#trips to Malawi

[theadventureoffice]

When is the Best Time to Visit Malawi? Seasons, Weather, Activities and Festivals

Welcome to the world of customizable Malawi tours, where your dream vacation becomes a reality. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-pumping adventure, a tranquil retreat, or a cultural immersion, Malawi has it all. With its diverse landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and warm-hearted locals, this hidden gem in southeastern Africa promises an unforgettable experience.

​• The best time to visit Malawi for wildlife viewing is during the dry season from May to October when there is less rainfall making it easier to spot wildlife. September to October offers the best game viewing experience.

• The wet season from November to April brings substantial rainfall but allows for water activities like kayaking and snorkelling in Lake Malawi.

• The high season aligns with the dry season from May to October when there are more tourists and higher prices. The low season coincides with the wet season and offers more affordable prices.

• Lake Malawi is great for water activities like snorkelling and scuba diving all year round.

• There are various cultural festivals throughout the year that offer insights into Malawian culture like the Lake of Stars Festival in September and the Zomba Music Festival in April.

• Booking in advance and packing appropriate clothing are recommended for the dry season while being prepared for possible rain is advisable for the wet season.

• Both high and low seasons offer unique opportunities so plan your budget accordingly.​

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

No matter what time of year you choose to visit Malawi, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. From the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife to the vibrant culture and warm hospitality, Malawi has something to offer every traveller. Whether you’re seeking wildlife adventures, water activities, or a cultural immersion, this hidden gem in southeastern Africa will leave you awe-struck.

Consider the climate and weather when planning your visit, as well as the high and low seasons. Each time of year offers its unique opportunities and considerations. Whether you prefer the dry season for wildlife viewing or the wet season for quieter tourism and cooler weather, there’s something for everyone in Malawi.

Remember to plan your budget accordingly, taking advantage of the lower prices during the off-peak season if necessary. Whether you’re travelling during the peak or off-peak season, follow the tips provided to make the most of your trip and have a smooth and enjoyable experience.

So pack your bags, embrace the spirit of adventure, and get ready to explore the wonders of Malawi. This hidden gem awaits, ready to captivate your senses and create memories that will last a lifetime.

[death-fil-a]

🌍✨ Help My Sister Bring Hope and Healing to Malawi! ✨🌍

Hey everyone!

I’m so proud of my sister, Allie, and I just HAVE to share this with you. She’s been working so hard in the International Rescue and Relief (IRR) program at Union Adventist University, where she’s been training in emergency medicine, disaster response, and sustainable community care. And now—she’s about to take on her biggest mission yet: a 3-month trip to Malawi, Africa!

This isn’t just a school trip—it’s a chance for her to do something incredible. Allie will be providing life-changing medical care, health education, and hope to people in rural communities and refugee camps who need it most. She’s worked so hard to get here, and I know this experience will change lives—both theirs and hers.

But here’s where we need YOUR help! Allie needs to raise $5,000 to make this dream a reality. Every little bit helps, whether it’s a donation, a share, or a prayer. If you know Allie, you know her heart is all about helping others, and I can’t think of anyone better for this mission.

So let’s rally together for my amazing sister. Let’s help her spread hope, healing, and love to Malawi. I promise—it’s worth it.

Thank you so much for supporting her, believing in her, and helping make this mission possible.

With love and gratitude,
A Proud Sister 💛✨

[f1ghtsoftly]

All The Feminist News You Missed Last Week:

1/6/25-1/13/25

The culture continues to shift rightward in the US as new bills restricting reproductive freedom and protections for LGBT students are pushed in state legislatures. The New Yorker runs a cover story on sexual assault allegations made against writer Neil Gaiman as more women come forward. Zuckerberg courts the right by making misogynistic statements about Meta’s corporate culture and changing censorship rules on Facebook to allow more misogynistic and homophobic content. French authorities arrest the owner of the website Domanique Pelicot used to facilitate the sexual abuse of his wife and much, much more in a very action-packed week. 

In my favorite feel-good article of the week, this piece run by the BBC chronicles the rise of Su Min, a Chinese influencer in her 60s who chronicled her life on the road, processing her abusive marriage and finding newfound freedom and independence. 

The year China's famous road-tripping 'auntie' found freedom 

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Women+ LGBT Rights: 

Ohio gov signs bill requiring schools to tell parents about health care changes, ‘sexuality content’ 

Hurricane aid and transgender girls in sports top Georgia Legislature’s agenda

Judge scraps Biden’s Title IX rules, reversing expansion of protections for LGBTQ+ students

Takeaways from AP’s report on social safety nets in states that ban abortion

Abortions are up in the US. The data paints a complicated picture

New Mexico is a go-to state for women seeking abortions. A new court ruling helps it stay that way

Turkey’s Erdogan launches ‘Year of the Family’ with an attack on the LGBTQ+ community

Indiana legislators consider banning abortion pills 

Abortion bans seem to be driving young people to move out of state 

‘I’ve seen women suffer’: Malawi’s religious leaders fight for legal abortions 

Pregnancy no longer considered an 'injury' in Canadian sports as funding improved for expecting athletes  

Misogyny:

Calling women ‘household objects’ now permitted on Facebook after Meta updated its guidelines  

