My intension was to leave the Mushroom Farm as early as possible, so that I could try and get down to the main road before the temperature had risen too much. As it was when I left at 8am it was 26 degrees. By the time I got down to the main road the temprature had risen to 31 degrees. I now had to cover over 220 miles to my next destination, The Rafiki Safari Lodge on roads that at best would be classed as B roads with plenty of potholes and road side subsidence. This was going to be a long day.
On the plus sides the roads in Malawi are very twisty and once you get over having to constantly avoid potholes, the roads are actually quite enjoyable to ride.
Spot the crashed lorry on this kink in the road, a regular site.
And if you like banana’s you can just pull over and buy a bunch. Although a bunch here is a bit bigger than you would get a Tescos In the UK.
I was determined not to ride constantly all day without a break, so I stoped of at Nkhata Bay to have lunch. A very pretty spot on Lake Malawi.
These housing communities lined the shores of Lake Malawi as I headed to the Rafiki Safari Lodge.
I finally arrived at the lodge not before time. I was at the point that I had had enough riding for the day and was starting to loose concentration. So to arrive at a very luxurious Safari lodge was a very welcome.
The Rafiki Safari Lodge is situated on the edge of Nkhotakota Game Reserve and was built from scratch by the owners in 2018, to a very high standard. The owner, Sandi, was extremely welcoming and after being shown around the lodge it was time for a beer and some dinner. The food did not disappoint, it was excellent.
My tent for the night....
The lounge and pool area.....
During my conversation with the Sandi, I confirmed that my intention was to leave the lodge in the morning around 9ish and head for the Zambian border at Chipata via Kasungu. What I hadn’t realised is that this route would take me through the game reserve, something that I would require special permission to ride a motorbike through. Fortunately SandI was on the case, seeking the permission I require and also informed me that this game reserve mainly kept Elephants, Water Buffalos and not Lions, so I might be ok crossing the 22Km stretch. If I do not get permission to cross the game reserve it will add another 2 hrs to my trip to Chipata, as it will take me via Lilongwe, which I thought was rather an apt name ....the long way!!!