From Cape Town to Mombasa, 3 months, 8 countries, 12,500 km: Malawi, by @terresco (translated from French)
This is an authorized translation in English of a post in French by @terresco: De Cape Town à Mombasa, 3 mois, 8 pays, 12 500 km – La Zambie
Remember that the person who speaks here is NOT me, Vincent Celier (@vcelier), but @terresco, a French guy.
You do not come to Malawi for big African animals, except for some shy crocodiles, there are none. You come for the lake, a real inland sea whose shores evoke the seaside resorts of the 60s. People come for the model of kindness, integrity and selfless hospitality, surprising for such a poor population. Malawi is indeed among the most disadvantaged countries on the planet according to all international indicators.
![](https://steemitimages.com/DQmTwNDzTY9yhVy8mwUncXpoFxvKDcEz9HxWwwnaizydvQ3/malawi_goat.jpg)
The beaches of the lake
![](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmZnYH99hQftkW9PCUmXE1SPT6XPJTcwqXs7QSjNBQz1Q6/malawi-pirogue.jpg)
![](https://steemitimages.com/DQmXYeqa2vQt67U81k9yC2x3dCg7PS79g63sQNga8VQQWbm/malawi-car.jpg)
Fishing
![](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmTVL6LAfBznzDS5N2MAk74w3tGBSfQbpp78E1TxGFa2vs/malawi-fishing.jpg)
The fishing takes place at night, departure around midnight for the middle of the lake in a boat or a canoe. As equipment, two small canoes dug in trunks, a car battery and a used pot lid equipped with powerful LED bulbs that give a white light, strong enough to attract fish, finally a large net with very fine mesh. Arrived on site, the canoes are put in the water, they will be used to circumvent the school of fish which, attracted by the white light of the surface, will pay dear its curiosity. Return at break of day, cold and tired. Fishermen are very much awaited on the beach, owner of the canoe, fish sellers, private or simple curious.
Everyone helps to pull the boat in the dry and it is positioned for the sale that will follow
Plates for individuals, buckets for resellers. Bank notes and fish change hands quickly.
The sale takes place immediately after the canoe landed. On days when there are many fish the surplus will be put to dry on wooden porticoes installed on the beach. They will then be sold dry on the markets to be added to sauces, sort of locally made Maggi cubes. There is always some bottom of the plate for some old people who, I suppose, are without resources.
People
![](https://steemitimages.com/DQmUyze5NbzV2wwiP4GEqRosPvYN16SD1Lc1xnHSjTVmgTk/malawi-people_1.jpg)
![](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmXLMXzPxLYsGaHh45E436q3DyfKoRBhBNW2ixaVzGDU9B/malawi-people_2.jpg)
Poor and generous Malawi, new friends we leave with tears in our eyes, in those moments when we wonder why we always have to leave. A little gas and a phone call, we head for the border for new adventures.
-- @terresco
Africa, the long crossing
From Cape Town to Mombasa: South Africa
From Cape Town to Mombasa: Namibia
From Cape Town to Mombasa: Botswana
From Cape Town to Mombasa: Zimbabwe
From Cape Town to Mombasa: Zimbabwe, part 2, by @terresco
From Cape Town to Mombasa: Zimbabwe, part 3, by @terresco
From Cape Town to Mombasa: Zambia, by @terresco
I'm just curious, how did you guys arranged the translation? And why?
This is so great, you re doing great job bringing this knowledge to us. Am from Africa and i know quite well how poor vast numbers of our countries suffer. Am so happy to read this because i don't really know much about Malawi but reading your post had given me more knowledge about this place. All i do pray and wish my dear Africa is a better future. Thanks
The Malawi people are good and generous people,I am in Kenya and am waiting for you to come to Kenya in Mombasa,lol thats where true hapiness is.
You're from Mombasa?
No,am in the capital city Nairobi
Oh okay. I'm from Mombasa.
Nice travel post. Great photos!
U guys r just awesome....... Man u live like u want to. Go here and there where ever you want to .........
The true freedom
Btw i like the fishing photos.
Really nice photography
I like it this story
I appreciate your post......
nice post. 😊
beautiful photos and wonderfull place. you made a nice story too.
a good story of Malawi country that is very far from us and very unfortunate people still like no progress
Such a journey and very touching. I felt like crying myself. Never knew Malawians were this hospitable and nice. Aside the adventure, you did made a true friend there.