Zuckerberg Says Most Companies Need More ‘Masculine Energy’ 

DeSantis appointee to university board says women should become mothers, not pursue higher ed

Women in the News: 

President Biden Signs Bill Placing First Women’s Monument on the National Mall 

Taliban 'do not see women as human', says Malala 

German-Iranian woman Nahid Taghavi released from prison in Tehran 

EU’s executive branch denies cover up over the health of its president, Ursula von der Leyen

WATCH: LA fires: 'I can't believe my baby is not going to be here' 

Highland cows saved me after breakdown, says nurse 

Woman who smuggled £4k of cocaine to island jailed 

The Maths Queen with a quantum mission to mentor girls 

'Manhandled and choked' - Tanzanian activist recounts abduction

Back to work: Rachel Maddow returning to MSNBC five nights a week for early Trump days 

Anita Bryant, a popular singer who became known for opposition to gay rights, dead at age 84

Venezuela opposition leader arrested then freed after protest rally 

Bride's fury after Instagram stunt wedding turns out to be real

Record label takes legal action against K-pop band

The truth behind your $12 dress: Inside the Chinese factories fuelling Shein's success 

'She's my life': A mother's mission to help Nigerians with cerebral palsy 

Male Violence: 

On the Cover: The Side of Neil Gaiman His Fans Never Saw 

French police arrest founder of website used by Dominique Pelicot 

'I got death threats when men thought I put feminist gesture in video game' 

Dalit woman in India alleges rape by 64 men over five years

'My father should die in prison', daughter of Dominique Pelicot tells BBC

The 20 child abuse inquiry proposals - what has happened so far? 

Austrian woman kidnapped by unknown assailants in Niger 

Murder investigation after woman's body found in Cavan

Injunction sought over McGregor trial CCTV footage

Arts and Culture: 

Top South African singer Winnie Khumalo dies aged 51 

Movie Review: In ‘Hard Truths,’ Marianne Jean-Baptiste gives the performance of the year

Channel 4’s Marilyn Manson: Unmasked makes for horrifying but essential viewing 

Opinion:

What People Get Wrong About Christian Women Who Voted for Trump  

As always, this is global and domestic news from a US perspective covering feminist issues and women in the news more generally. As of right now, I do not cover Women’s Sports. Published each Monday afternoon.

[peonycats]

MISC ART DUMP 3

I tripped over and remembered I actually have a bunch of drawings saved up for larger posts that never came to fruition so have them while they’re within my brain attention span (alot of this shit dates back to 2021 or even 2020 so thats why its so uggo)

from top to bottom, left to right:

Belarus (chillin)

Iran, Afghanistan (Two greatly contrasting viewpoints)

Yemen, bby Oman (Oman got his ass beat by one of Saudi Arabia’s bros and Yemen got conscripted rip)

Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia (this is so ancient please don’t look at it)

Tarquinia/Etruria (No idea how accurate the colors are, but I do remember basing the jewelry after actual artifiacts)

Central African Republic/Centrafique (Centrafrique was meant to be a man originally, and this was one of the first drawings I did to try and redesign her!)

Tanzania, Burundi, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, South Sudan (Jfc south sudan is yuge)

Malawi (Still not 100% happy with her design, but I still like this!)

Rwanda, Burundi (A Rwandan tourism twitter account liked this)

India, Afghanistan (Fatality)

[sitp-recs]

hello!! I just finished reading The Bolthole for the first time and ohhhh my god it’s so good. I loved the setting, I loved the way grief and guilt and coping and desire and deserving were explored for each of them, I loved how the way they felt about each other was so embodied and tactile and desperate.

I love the different sides of them we get to see and how their relationship intensifies when they’re out in the middle of nowhere together (feels like the parallel inverse of the beloved classic: trapped in a house in the city together). Would you choose middle of the city or out away from everything, for Draco and Harry? Do you have favorite bucolic stories?

Ohh The Bolthole is amazing and I agree, those vibes are immaculate! I love the elements you highlighted and I’m so happy that you enjoyed this fic; I remember the thrill of seeing those 3 brilliant authors publishing a story together, it felt like Christmas! I’m a very urban girl myself (love the city lights!) but I can’t deny the charm and quiet intimacy of bucolic fics, I especially adore the ones with recluse!Harry living in the woods. I loved doing this rec list, thank you!

Home is Where the Nifflers Are by primaveracerezos (G, 4k)

Draco has a soft spot for animals with nowhere to go; soon his and Harry's small flat is bustling with adorable, semi-dangerous creatures.

Vintage by momatu (T, 7k)

Of all of the vineyards, in all of the regions, in all of France, Draco's blasted editor sends him to Potter's....

Beekeeping by khalulu (E, 13k)

A few years after the war, Harry needs distance from the British wizarding world and volunteers abroad as a teacher in a poor rural school. Draco is a low-budget traveler, wandering wherever his curiosity leads him. Their paths cross in Malawi, “the warm heart of Africa.”

the treehouse near primrose downs by @softlystarstruck (M, 14k)

Draco and Harry have been roommates for years, so buying a magical house in the countryside shouldn’t be a big difference. But in between fresh loaves of bread and beds of wildflowers, things start to fall into place.

amid this warm and steady sweetness by warmfoothills (E, 21k)

Harry is not living in a period drama, no matter what his friends or his new house or Malfoy’s sudden affinity for horse-riding might suggest, and if one more person uses the word courting, he’s going to start hexing people.

