For more information on planning an expedition, visit www.quest4change.org/volunteering-expeditions.html

Friday 9 August 2013

Mulanje, Luangwa, Salima . . .

Well, the EEHS team have been so busy of late we've only just managed to squeeze an update out of them via leader Nettie...

The final few days on the project whizzed by with work at the feeding centres and helping with nearby village Kumwandika's new pig project - providing the community with a sustainable source of income, as pigs are highly valued in Malawi.  We can't wait to see all the photos back in the UK when an internet connection is finally fast enough to upload them!

Needless to say, Kachumbe village's farewell ceremony saw a few tears shed by volunteers and villagers alike, as the team prepared to leave their home for the past 2 weeks. Once the team had departed their village however, excitement was on about the upcoming adventure!
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Mount Mulanje, standing at just over 3000m, was the first port of call for the team, with a challenging  4 day hike up the steep sides of the massif.  A stunning mountain and a real challenge for all.  Unfortunately, Q4C have no monopoly on the weather, even in dry season, and Mulanje's role as a regional rain barrier meant that the mists closed in on the final day of ascent, making reaching the summit too risky to reach.

photo from 2007
After descending, the team had time in Blantyre to dry off before making their way to Lilongwe, where they were to depart for their safari into Zambia, in a slight alteration to the timetable.

South Luangwa National Park is a stunning sanctuary for thousands of animals around the river system of the Luangwa and gave the team an absolutely awesome safari experience.  With both day and night drives, the highlight for the team was the lions seen at night - three large and three cubs!  Along with a recently hunted buffalo, the pictures should be something to marvel at when they come through....in the meantime, here's an older photo of the park to appreciate...


As of yesterday, the team have been up in Salima on the shores of the peaceful Lake Malawi chilling out and enjoying the sun, before a sunset cruise tonight.  Then tomorrow it's time to soak in the last of Malawi's atmosphere while heading back to Lilongwe, from where the team will say 'Tionana Malawi' on Sunday.

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