walking or cycling (and less cars) on the road, but most noticeable is the friendliness of the people. It’s as if everyone is out to prove that Malawi really is the warm heart of Africa. As we went north we gwined altitude and the temperature dropped. In the late afternoon at around 1800 metres it was freezing on the bike. On the Vihpya Plateau we were the only guests at a great little lodge, set among pine trees with a view across the plateau, a piping hot wood-fired shower and an open fire place in the lounge. What more could you ask for - and at a cost less than Namibian camping fees. It was also a great place to do some walking, listening to the wind sweep over the pine trees.