Cape Maclear, Lake Malawi

Apologies for the lack of recent updates - internet in Mozambique was about as good as the roads and the beaches were too nice! We were very pleased to find that they have wireless internet at the campsite where we are staying at the moment. It even works on the beach! So, the blog is now finally up to date; if you want to see all the posts you probably have to click on "older posts" at the bottom of the page. Tomorrow we're going to Lilongwe, where we'll be stocking up in supplies before heading north along the lake. Not sure yet how long we'll be staying in Malawi but it will probably be a couple of weeks or so before we head towards Zambia. Lots of love to you all!

The road to Malawi
Going on what we had been told and read, we opted to take one of the main transportation corridors out of the country. 20 hours, washed out roads and 450 kilometres later we finally made it to the border. The roads were shocking - we will never complain about south London's potholes ever again! No damage to the car, but Anna's foot bore the brunt of our boiling travel kettle falling over. Needless to say it was a long drive for Fergus and a rather painful ride for Anna.

Chocas Beach

The campsite was unfortunately shut and we were forced to stay in a bungalow for three nights...

Ilha do Ibo

Left Wayne securely parked in someone's back yard and took a fishing dhow to Ibo Island for an overnight trip. It was once a major slave trading port and now a very sleepy town. They are trying to promote it as a tourist destination, hence the effort to keep the beaches clean.

Pangane

Not too many visitors make it as far north as this remote fishing village. We felt as if we were the circus arriving in town with everyone taking it in turn to stop and stare only a couple of metres away for a good hour or two. It was a beautiful place and a lovely stop. Two minor scares, the first being a big snake a little too close for comfort. The second a local chav tried to nick our chairs and duvet whilst asleep. Fortnately we woke up as the duvet was slowly disappearing from on top of us and the chairs were found in a nearby bush.

Ilha do Mocambique
The Portuguese capital of Mozambique until the late 19th century. Not much has changed with a lot of the beautiful old buildings falling into disrepair. Spent a wonderful two days getting to know the island and meeting the people. Fortunately none of us got ill - the hospital looks about as good as the roads. This was definitely one of the highlights of Mozambique.

More from Ilha do Mocambique...

Heading North

The bridge over the Zambezi, connecting the south of Mozambique to the north was meant to have been completed in December 2006. It still isn't - could Swedish SIDA's helping hand have something to do with it? Thankfully the ferry was running the next morning after a good night's sleep at the luxurious Motel Caia. And a a special thanks to the local army commander who pushed us to the front of the very long ferry queue!

The Bazaruto Archipelago

After a lot of early morning haggling (they gave in!) we took a local fishing dhow out to one of the islands to snorkel and sunbathe.

Tofo Beach, Mozambique

Five nights at Fatima's backpackers on the beach - too much Thai dye and drumming lessons on offer....! However, fantastic diving, beaches and surfing more than made up for it. I (Anna) even managed to ride my first wave!

Stuck in the mud - the team

Heading north from Maputo, we got seriously stuck in mud for the first time. Two hours later, a highlift jack and help from the locals we got underway.

Johannesburg, 21st February

Thanks again to Paul and Glynton for putting us up and sorting a great braai for the evening! Congratulations to Claire and Ed - Tabitha was born not long after this photo was taken.