Malawi - Cape Maclear

Then we packed up our tents, happy but a bit tired from dancing into the early hours night after night. So for a few days relaxation we headed to Cape Maclear, a beautiful area on Lake Malawi where we swam, read, hired kayaks to go paddling on the lake, and also hired some snorkels and saw plenty of brightly coloured fish. The only downside of the kayaking and snorkelling was the sun cream rubbing off far too easily which meant more burning than tanning but nothing too serious compared to some. The food at our lodge (Gecko Lounge) was simple, very tasty and much more European than African cuisine, which I hate to admit was a nice change. Leaving this idyllic place for the long journey back to Maz was tough.

Malawi - Lake of Stars

Lake of Stars has been described as a music festival like no other and it was certainly very different: intimate so that you could touch and mingle with the singers there; dancing with sand underfoot so no need for flip flops let alone willies; and a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, probably due to the sunny weather and the beach. Everyone was happy to be camping next to Lake Malawi.

For three nights we simply listened, watched and danced to some great music, surrounded by only around 5,000 people. There were musical stars from Malawi, Congo, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia, and a few bands from the UK too (Noisettes and Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly). For me the acoustic sets were the highlight – realising that these people could really sing and play. The former is something that I was not meant to do as many have testified when I try karaoke!