Chintheche: Life’s a beach!

Published 13 January 2019 · Updated 19 November 2024

Aaah, Life’s a beach!

It was a wet drive from Lilongwe to Mzuzu with an overnighter at Glitz Cloud 9 Lodge in New Katoto. Then another wet drive down the M5 and we were finally on the northern sandy shores of Lake Malawi, Chintheche. Chintheche is in Nkhata Bay, some 80 kilometres south-east of Mzuzu city or 345 kilometres north of Lilongwe.

Day one and it was overcast. Isn’t the beach always meant to be sunny? Oh, well…

A few years ago almost all of these rocks would have been underwater. But over the years water levels in Lake Malawi have been going down due to reduced rainfall in the part of Africa.

The early bird catches the spectacular sunrise. Day two. The sun was out in all its splendour.

Now, what could ruin such a day?

Brewing storm?

Further north a storm was brewing. I was not ready for another wet day. So NOT ready!

But it knew better than to ruin my day! It probably ruined someone else’s day across in Tanzania.

Daybreak at Sambani Lodge. The lodge was recommended by a family friend who comes from the area. It has decent lodging and friendly staff. The owner runs a local football league and we arrived on the weekend of the finals. I saw many former football greats like Gilbert Chirwa and Meke Mwase who came in for the tournament.

Food, glorious food!

It is a closed fishing season on Lake Malawi. Fishing nets are not allowed. Rods and hooks are however allowed.

Nevertheless, there was no shortage of grilled fresh tilapia, the Chambo. All other meals were prepared just as well. Freshly baked hot scones for breakfast were probably my best!