Twelve Moons by @corvuscrowned (T, 27k)

Harry Potter lives a quiet life, running an inn with his two best friends. Once a month, Draco Malfoy comes to stay. A real-time fic that takes place over the course of a year; updates every full moon.

Pathless Woods by @shealwaysreads (E, 30k)

Harry finds himself unexpectedly reacquainted with Draco Malfoy when his work as an apprentice wandmaker takes him to Wiltshire. Amongst the trees Harry finds magic, growth, and a man who might finally be proving he’s worthy of the wand that chose him.

Of Wands and Trees by Omi_Ohmy (E, 45k)

All Draco wants to do is be a wandmaker, but to do so he needs to understand the soul of trees. Of course, the only man who might be able to help him is the one man who is more of a mystery to him than any tree.

Among Ancient Pines by @graymatters (M, 74k)

Every day, Draco Malfoy tries. With every fiber of his being he tries. But he doesn’t much think about what he’s trying for. In his final term of Healer training, Draco is unfortunate enough to find himself on a plane, the only means of traveling to a small, magical town in rural Alaska.

Knead by laughingd0g (E, 83k)

This is not a story about Harry renovating Grimmauld Place. This is a story about coffee shops and brewpubs, about Ginny and Luna on a farm with creatures, about magical Oregon, coastal road trips, flying, friendship, and Draco Malfoy's lean arms.

Wild (orphaned, E, 92k)

“No,” Harry said, by way of greeting. Malfoy’s blonde head rose slowly, carelessly. “Get out.” “I feel as though we’ve already established this, Potter,” Malfoy responded. “And I feel that what we established was that you telling me to get out of places really doesn’t make me more likely to vacate them.”

A Sword Laid Aside by @korlaena (E, 128k)

When Draco’s cover is blown during a deep undercover operation and the Ministry is compromised, Ron takes Draco to the only safe place he can think of—Potter. Hiding out with a taciturn Harry Potter, who has been missing from the Wizarding World for almost two decades after a shocking fall from grace, is nothing like Draco thought it would be.

[yourreddancer]

WHAT MELANIA AND IVANKA SAID ABOUT USAID

Donald Trump — abetted by his unelected assistant president, Elon Musk — is trying to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

He has called USAID a “tremendous fraud.”

Interesting, then, that both his wife, Melania, and his daughter Ivanka have worked with and praised the agency.

In 2018, Melania Trump — who was First Lady at the time — visited Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi with USAID.

She said this:

“We care, and we want to show the world that we care, and I’ve partnered and am working with USAID. And that’s what I want to share — that we care.”

And this:

“I wanted to be here to see the successful programs that the United States is providing to the children.”

And this:

“We are having funding, so we are helping the countries, and we are working hard for helping them and we will continue to help.”

Ivanka Trump, for her part, took credit for leading a $50 million USAID program in 2019 to empower women in developing countries, saying:

“We know there’s a correlation between gender inequality and conflict, there’s tremendous amounts of research. ... It is in our domestic security interests to empower women.”

And on a trip to Africa of her own, Ivanka visited Ivory Coast and Ethiopia to announce millions in USAID assistance for women entrepreneurs.

Ivanka even used some $11,000 in USAID funds to buy video equipment for an event at the White House in 2019, during her father’s first term.

For those not caught up in “DOGE”-driven ideological extremism, supporting the humanitarian work of USAID is common sense.

Public Citizen is suing Trump over his attempt to dissolve USAID. Our earlier note about this new lawsuit is copied below in case you missed it.

On Friday night, a federal judge granted our request for emergency action to stop the Trump regime from putting 2,200 USAID workers on leave and to bring back the hundreds put on leave earlier in the week.

But this is only a temporary interruption to Trump’s (Musk’s?) plans. We will be back in court next week. This lawsuit is far from over.

******

This past Thursday night, Public Citizen sued Donald Trump for shutting down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

By dissolving USAID — in clear disregard for the law and the Constitution — Trump has touched off a global humanitarian catastrophe.

Originally established by Congress in 1961 — when John F. Kennedy was president — USAID is a vital humanitarian organization that provides life-saving food, medicine, and support to much of the rest of the world.

But Trump has illegally ordered USAID workers to stop doing their jobs, frozen the agency’s funding, and prepared to lay off or fire nearly all employees.

With USAID in disarray, medical clinics, soup kitchens, refugee assistance programs, and countless other critical projects across the globe cannot operate.

This is a humanitarian nightmare of Donald Trump’s and Elon Musk’s making in service of ideologically bizarre interests.

Last Monday, Elon Musk bragged that he had spent the weekend “feeding USAID into the wood chipper.” The Constitution is clear — Congress created USAID and only Congress can dismantle it. Not MAGA sycophant and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Not President Donald Trump. And definitely not the unelected Elon Musk.

Public Citizen is representing the American Foreign Service Association and American Federation of Government Employees in this case, with co-counsel at Democracy Forward.

Our lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction barring Trump, and State Department or Treasury Department officials, from taking any action to dissolve USAID absent congressional authorization. We are also seeking a temporary restraining order — mandating a reversal of the Trump regime’s unlawful actions and a halt to any further steps to dissolve USAID — until the court has resolved our suit.

