The SKI Safari begins...

Hi everyone – sorry for the lack of news -  very difficult to post a blog when no wifi for a week!

Day 1

We left Kajjansi for our big adventure on Monday morning, 18^th September, seen off in style by friends Mark, Debbie, Rosie and Angie.

We stopped in Entebbe to clear customs, Mwanza in Tanzania to refuel, then flew to Dodoma – approx. 5 hours flying in total.  After an argument with the airport authorities, who insisted we paid a commercial permit fee that cost us an unplanned-for $400, we checked into the New Dodoma Hotel (built in 1912!) and had a very strange but tasty Indian/Chinese/Italian Steak, and an early night in order to wake up in good time next morning.  Unfortunately, the hotel’s airport shuttle driver didn’t, so we ended up having to get a taxi!

Day 2

We flew from Dodoma to Msuzu (Malawi) to refuel and clear customs, then on to Monkey Bay – what a lovely romantic name – and a great place.  Flying down to Lake Malawi we came over some high hills to a sheer escarpment down to the lake – spectacular scenery – and round a headland into Monkey Bay, where we were met and taken to Pumulani Lodge run by Robin Pope Safaris. Approx. 4.5 hrs flying.

Our ‘room’ was amazing – little kitchen area, a living area, huge bedroom and bathroom – more like an apartment really, and a lovely surprise.  The veranda looked out towards the lake.  After an afternoon swim to cool off, we were taken on a beautiful sunset cruise on their dhow.  We even encountered a couple of hippos.

Day 3

Sherry was up early in order to go on a guided bird walk.  Earlier than anticipated as she forgot to change her clock by an hour, so was up and dressed at 5 am instead of 6 am!  Saw some ‘lifers’ (new birds not seen before) – Bohm’s Bee-eaters, Violet Sunbird, Trumpeter Hornbill and Livingstone’s Flycatcher. 

After breakfast, it was down to the beach (a LOT of steps!) for a 20 mins speedboat ride to a little island cove where we went snorkelling.  Little fish of a variety of colours -beautiful! – there are more than 600 species of Cyclid in Lake Malawi.

Then it was back for lunch on the beach, a swim in their new pool, a gentle afternoon and a very pleasant BBQ on the beach with the other 6 guests, then a quick pack and sort ready for an early start in the morning.

Zambia here we come...