Monkey Bay is a lively port town situated on the Nankumba Peninsula along the southern shores of Lake Malawi. Named after the large population of monkeys that once inhabited the surrounding area, it has long played an important role in the region’s transport and maritime history...
We spent a wonderful day at the beach in Senga Bay, a vibrant lakeside village and one of the most picturesque destinations in Malawi’s Salima District. Located about 120 km east of Lilongwe, Senga Bay is the closest and most accessible beach resort to the capital. Nestled at the...
We decided to take a day’s rest on the shores of Lake Nyasa before crossing the border into Malawi. Matema is a stunning and secluded lakeside town in southwestern Tanzania, nestled within the East African Rift Valley on the northern shores of Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi). It is renowned for...
As part of our one-day trip to Nosy Komba, we spent some free time at the uninhabited marine national park near Nosy Be, located on the tiny island of Nosy Tanikely, often described as an “underwater aquarium.” This protected sanctuary—where fishing and nighttime anchoring are...
Today we joined an organised one-day excursion (300,000 MGA) to Nosy Ambariovato, better known as Nosy Komba—the “Island of Lemurs.” This popular trip from Nosy Be is perfect for spotting wildlife, especially black lemurs (Eulemur macaco), experiencing local culture, and unwinding on...
We took a half-day boat trip (🎟️15 USD + 23 USD conservation fee) to the famous Prison Island, or Changuu Island. It has a history rooted in controlling and isolating people. Initially, a holding ground for rebellious slaves by Arab traders, it became a quarantine station for infectious...
Our next stop was the relaxed lakeside town of Karongi (commonly known by its old name, Kibuye), another good place to enjoy Lake Kivu. We hired a boat (50 USD / 4 hours) and visited the lake’s islands. Most famous is Napoleon Island, named for its resemblance to the pint-sized French...
Rwanda may be landlocked, but it didn’t stop us from enjoying a day at the beach. Kivu’s gently lapping waters and soft sands do the trick – throw in a few beach bars and palm trees to add that tropical feel. Rubavu (which most locals still call Gisenyi) is a sprawling town...
Late afternoon, we arrived at Elsa Gate of the dry, dusty, but infinitely peaceful Hell’s Gate National Park. It is a rare Kenyan park made for bicycles and walking. Large carnivores are rare, so we rented bikes (800 KES) and paid a cycling fee (250 KES) and a park entrance fee (28...