By the way, we have now filed five lawsuits against the Trump regime (and there are more to come). Here are the other four:

1. We’ve told you about the suit we filed, within moments of Trump being sworn in, challenging the secrecy and structure of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency that is being run by Elon Musk.

2. We also sued over the removal from publicly accessible government websites of a broad range of health-related data and other information used by health professionals to diagnose and treat patients.

3. We’ve been emailing you about the suit we filed earlier this week to block the illegal invasion of privacy being carried out by “DOGE” at the U.S. Treasury Department.

4. And, on Friday morning, we filed a lawsuit to block “DOGE” from improperly accessing private information at the Department of Education.

[readyforevolution]

FACTS ABOUT AFRICAN FLAGS

Did you know that most African flags, especially west African flags adoptee the yellow,red and green flags during independence, as a symbol of resistance.

The countries drew inspiration from the Ethiopia flag, because of the resistance they put up against Italy.

Countries like Togo, Benin republic, Ghana, Mali, and Cameroon all use this color of flag.

🇹🇬🇧🇫🇨🇲🇪🇹🇬🇭🇬🇼🇲🇱🇸🇳

The second type of flag is the Marcus gravey flag, it is a horizontal flag of red,black and green trips. Marcus gravey wanted a United Africa, both in home and in diaspora. So he designed a unifying flag.

Countries that took up the flag during independence include Kenya, Malawi, libya and Biafra

🇰🇪🇱🇾🇲🇼🇸🇸

Some countries decided to combine the both flags 🇧🇯🇨🇫🇬🇾🇯🇲🇰🇳🇲🇿🇸🇩🇸🇹🇻🇺🇿🇼🇿🇦

Both flags are know as the pan African flags, they are a unifying flag for africa.

#Amazing

#africa

#truth

#black

#freedom

#freedomofspeech

[reasoningdaily]

A military plane carrying Malawi's vice president has gone missing and a search is underway    

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/malawi-ap-bahamas-africa-b2560080.html

A military plane carrying Malawi's vice president and nine others went missing Monday and a search was underway, the president's office said.

The plane carrying 51-year-old Vice President Saulos Chilima left the capital, Lilongwe, but failed to make its scheduled landing at Mzuzu International Airport about 370 kilometers (230 miles) to the north around 45 minutes later.

Aviation authorities lost contact with the plane when it “went off radar,” the statement from Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera's office said. Chakwera ordered a search operation and canceled a trip to the Bahamas, his office said.

"All efforts to make contact with the aircraft since it went off radar have failed thus far," the statement said.

Chakwera was informed of the missing plane by Gen. Valentino Phiri, the head of the Malawian armed forces. The president had ordered national and local authorities to “conduct an immediate search and rescue operation to locate the whereabouts of the aircraft,” his office said.

A military plane carrying Malawi's vice president is missing and a search is underway 

BLANTYRE, Malawi (AP) — A military plane carrying Malawi’s vice president and nine others went missing Monday while on a short trip from the capital to a mountainous region in the country’s north and a search is underway, the president’s office said.

The plane carrying 51-year-old Vice President Saulos Chilima left the southern African nation’s capital, Lilongwe, at 9.17 a.m. but disappeared from radar and failed to land as scheduled around 45 minutes later at Mzuzu International Airport, about 370 kilometers (230 miles) to the north.

“All efforts to make contact with the aircraft since it went off radar have failed thus far,” according to a statement from Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera’s office. Chakwera ordered a search operation and canceled a trip to the Bahamas, his office said. The others onboard were not identified.

Mzuzu is Malawi’s third biggest city and the capital of the northern region. It lies in a hilly, forested area dominated by the Viphya mountain range, which has vast plantations of pine trees.

Malawi’s The Times media group reported that search teams involving soldiers, police officers and others were scouring one of those forested areas near Mzuzu for signs of the plane.

Chakwera ordered national and local authorities to “conduct an immediate search and rescue operation to locate the whereabouts of the aircraft,” his office said. Chakwera later announced on his official Facebook page that he would make a live speech to the nation at 11 p.m.

Chilima had been facing corruption charges over allegations that he received money in return for influencing the awarding of government contracts, but the charges were surprisingly dropped by prosecutors last month. That led to criticism that Chakwera’s administration was not taking a hard enough stance against graft.

Chilima was arrested in late 2022 and made several court appearances, but the trial had not started. He denied the allegations.

Chilima was a candidate in the 2019 Malawian presidential election and finished third. That vote was won by incumbent Peter Mutharika but was annulled by Malawi’s Constitutional Court because of irregularities. Chakwera finished second in that election.

Chilima then joined Chakwera’s campaign as his running mate in an historic election rerun in 2020, when Chakwera was elected president. It was the first time in Africa that an election result that was overturned by a court resulted in a defeat for the sitting president.

[afrourbanbeat]

(Lake Trip to Mangochi with Aeysha 2019)

Take a trip with me down memory lane, to one of my favourite beach vacations that I ever went on, it was with my friends and we stayed at one of her friend's family cottage by the lake in Mangochi. Just a few picturesque shots from my archive. I really miss my tumblr girl era, I think I'm gonna just get back at it. I used to love blogging about spots I went to and trips I enjoyed. Looking back at these photos just kind of reminded me of that era of my life and how much I loved it. Returning back to who you were after you've been lost is a funny thing. Cheers to finding me again.

