Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ally, in rough coordination with boat arrivals and departures, to and from Kyela (Tsh200).
For ferry schedules and fares,
Click here
.
MATEMA
This quiet lakeside settlement is the only spot on northern Lake Nyasa that has any sort
of tourist infrastructure, and with its stunning beachside setting backed by the Livingstone
mountains rising steeply up from the water, it makes an ideal spot to relax for a few days.
You can arrange walks and dugout canoe rides or lounge on the beach. On Saturdays,
there's a
pottery market
at Lyulilo village, about 2km east of Matema village centre along
the lake shore and just before Ikombe, where Kisi pots from Ikombe are sold. There's
nowhere in Matema to change money, so bring enough shillings with you.
Sleeping & Eating
Blue Canoe Safari
CAMPGROUND, BUNGALOW $
(Crazy Crocile Camp; 0783-575451;
www.bluecanoelodge.com
; camping Tsh6000, s/d
bungalow without bathroom Tsh25,000/30,000, s/d ste US$70/90; ) This friendly
backpacker's place was just getting started when we passed through. There is beachside
camping, no-frills thatched bungalows sharing facilities, a good restaurant and a fully
stocked bar. By the time this topic is published, there should also be a handful of comfort-
able, waterfront bungalow suites with bathrooms and hot water. It's on a long, beautiful
and quiet stretch of beach 2km beyond Matema Lake Shore Resort. If you arrive via public
transport, free pick-ups can be arranged from Matema bus stand with advance notice, or
it's a pleasant half-hour walk through the palm trees.
Matema Lake Shore Resort
BUNGALOW $
( 025-250 4178, 0754-487267;
www.twiga.ch/TZ/matemaresort.htm
;
camping Tsh5000,
d/tr/f Tsh50,000/40,000/50,000, d without bathroom Tsh20,000;) Directly on the beach
about 1km beyond Matema Beach View Lutheran Centre, this Swiss-built place has several
clean, breezy family chalets, each of which can accommodate up to five people in three
beds downstairs and one double bed upstairs, plus several smaller, equally nice double and
triple cottages and a quad. All rooms front directly onto the lake except the doubles sharing
bathrooms, which are set back a bit. Breakfast is not included in room prices, but there is
a restaurant serving simple, reasonably priced meals. All self-contained rooms have fridge
and fan. Bookings can also be arranged through Karibuni Centre in Mbeya (
Click here
)
.
Matema Beach View Lutheran Centre
BUNGALOW $
