Israel and Africa

 Day 14 – Lake Malawi II Today and tomorrow are free days for activities along the shores of Lake Malawi stretching over 500km along the western boundary of Malawi, the lake is home to more species of fish than any other lake. Unfortunately, scuba diving and Snorkeling in the crystal waters are not available during winter (yes, July is winder here), for seeing the brilliantly coloured tropical cichlids, tiny fish often found in colourful aquariums around the world. Fishing villages are scattered along the shore and the traditional industry and practices are an attraction to visitors.  The lake alone is home to hundreds and hundreds of endemic fish species (the largest in the world for lakes) – which otherwise would not exist without Lake Malawi – and the water also attracts hippos, baboons, warthogs, many species of birds, and occasionally even elephants. I woke up early for the sunrise. My first attempt of kayaking was deterred by the heavy waves, yet someone suggested a quieter corne

 Day 13 – Lake Malawi I  We had breakfast at 5:00 am to leave the lodge by 5:30 am, in order to cross the border into Malawi, and rush into a southern campsite (as the planned norther n camp site is sold out). It was the longest bus day of the trip.   Leaving Tanzania behind, we descend the Great Rift Valley and cross the border into Malawi. Lake Malawi, the third largest lake in Africa Known as the “Warm Heart of Africa” the lakeside country is blessed with natural beauty. “The highest peaks in Malawi touch 10,000 ft (3,000m) while the lowest point is barely above sea level. This range of altitudes in a small area help to make the landscape of Malawi one of the most varied in all Africa. It is generally a green, lush country, with plateaux, highlands, forests, mountains, plains, escarpments and dramatic river valleys.” Our destination tonight is the southern shores of Lake after 14-hr bus ride (as Nomad Africa failed to secure the only acceptable lodge on northern side). We stopped by

 Day 12 – Mbeya Region The group had an early breakfast with packed lunch then we headed west. This afternoon we arrived at the biggest coffee plantation in Tanzania (Utengule Coffee Lodge) where toured the processing facilities of seeding, growing and harvesting coffee beans and sampled some of the coffee. We slept at the Utengule Coffee Lodge in the plantation near a city in southwest Tanzania. It sits at the base of soaring Loleza Peak, between the Mbeya and Poroto mountain ranges. I got an upgrade to stay in a bungalow instead of camping. We had grilled lamp chops for dinner.

Day 11 - Iringa I slept in then worked a little online, instead of taking the optional game drive in the Mikumi National Park that ranks as the fourth largest park in Tanzania and forms part of a 75 000 square kilometre wilderness that centres on Selous, Africa’s largest game reserve. I read online and watched a YouTube clip and determined it has similar animals as the Serengeti National Park, just bigger and greener. As confirmed by my group mates, I did not miss anything other than cribbing on a big tree. The camp owner showed me where to see the wild hogs on site. Looking at the small tent he rented to a Nomad staff, I asked him if I could buy one from him so I don’t have to struggle with setting up and taking down the big and heavy military tent each day. He kindly sold me one at almost his cost of $30, and I am very happy to use this tent when it is not raining or windy.  The group had a lunch, then we headed west along a valley. This afternoon we made a stop to see the bwi bwi tr