But yeah, if you're ever looking for an amazing beach vacation, I highly recommend The Makokola Retreat, Mangochi, Malawi.

P.S.

I love that boat photo. Definitely one of my favorites.

[cryingoflot49]

Book Review

Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Cape Town

by Paul Theroux

Two decades ago, the novelist and travel writer Paul Theroux took an overland trip through Africa, starting in Cairo, Egypt and ending in Cape Town, South Africa. This certainly isn’t the safest or the most comfortable means of experiencing the supposed “dark continent”, but it makes for some interesting experiences and insights. Keeping in mind that Theroux’s observations are just one point of view among many, his resulting book Dark Star provides a unique look at a region of the world that holds a permanent place off the beaten path.

While Dark Star is an easy book to read, breaking it down into its individual elements is a good way to approach its merits and examine its flaws. The first element of importance is Theroux’s sense of place. Wherever he goes, the author describes what he sees and the vibe he gets from his surroundings. Starting on the tourist trail in Egypt, he heads south through Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, and South Africa. You quickly get a sense of what he appreciates and what he doesn’t. He doesn’t like sites that are swarmed with tourists, nor does he like cities with their concentrations of crime and poverty. He also doesn’t like the “death traps” as he calls public transportation which are usually over-croded minivans driven at dangerous speeds on poorly maintained roads, pockmarked with hippopotamus-sized potholes. If you’ve ever traveled in a Third World country, you will know exaclt what he is talking about.

The places that Theroux does like are usually rural, especially farm lands or jungle villages. These are the places where he sees Africans at their best, meaning Africans being Africans in the absence of corrupt and filthy cities built up on the foundations of European colonialism. Some of the book’s best passages involve descriptions of the pyramids in Sudan which are rarely seen by tourists, a boat trip across Lake Victoria, another boat trip from Malawi across the Zambezi over the border into Zimbabwe, and the pristine countrysides of Zimbabwe and South Africa. All places, whether Theroux likes them or not, are described with language that is clear, simple, and direct, making it easy to visualize what he sees.

Another element that is done to near perfection is writings about the people. Theroux talks with tour guides, people on the streets and in the villages, farmers, nuns, educators, government officials, Indian businessmen, prostitutes, authors, intellectuals, and ordinary people. Just like with the places he goes, he describes these people vividly with precision so that you feel like you quickly get to know them. But not everyone is to his liking. He gets into small argument with a fanatical Rastafarian in Ethiopia, a little ornery with physically fit young men who refuse to work, government officials who demand bribes to do their jobs, and he really gives a hard time to a young American missionary woman about the psychological damage that her evangelical ministry is doing to the local people. There is also plenty of anger directed at clueless tourists as well as NGO and charity workers who he sees as being the Westerners who do the most damage to Africa.

The third element of importance is the author, Paul Theroux himself, and his thoughts and commentaries on everything he sees. Before getting into this subject, it should be mentioned that Theroux had a purpose to his journey. In the 1960s he worked as a Peace Corps volunteer, teaching in Malawi. After getting involved with a Leftist political group, he got fired then accepted a teaching position at a college in Uganda. He wanted to return and see what results, if any, his contributions to Africa grew into. What he found was a major disappointment. The charming campuses and villages where he had lived were in ruins and instead of a thriving civilization, he saw emaciated beggars, starving children, an ignorant populace, and chronically corrupt politicians. Shops that were formerly owned by Indian immigrants were abandoned and burnt to the ground, the result of a campaign of ethnic cleansing. African people wanted to buy from shops owned by Africans, but Africans never took control over the businesses after the Indians were killed or chased away. They resorted to begging, theft, petty crime, prostitution, and laziness instead of making an effort to build better villages for themselves. Due to the hopelessness of African society, the most educated citizens fled to America or Europe instead of staying in their home countries where they were most needed.

Throughout his travels in Tanzania, Uganda, and Malawi, Theroux gets increasingly bitter and cynical. He wanted to see Africans thriving and they weren’t. He directs all his wrath towards the Western charities and NGOs who he says are making the local people dependent on aid rather than learning how to run their societies for themselves. Even worse, these organizations work by bribing corrupt politicians to allow them to do work there, keeping greedy and psychotic leaders in positions of power they don’t deserve. Theroux points out that rural people who have given up on the hopeless market economy and returned to subsistence farming are the happiest and healthiest Africans he encounters. Heecomes close to advocating for a type of post-capitalist agrarian anarchism.

Some readers have criticized Theroux for his pessimistic views on contemporary Africa, but he does cite studies that support what he says. He also encounters a lot of Africans in several different countries that agree with him. To make sense of his negativity, you also have to remember that traveling overland through Africa is not exactly stress free. Anybody who has been on an extended backpacking trip anywhere in the world will tell you that traveler’s fatigue is a real thing. Theroux took a longer than average trip through one of the most underdeveloped regions in the world, got shot at by Somali bandits, stuck in the middle of nowhere when his transportation broke down, and got sick with food poisoning, magnifying his traveler’s fatigue to a outsize extent. These circumstances would make you grouchy too. But even in the darkest times, Theroux never loses his appreciation for Africa, the wildlife, the landscapes, and the people who are trying to make the best of their situations. Besides, by the time he crosses the river from Malawi into Zimbabwe, his mood really lightens up.

