Äventyrsresa i Malawi & Zambia

Transcription

1 Blueberry volontär Äventyrsresa i Malawi & Zambia

2 Malawi and Zambia Malawi Malawi is located in southern Africa, bordering with Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique. 12 million people live in the country, of which approx. 600,000 of them live in the capital Lilongwe. The country has been an independent state since 1963 and was until 1994 ruled by dictatorship. It is therefore a very young democracy. The vast majority of the population makes their living of agriculture and the country s main export products consist of tobacco, tea and sugar. Malawi is a poor country and their economy is very dependent on these exports. 65% of the population lives below the poverty line. Although Malawi with its km2 is one of Africa s smaller countries, it does not make it any less adventurous! You will find magnificent scenery with an abundance of nature reserves and wildlife parks and not least the fascinating Malawi Lake, also called Nyasa Lake which constitutes a whopping 20% of Malawi s surface area. The people are extremely welcoming and hospitable and all conversation starts by being asked how it goes. Maybe you will be treated to the traditional African dish Nsima, a kind of maize porridge which they roll into balls and dip into various dishes. Zambia The capital city of Zambia is Lusaka and despite the fact that English is their official language, about. 70 other languages are spoken, depending on what tribe you come from. There are 10.4 million inhabitants spread over the km ² and though Christianity is stated as the official state religion, Christianity often means a mixture of African religions and what we in Europe know as Christianity. The country has no coastline, but borders 8 countries; the DRC, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and Angola. The country got its independence from Britain on 24th October 1964 and its biggest attraction is the Victoria Falls which was discovered by Dr. Livingstone 150 years ago. In addition, the country offers numerous beautiful natural landscapes and national parks with a rich and varied wildlife.

3 Preliminary programme* Week 1 Local music and dance Local tribe language Bustling city markets Animals, flowers and tobacco halls Lilongwe: After arriving in Lilongwe, we spend the first day getting to know the city, the country and especially our base camp Kumbali Cultural Village. We spend an evening together sharing the traditions of music and dance with the locals. You get the opportunity to learn basic Chichewa, the local tribal language, so you can communicate some with the locals. Our Malawi guides teach you about the history of the country, its culture and its people. We explore Lilongwe city where we pass through Lilongwe s bustling markets, visit the Indian part of town *Observera att resans ordning och innehåll kan ändras beroende på årstid, väder, deltagarnas önskemål etc.

4 Week 2 Village life Local cooking Learning about agriculture Introduction to the orphanage Permaculture: We are taught the Permaculture principles and use what we have learned out in the beautiful nature. The Permaculture Centre is a part of the farm we live on and it is an integrated part of the village society. You learn how to plant trees and cultivate land in the spirit of fair-trade. With the knowledge you have gained, you will help the local community to understand the importance of managing their land for future use. You will be involved in the farm work, be challenged with making yoghurt and cheese and spend a night in Lilongwe. The last part of the week you will visit local schools and orphanages. You are introduced to the volunteer work program which involves teaching at local schools and helping at the orphanage.

5 Week 3-4 Reedhuts Beach life and snorkeling Fascinating life under water Picturesque waterfalls and sunsets Lake Malawi and lake life: We drive from Lilongwe to Salima where we sleep in little huts made from reed, down by the lakeshore. You will have the opportunity to experience the lake and the life both in and around Africa s third largest lake. We visit a crocodile farm and a fish farm, which nurture fish to aquariums in Europe. We walk along a hippo pool and the hills around the lake, seeing the village and visiting fishermen and rice paddies. If Kuti Game Ranch shows their good side, we will see giraffes, zebras, sable antelopes, impalas, warthogs, ostriches and much more. From Salima, we head north to Ngala Beach Lodge where you will get a chance to enjoy the beach life, try kayaking and laze in the sun. If you wish to snorkel among the species of cichlid that live in Lake Malawi, now is your chance. Cichlids are the kinds of fish, which we in Europe buy for our fish tanks, and they are the clear-water prime attraction. We sail on the lake by boat and a ferry from the 50s, experience several stunning sunsets and walk to a spectacular waterfall. These weeks you have the opportunity to take a PADI diving certificate in freshwater, which is a unique experience (extra charge locally).

6 Week 5-6 Voluntary work Gratitude Rewarding experiences Voluntary work: These weeks it is all about the voluntary work. You will finally have the chance to really immerse yourself in the various programs that have been designed to make a difference to the many children and young people who are dependent on help from the outside. You can help orphaned children in orphanages and help out in teaching at schools in the outskirts of Lilongwe. You are part of the everyday life and will never forget the gratitude you meet here. Week 7 Fields of tea Climbing Mount Mulanje Wild nature Shire Highlands: After two weeks of voluntary work the trip continues south towards the lush highlands where our first stop is the Conforzi Tea Estate. We will walk along the tea fields, pick tea and visit the factories. Here you will see the making of tea, how the leaves will start their lives on a bush and finally end up in your tea cup. Tea is one of Malawi s main export commodities. From Conforzi we will drive to the foot of Mount Mulanje (3000 metres), the highest mountain in Malawi. We start our two day climb early in the morning and will walk approximately 8-10 hours a day. We reach the peak, Sapitwa Peak, late in the afternoon and stay overnight there. In the morning we can enjoy the sight of a completely undescribable sunrise over the African steppes. The area is known for its wild nature, enchanting waterfalls and large areas of forest with Mulanje Cedar.

7 Week 8 Safari Lions and elephants Relaxing and reflecting Farewell party Zambia: South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is the wild Africa. Filled with lions, leopards and elephants, this is a safari you ll never forget. We go by bus from Lilongwe and make camp at Luangwa river banks. At night, you share the tent site with hippos and other wildlife under the stars. In the morning and throughout the day, we go on game drives in and wander the savannah. In between the adventure you have plenty of time to relax and reflect on your Malawi journey, and everything you have experienced. The tour ends back in Lilongwe, where we hold a farewell party for the group and the local community.

8 Resväg

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