(Cycling in Luwawa)

Eric and I just returned from our tour across Malawi. On this last portion of the trip, we navigated the terrain of the North. Our first stop, Luwawa Forest Lodge, an idyllic, peaceful locale nested in the Viphya Mountains. This hidden gem of a destination is definitely a highlight from our adventures.

(Luwawa Forest Lodge)

We spent our days hiking in the woodlands and mountain bike riding across highland plateau trails, through winding roads in the mountains, and venturing from one rural village to the next. Unfortunately, we witnessed first hand the rampant deforestation that plagues this ‘warm heart of Africa’, blighting what would have otherwise been a breathtaking landscape.

(Remnants of deforestation all around)

(Boys fishing at the lake)

(Fishing at the lake at Luwawa)

Malawi loses more than 200 square miles of its forest annually – one of the highest deforestation rates in all of Sub-Saharan Africa and considered the biggest environmental problem facing Malawi. Continued forest loss and erosion will not only jeopardize Malawi’s economy (which is heavily entrenched in the agricultural sector) but also will affect food scarcity.

(Cycling)

(Macro Action)

(Walking around the lake)

While cycling along one stretch of road, Eric and I came across loggers who happened to work for the tobacco industry. As it turns out, the process of curing the tobacco leaf requires a considerable amount of wood (I just read that it takes as much as three hectares of trees to cure one hectare of tobacco). Needless to say, since tobacco comprises 80% of Malawi’s export earnings; this crop is a major contributing factor to deforestation in the country.

(Loggers)

After several glorious days of absorbing the more temperate climate of the hills, we left Luwawa and headed towards the Northern Lakeshore, taking our time to appreciate the scenery along the way.

(Makuzi Beach)

We stopped for lunch at Mayoka Village in Nkhata Bay, then worked our way over to Makuzi Beach, one of the more beautiful spots I’ve seen along the lake.

(Eric at Kande Beach)

(Beautiful views at Makuzi)

We stayed the night at Kande Beach, a notorious stop for overland trucks. The campsite itself was packed as we shared the grounds with five trucks. Granted, I felt like a backpacker again, playing Frisbee on the beach, horseback riding in the countryside, and sharing travel stories over beers with newfound friends.

(Taking the horses for a swim after our ride)

(Eric playing Frisbee)

(Hanging out with the kids)

(Nkhotakota Beach)

We returned to Lilongwe just in time to celebrate my 40th birthday. I still can’t believe another decade has flown by! Where have all the years gone?

(Amy and Eric at Blue Ginger)

This year’s celebration was exceptional. I truly feel loved and supported by so many. I can’t help but think that 2009 is going to be an incredible year!

(Celebrating my birthday with friends)

Eric leaves momentarily to fly back to the states. I’ve absolutely loved showing him around this magnificent country and sharing a bit of my day-to-day life in Lilongwe (perhaps I can convince more of you to visit)!

(And more friends)

Sending much love,
Amy