Dark Star is an engaging travelogue that should be read both critically and with an open mind. All the while, remember that this is Paul Theroux’s singular point of view. That doesn’t make it wrong; that just means that there are other points of view to take into account that may go against what he says even if they don’t necessarily invalidate his opinions. He saw what he saw and he expresses it well. This is raw and honest travel writing and if you haven’t been tough enough to make the same kind of journey, you’re not in a good place to be judgmental of the conclusions he draws.

[paneotech]

"Visit Africa: Navigating the African Continental Free Trade Area for Boosting Intra-African Tourism"

By Julien Reteno

In recent years, the African continent has taken a significant leap forward in the quest for economic integration with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This ambitious trade agreement, brokered by the African Union, aims to create a single market for goods and services, thereby facilitating the free movement of people and investments across the continent. The AfCFTA holds the potential to revolutionize African economies, encouraging the diversification of income sources, increasing trade volumes, and fostering innovation.

The importance of economic integration in Africa cannot be overstated. It encourages economies of scale, reduces trade barriers, and fosters a more competitive business environment. By promoting intra-African trade, the AfCFTA can help to reduce the continent's reliance on external markets, thereby strengthening its resilience against global economic shocks.

The Potential of Intra-African Tourism

Despite the diverse attractions and rich cultural heritage that Africa offers, the tourism industry on the continent has traditionally focused on attracting international tourists. Yet, as Africa's economies develop and incomes rise, there is growing recognition of the potential for intra-African tourism. African tourists visiting other African countries can contribute to economic growth, foster cultural exchange, and promote unity among African nations.

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has noted, "This is a sector of our economy that can grow exponentially, and I believe we have not reached its full potential. We tend to think of tourism as associated with pleasure motives all the time. But it can also embrace business tourism, education tourism, health tourism and religion. Tourism is the new gold mine."

The AfCFTA, by promoting the free movement of people, can significantly boost intra-African tourism. By making it easier and more affordable for Africans to travel within the continent, the AfCFTA can help to unlock the full potential of Africa's tourism industry.

Visit Africa: A Catalyst for Change

In the burgeoning landscape of African tourism, one platform stands out for its innovative approach and commitment to promoting intra-African tourism - Visit Africa. This comprehensive platform aims to make booking trips across the continent a seamless experience, thereby encouraging more Africans to explore the beauty and diversity of their own continent.

Visit Africa stands at the intersection of technology and tourism. It leverages digital tools to

provide a user-friendly interface, comprehensive information, and secure booking options. By removing the hassle from planning and booking trips, Visit Africa makes it easier for Africans to explore their own continent.

Furthermore, Visit Africa is perfectly positioned to leverage the opportunities provided by the AfCFTA. By promoting the free movement of people and services, the AfCFTA can facilitate the growth of platforms like Visit Africa, which are built on the premise of intra-African tourism.

Going Beyond the Beaten Track

Visit Africa distinguishes itself by going beyond the well-trodden tourist paths. It works closely with tourism authorities across the continent to highlight lesser-known destinations, thereby helping to develop new tourism markets. This approach fosters a more balanced and sustainable development of the tourism industry, promoting local economic development and job creation in regions that have been overlooked in the past.

For instance, Visit Africa has been instrumental in promoting tourism in destinations like the serene Lake Malawi, the ancient rock-hewn churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia, and the lush landscapes of the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda. By shedding light on these hidden gems, Visit Africa not only offers travelers a unique and authentic experience but also contributes to the socio-economic development of these regions.

Fostering Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

One of the key strategies of Visit Africa is to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among tour operators. This initiative bridges the gap between operators in more developed markets and those in emerging destinations, thereby helping to disseminate best practices and innovative ideas.

For example, a tour operator in Tanzania, a country with a well-developed safari tourism industry, can share insights on sustainable tourism practices, effective marketing strategies, and customer service excellence with a counterpart in a less developed market like Togo. This exchange of knowledge and expertise can help the latter to enhance its service offering, attract more tourists, and contribute to the growth and development of the tourism industry in Togo.

Cross-Border Tourism in the AfCFTA Era.

The advent of the AfCFTA heralds a new era for cross-border tourism. The agreement, by promoting free movement of people and services, opens up new opportunities for cross-border tour itineraries, campaigns, and offers. Visit Africa, in line with this new reality, is working tirelessly to facilitate such cross-border initiatives. For instance, Visit Africa is exploring opportunities to create itineraries that span multiple countries, allowing tourists to experience the diverse cultures, landscapes, and wildlife of Africa. Imagine a tour that starts in the historic city of Marrakech in Morocco, takes you through the vibrant markets of Lagos in Nigeria, leads you to the stunning Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe, and ends with a relaxing beach holiday in the Seychelles. Such cross-border tours can provide a unique experience for tourists and promote regional integration.

Connecting the Diaspora

The African diaspora plays a crucial role in boosting tourism on the continent. The deep emotional and cultural ties that members of the diaspora maintain with their home countries make them keen tourists and ambassadors of African destinations. Visit Africa and the AfCFTA both recognize this potential and are working towards facilitating diaspora tourism.

