. OnHiatus.com > Journal 1 > Day Index > Journal Entry: August 16, 2000

Wednesday, August 16, 2000
Chizumulu Island, Malawi
Malawi's Flag

Map
Chizumulu Island, Malawi:
Latitude: 12° 0' 48" South
Longitude: 34° 37' 11" East
Altitude: 1622 feet
From Seattle: 11261 miles
Lodging: Hotel - Wakwenda Retreat

Map
Today's Travel:
Country: Malawi
Region: Northern Malawi
Weather: Sunny

Available Photos:

Amy in hammock Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Baobab and lake Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Fishing boats Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Small island Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Baobab Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Likoma Island Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Baobab Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Hawk Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Dhow Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Sailing dhow Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Fishing boats Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Sailing dhow Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Sailing dhow Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Sailing dhow Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Old dhow Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Fishing boats Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Yellow flower Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Baobab trees Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Baobab trees Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Amy Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Sunset Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Baobabs at sunset Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Baobabs at sunset Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Baobabs at sunset Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Mainland Malawi Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Baobabs at sunset Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Baobabs at sunset Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Baobabs at sunset Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Baobabs at sunset Chizumulu Island, Malawi

All photo images © 1997-2000 Anthony Jones - Images may not be used without prior written approval.

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Map
Trip Stats to Date:
Day: 1224
Linear Dist: 235832
Countries Visited: 70
Regions Visited: 268
More stats...
Hotels: 442
Friends / Family: 302
Camping: 129
Hostels: 261
Transit: 76
Other Lodging: 13
Beers: 4193
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Journal Entry:
Woke up to find that we really are on an island paradise. Beautiful white sand beaches and very few other people. Even if we can't dive it's still a nice place to hang out. We had a late breakfast and just lounged around. We'd planned on doing a short hike up the "mountain", a small hill behind our hut, so we could survey the small island before heading out to walk around it. The hill is a lot higher than it looks, and the hike ended up taking us two hours. The view was worth it though, and looking around it was amazing to really realize just how small Chizumulu is.

After getting down from the hill we stopped for a well needed cold drink. We set off to circumnavigate the island. The walk was beautiful. One of the dogs from the retreat accompanied us and everywhere we went people were very friendly and polite. Hardly any of the "Give me money!" demands that are so common elsewhere in Africa. The landscape is mostly countless weird and wonderful baobab trees, occasional cassava patches, and a few small groups of huts. The huts all seem fairly prosperous - nice mud brick with covered patios. Also passed a couple small fishing fleets (canoes and dhows), and a football (soccer) field. There was a game with Nkhata Bay just starting and it looked like nearly the entire population of the island was there or on its way.

Walking around the island took us about three hours and was hot work. Back at the retreat we had a swim and enjoyed the last of the evening sun. Walked out to the nearby point to watch an incredible sunset. The sun set behind another point silhouetting some giant old baobabs.

We asked one of the local managers about catching the daily dhow (small sailboat) to Likoma Island. It turns out that the boat leaves everyday between ten and one - depending on the wind. He promised to ask around in the morning and let us know when it was likely to go.


Related Sites:
US State Department Consular Information Sheets: Malawi
CIA World Fact Book: Malawi

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