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22 Apr 2024
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Description
Ahoy there adventurers, explorers and seekers.
I'm Luke, a fellow Workawayer of almost 4 years. During my travels, I connected with many inspiring people and worked on some brilliant projects all over South East Asia and Africa. Last year I decided to slow down a bit and build a home on the beautiful shores of Lake Malawi with my partner Jacqueline. The long-term plan is to create a space where people can come and reconnect with nature, slow down, relax, and heal.
We are hoping to connect with people who have some of the below skills, are willing to share their knowledge and possibly help out on small-scale projects;
Building / Eco-building
Landscaping / Gardening
Solar Power/ Alternative Power Sources
Water Management
We'd also be interested in hosting someone who as NGO/Charity development skills.
ABOUT LAKE MALAWI -
First off it's truly AMAZING and we are so grateful for being able to live here. It's the 4th largest freshwater Lake in the world and is home to the most species of lake fish anywhere on earth. It has crystal clear waters and it's quite warm even in the winter. It's perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing and scuba diving.
WHERE YOU'LL LIVE -
We have a lovely new, self-built 2-bedroom home, which you are welcome to share as long as you are respectful, clean and like pets (a puppy and a cat). If you'd prefer to pitch a tent then that is also possible.
Currently, we do not have running water or a mains power supply but I'm working on solving that. Drinking water is treated and placed in a plastic container with a ceramic filter. We use the Lake for bathing, drop toilet for number 2's, solar power banks for phones, laptops and lights. The internet connection is good as I work online most days. We can provide you with local food; maize flour and vegetable leaves. Fresh fish can be bought from the Fishermen almost daily. Ideally, you should bring your own food to suit your dietary requirements. This can be bought in Nkhatabay, Mzuzu or Karonga where there are large shops/markets.
We have an open-plan kitchen with a large dining table where we can share meals, a gas hob and charcoal burners for cooking which you are welcome to use. The room has a comfy double bed with a mosquito net, stunning lake and mountain views. Sunrise and sun sets are spectacular here!
In your free time you can enjoy your own spacious balcony, relax in the hammock and play the guitar. You can borrow the kayak or paddleboard and explore the island a few hundred meters away. Try your luck at beating me at chess, play monopoly, poker, hero quest and other games we have. We can also organise hikes and boat trips if you wish, depending on the length of your stay.
HOW TO GET HERE -
Lilongwe is Malawis international airport, from here you'd make your way to Mzuzu, then Nkhatabay.
If your already in the country;
The nearest port coming from the South > Nkhata Bay. Travel to Usisya town via the Ilala ferry or small boat.
The nearest port coming from the North > Karonga. Travel to Usisya town via the Ilala ferry or small boat.
Nearest City > Mzuzu. Take an unforgettable motorbike trip over the lush mountains to Usisya town and then a short walk to the house. Around 25,000MK.
We will help you get here and often meet people in Usisya. We will also cover the cost of one person for the water transport from Nkhata Bay or Karonga to Usisya town.
Blessed to live in this amazing paradise we must emphasise to Workawayers that our location is remote. This exchange is unfortunately not for the 'luxury traveller' or people scared of bugs and wildlife.
If you are looking to reconnect with nature, enjoy a simple life, love water you'll love it here! If you have knowledge and skills in some of the areas mentioned above we'd love for you to reach out and tell us a bit about yourself.
Safe travels 🙏
Luke and Jacqueline.
SOME GOOD NEWS
*** On 7 February 2024, the Malawi Government announced visa exemptions for nationals of 79 countries. Nationals of these countries, which include Australia, Canada, Germany, Russia, the UK, and Member States of the Southern African Development Community and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, can now enter Malawi without a visa for up to 90 days for business and tourism purposes. ****
FREE entry if you're from one of the above countries 🙌
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You have the opportunity to experience authentic Malawian life, meet the village Chief and interact with the local community if you wish.
We can teach you the local language/s; Tambuka or Chichewa.
You can learn how to make traditional Malawian food and explore the medicinal plants/herbs people still use here.
You can experience a trip in a hand-made canoe with the local fishermen, catch, cook and eat chambo, butterfish or usipa.
We can share stories around a camp fire under a blanket of stars while I try to play the guitar. Bonus points if you can sing 🙌
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We are hoping to connect with people who have the following skills/backgrounds;
Building / Eco-building
Landscaping / Gardening
Solar Power/ Alternative Power Sources
Water Management / Plumbing
We would also be interested in hosting anyone who has proven experience in Developing NGOs / Charities / Retreats.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Chichewa, Chewa, Nyanja: Fluent
Accommodation
We have a lovely new, 2-bedroom home which you are welcome to share as long as you are respectful, clean and like pets (2 puppies and a cat). If you'd prefer to pitch a tent then that is also possible.
Drinking water is treated and placed in a plastic container with a ceramic filter. We use the Lake for bathing, drop toilet for number 2's and solar power banks for phones, laptops, lights etc. We are offering local food to volunteers, maize flour, nsima, vegetables etc. But we advise people to bring their own as local malawian food may not be suitable for every individuals dietary requirements.
We have an open-plan kitchen with a large dining table, a gas hob and charcoal burners for cooking which you are welcome to use. The room has a comfy double bed with a mosquito net, stunning lake and mountain views. The sunrise and sunsets here are some of the best I've seen anywhere in the world, a photographers dream!
You can enjoy your own spacious balcony, relax in the hammock, play guitar, beat me at chess, borrow the kayak or paddleboard and explore the island a few hundred meters away. We can also organise hikes, boat trips and scuba diving if you wish, dependant of the length if your stay.
What else ...
There are beautiful hiking trails to explore as well as a completely untouched island a few hundred meters from the shore.
There are 2 very nice established lodges a short boat trip away you can visit.
You can cruise the Lake on our Kayak, try standing up on the paddle board or snorkel with the hundreds of colourful fishies.
You can learn how to make cassava flour from the local women and cook nsima.
Jacqueline can teach you how to make her beautiful Macramé crafts.
PADI-certified scuba diving is available in Nkhatabay.
We can also help you plan your adventures in and around Malawi.
For your own safety all workawayers who wish to stay with us must have valid health insurance.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Yes. But please ensure you bring a solar power bank with you if you need to work online. Internet bundles are easily available and cost around 24,000mk ($15) for 65GB of data, monthly.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week - flexible