Visit Africa's platform is designed to cater not only to residents of the continent but also to the African diaspora. It provides comprehensive information on destinations, offers convenient booking options, and promotes unique experiences that resonate with the diaspora's desire to connect with their roots.

Moreover, the AfCFTA, by promoting the free movement of people and reducing barriers to travel, can facilitate the return of the diaspora to the continent, whether for tourism, business, or permanent return. This influx of diaspora tourists can contribute significantly to the growth of the tourism industry.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite its immense potential, intra-African tourism faces several challenges. These include the lack of infrastructure, visa restrictions, high cost of travel, and limited awareness of Africa's diverse tourist attractions. However, with the implementation of the AfCFTA and the innovative efforts of platforms like Visit Africa, these challenges can be turned into opportunities.

For instance, the AfCFTA can stimulate investment in tourism infrastructure by creating a more attractive business environment. It can also facilitate the relaxation of visa restrictions and reduce the cost of travel by promoting competition and efficiency in the aviation industry. Meanwhile, Visit Africa, through its digital platform, can raise awareness of Africa's diverse attractions and make it easier for visitors to plan and book their trips.

Looking Forward

As we gaze into the future of the African economy, it becomes increasingly clear that the African Continental Free Trade Area will play a transformative role. Platforms like Visit Africa are poised to ride this wave of change and leverage the opportunities it offers to turbocharge intra-African tourism. By shining a light on lesser-known destinations, fostering collaboration among tour operators, facilitating cross-border tours, and connecting the diaspora, Visit Africa is an instrumental player in unlocking the potential of the AfCFTA and redefining the contours of African tourism.

As eloquently articulated by President Ramaphosa, "Africa is pristine. It has beautiful wide beaches, and some of the oldest and diverse flora and fauna. We have majestic scenery from the ancient Sahara Desert to the savannah grasslands of the Maasai Mara and the southern point where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. I am proud to say as Africans that we have world-class national parks at the forefront of conservation of rare and endangered species."

The horizon is aglow with possibilities for intra-African tourism, and platforms like Visit Africa are forging a path towards a more integrated, inclusive, and sustainable tourism industry that truly cherishes and showcases the beauty and diversity of the African continent.

Julien Reteno is the passionate author and CEO of PANEOTECH, the company behind the groundbreaking Visit Africa platform. With a deep-rooted love for Africa and a vision to promote intra-African tourism, Julien has dedicated his career to unlocking the continent's vast potential in various industries. As a seasoned traveler and entrepreneur, Julien understands the transformative power of tourism in fostering economic growth and cultural exchange. Through Visit Africa, Julien envisions a seamless and immersive experience for African travelers, connecting them with diverse destinations and showcasing the beauty and richness of their own continent. With his leadership and unwavering commitment, Julien strives to make Visit Africa the go-to platform for exploring Africa's hidden treasures. Through his writings and initiatives, Julien aims to inspire Africans and the global community to embark on their own extraordinary journeys of (re)discovery within Africa.

[maureenbenedict]

USAID, which Trump Musk is setting out to shut down, Ivanka and Melania were revealed to have used its funds As Musk wielded a machete and sharpened his knife in an attempt to shut down the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), several foreign media outlets looked through documents censored by USAID and found that Musk's boss, Ivanka, the daughter of U.S. President Trump, and his wife, First Lady Melania, had used funds from the agency during Trump's first term. Britain's Daily Mail wrote with a slight irony that while Trump was slashing aid agency funding, he had found ways to invest in family government businesses. ABC said on February 7 that Melania announced during her visit to Egypt in 2018, “I have entered into a partnership with USAID and am working with it”. In Malawi, she distributed school bags, school supplies and soccer balls to local children as part of her initiative with the USAID Literacy Project. “She's personally interested.” A former senior Egyptian official from USAID recalled that Melania was impressed by their close cooperation with the local government and the economic opportunities they offered the locals. According to the report, Melania's 2018 trip to four African countries, her first major personal international visit itinerary as first lady, through close observation of participating in USAID's “successful” projects, she expressed appreciation for them. The White House and the Office of the First Lady declined ABC's request for comment. In addition to his wife, Trump's daughter Ivanka has used USAID funds and has publicly expressed support for the agency. ABC reported that Ivanka met with female cocoa growers during a visit to Africa in 2018, and she provided them with a $2 million grant from the USAID project. At a coffee shop in Ethiopia, Ivanka announced a USAID-backed loan to support the coffee business of women entrepreneurs. In 2019, Ivanka visited Africa again as a representative of the Trump-initiated “Women's Global Development and Prosperity Initiative” project to participate in African countries' summits on women's economic rights. The person who accompanied her was Mark Green, the then Administrator of USAID. In that year, USAID allocated $50 million for the “Women's Global Development and Prosperity Initiative” to provide financial assistance to women worldwide. Ivanka told ABC at the time that the initiative would not only provide economic assistance to women in developing countries, but also be about U.S. national security. Newsweek also found that Ivanka also spent more than $11,000 from USAID in 2019 to purchase recording and reproduction equipment for an event at the White House. USAID documents, which were being reviewed by the Trump administration, showed that the $11,539 was used to purchase software, CDs, tapes and other recording equipment, and the related payments were approved by USAID's then Associate Administrator and Administrator's Office. ABC has asked Ivanka's representative for comment on the matter.

