Dreams and Teams go on Safari

After sad farewells to Tami and the staff at Heuglins the group left for the journey to the Liwonde National Park. After stopping at Dedza Pottery the group added to the crowded atmosphere on the bus by buying up the shop (well not quite). The group were able to see more of Malawian life as we headed south - the crowds of people walking aimlessly to wherever and the people with enormous loads on the bicycles. The youngsters were grateful they were not travelling Malawi style as their buses "always have room for one more".

After about two hours we left the tarmaced road and headed along a dirt track, passed local villages and cheeky children asking for money. A short boat trip took us across to the accomodation where we were to spend the night. After some tea and cake to keep us going until supper we set off on a boat safari where we saw elephants, hippos, impalas, crocodiles and a variety of birds - including the African Fish Eagle, the national bird of Malawi.

We had dinner in the boma (the bush) and were entertained by local drummers and dancers. Nairn's young people are getting better at the dancing as the photos will testify. Unfortunately Mr MacLennan still needs a few more lessons!!

Everyone was up early to go on a walking safari - even Danielle - where we saw animal footprints and what elephants eat by examining the dung. We even saw elephants and hippos in the distance as well as the usual impalas, baboons, monkeys and the warthogs. After breakfast we set out on a jeep safari and everyone was hoping to see elephants close up. I don't think they thought for a moment they would get so close to such large creatures and everyone was delighted to see a herd of 19 elephants close up as they drank at a watering hole. Fortunately Kirsty thought the baby elephant was just too large for her case!!

The staff at Mvuu were determined to keep us occupied and took us on another boat safari lead by a guide called Danger. This should have given us a clue to what lay ahead. The boat cruised over a hippo as it was just about to surface. This is not an unusual occurance and the guide had warned us, in the safety briefing, that this was possible and that there was no need to panic. However, it was still a bit of a shock to the group - a story you will hear lots about on our return. Fortunately the hippo was OK!!

After lunch we headed south to Blantyre, enjoying the mountain scenery on the way and resisting the temtation to buy the mice being sold on sticks at the side of the road for lunch. Everyone was glad to reach Blantyre and the end of the long journey.

This morning we headed for Mulanje Mission Hospital to deliver some medical supplies and mosquito nets (donated by Wildday.com). Although this hospital is considered to be better equipped and staffed than many in Malawi the youngsters were still shocked with what they saw in the children's ward. The staff were grateful for the donations and spent time telling us about the hospital and how children under 5 are treated for free there. Although the experience was shocking everyone agreed that the visit had been worthwile as it increased their awareness of medical issues in Malawi.

Everyone enjoyed a lazy afternoon after returning to Blantyre while Mr MacLennan topped up his tan as an imposter at one of the top hotels in Blantyre.

We are not sure what tomorrow will hold for us as the day is being organised by MacLean, the policeman who visited us in March. Until then enjoy the photos!!