Journey from Nkhata Bay to Senga Bay

We boarded the minibus at the Nkhata Bay bus station, ready for our journey to Senga Bay. Moments later, another minibus arrived, giving the impression that today’s travel would be quick. Sadly, our journey was far from speedy. With over 325 kilometers and 8 hours ahead of us, it was going to be a long ride.

As any seasoned traveler will tell you, long bus rides can be exhausting. The road was bumpy, the pace slow, and the hours stretched on. While the views were spectacular, I couldn’t wait to reach Senga Bay. We finally arrived just before sunset. For the final few Km into town, we opted for a bike taxi, which was a refreshing change from the cramped minibus. The breeze on our faces as we traveled gave a real sense of FREEDOM. We chose Senga Bay for a couple of reasons: I wanted to catch the Ilala boat north in a few days time, while Paula needed to head to Lilongwe to fly home. Senga Bay being only 1. form the capital then captured our imagination. not only is it a charming spot on Lake Malawi but the bay boasts a wide, sandy beach and offers a range of accommodations from upscale hotels to cozy lodges and campsites. We decided to stay at Cool Runnings, a cozy hostel run by an eccentric lady. The lodge was immaculate, and I opted for a private room while Paula camped out. Since Paula was leaving Malawi, I bought her tent, thinking it might come in handy for me in the future. I therefore savoured the luxury of a bed, knowing it might be a while before I slept in one again.

That night, the cool lake air lulled me to sleep, and the next morning, we set out to explore. We visited the local markets, where we found the freshest bread I’ve ever tasted. We also hired a kayak and paddled out to a tiny island about 45 minutes into the lake, known as Monkey Island. While the island itself wasn’t particularly remarkable, it was refreshing to be off the mainland. We hiked around the island before heading back to central Africa and continuing the adventure in Malawi.