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[political-us]

"We care," Melania Trump declared in 2018 during a visit to Egypt as first lady to promote her partnership with the U.S. Agency for International Development.

"We care, and we want to show the world that we care, and I've partnered and am working with USAID," she continued. "And that's what I want to share -- that we care."

On her four-country jaunt through Africa in 2018 -- her first major solo international trip as first lady -- Melania Trump offered praise for what she described as "successful" USAID programs as she observed them up close.

In Malawi, for example, she handed out bags, school supplies and soccer balls as part of her "BeBest" initiative as part of a collaboration with a USAID literacy program.

[gtravel365]

If your typical vacation destination is a tropical island where all you’ll get to do is lounge by the beach, why no try going on an East African adventure for a change? Tanzania is the largest country in this part of Africa which is bordered by Kenya, Congo, Malawi and Mozambique. Made up of six ......

[whatsjenniupto]

The Best Laid Plans

I have been preparing for international trips for more years than I care to math out, 17ish? My first big trip was to Malawi. Never out of the country other than a few trips to Canada while growing up in Michigan, and I dove into a third world country -- and never looked back.

For years, I lived abroad in countries on different continents, eventually racking up travel experiences on five. The initial feelings associated with knowing that I was about to go from my known surroundings to ones I've never experienced before went from stress to exhilaration. Even with COVID and the lost years of travel, this exhilaration hasn't left. One of my favorite feelings in the world is waking up in a new city and exploring it just as it too is waking up. The deliveries being made, the stores opening, the joking tones heard amongst staff down tiny alleys between restaurants.

I've gotten used to my life taking place in multiple places. Traveling is what I do. It's like breathing. I require being shoved out of my comfort zone, being dropped into a completely new place where my Duolingo language skills are only going to take me so far, and embracing the world around me.

And then I booked a last minute trip to Paris to experience the Paralympics. And while all my travel knowledge had me pretty convinced of a minimal budget for my time there, I kept running across articles about how first time Paris travels during the Olympics were running people $4000, $5000. Oh, how they regretted all their choices of going to Paris.

Um. WHAT? Are you even doing?! And please tell me this isn't going to be my experience as well.

Now, the Olympic ticket price tag is bonkers if you didn't plan ahead. I get if your goal was the Olympics, you wanted good seats, and you went to multiple events. That adds up quickly.

And ok, yes, these crazies might have been huge shoppers and I doubt their growing souvenir list was 90% from a supermarket like mine was. But can you truly blame Paris because you're a shopohaulic?

I suppose museums are another large expense, but you know what? I have zero desire to stand behind a ton of people -- who are likely all taller than me -- and squint at the Mona Lisa. If I only have a few days to explore a city, being inside a museum in general is not at the top of my "to do" list. I want the sights, the sounds, the dog poop that nearly brings me to my knees. (Ok, maybe not that last one, but that legit happened to me while in Paris.)

Now, onto the food front. I 100% agree, we should be eating all the French food. But, um... if you are truly on a budget and going to complain about costs, maybe you should only be going to GoogleMaps 5★ restaurants. Forget about the Michelin. Delicious, dancing in your seat French food does not have to come with a breaking your budget price tag. Trust me. I absolutely mmm-mmm-mmmed to my own beat multiple times for under €25.

So, how'd my weeklong Parisian Paralympic adventure stack up to those aforementioned Olympic ones? Total: $1280.

Airfare: $600

Transportation: $80

Lodging: $340

Food: $160

Paralympic Event Tickets: $70

Souvenirs/Entrance Tickets: $30 (half of which was cheese and butter 😂)

I honestly don't know what it would take for me to spend $4-5K on a trip. If I was actively trying to spend more money on this trip, I would have purchased a suitcase and filled it with cheese, butter, and Noglu gluten free baguettes. Still would have been under $2K.

[malawihope]

Crisis Nursery

The two weeks in Malawi always go by so quickly. It's already our last full day here. We finished by shopping for the Crisis Nursery.

We got a ton of maize. (Actually 3,300 lbs.) As well as beans, peanuts, and many other foods and supplies.

Only one burner on the electric stove was working. The nannies had to get up at 3am to start cooking breakfast for all the children. We replaced it with a new range. We also had an electrician replace all the outlets in the kitchen.

Electricity in Lilongwe is subject to frequent outages. When they can't cook inside, the nannies had to cook over wood or charcoal fires in the backyard. We got them an upgrade. These two propane burners will save a lot of cook time.

We also added a couple new cribs, as the nursery is now caring for 25 children. (No, the babies don't sleep outside! This crib had just been delivered.)

We were so productive these past two weeks that we didn't have a lot of time to sit and take photos of the babies. But we did play with them almost every day. A few of the older kids outside.

Tomorrow morning, we start our journey home. We always leave Malawi physically tired, but spiritually recharged. And it doesn't take long before we are ready to start planning our next visit.

Of course, these trips would not be so impactful without the generous support of our donors. Thank you for allowing us to represent you here in Malawi. We bring home the gratitude and warm wishes from all our friends here.

Zikomo!