Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sleeping & Eating
There are two places close to the junction with the main road. They can safely store your
gear and arrange a guide if you want to walk up to Livingstonia - a much more pleasant
option.
CAMPING, GUESTHOUSES
Chitimba Campsite $
( 0888-387116;
www.chitimba.com
; Chitimba; campsite per person MK1200, dm
MK2400, chalets with bathroom MK5400; )
This chilled out
palapa
-style complex,
off the main drag, is gated, safe and very well organised. The bar and restaurant dish up
excellent steaks and salads, or if you're in a rush, carb food like toasties. Better still, it
looks out onto the beach (fenced off to deter hawkers) and the sapphire water of Lake
Malawi 150m away.
You can play volleyball, use the wi-fi at the bar, or chat to overlanders. Stilted thatch-
and-brick cabanas are nicely positioned around a manicured courtyard with clean linen,
mozzie nets and simple padlocked doors. Chitimba Campsite can also arrange day trips up
to Livingstonia.
Hakuna Matata $
( 0881-262337;
www.hakunamatata.chitimba.com
;
camping/tent rental MK700/950,
cabanas s/d/dm MK1300/1500/1300; )
Right beside Chitimba Campsite off the main
drag, Makuna feels more like authentic backpacker turf, with an emphasis on camping
(plenty of shaded pitches). There's a charming beachside bar, volleyball court, spotless
toilet and shower block, and basic but clean cabanas, plus a colourful dorm. Owner Willie
is a character and conducts historical day tours to Livingstonia. Check his website for de-
tails.
CAMPING, GUESTHOUSE
LODGE
Sangilo Sanctuary Lodge $$$
( 0888-392611, 0999-395203;
www.sangilo.net
; campsite per person US$5, d chalets
with/without bathroom US$75/60)
According to Ewan McGregor, who stayed here on his
Long Way Down
journey, Sangilo Sanctuary Lodge is 'just about the perfect retreat'.
Nestled on a quiet cove, 8km north of Chitimba, this ecofriendly lodge has the most strik-
ing setting of any digs in the immediate area.
Handsome chalets perched on the cliffs boast awesome lake views. The food is a draw
too; served on the outdoor restaurant deck down on the beach, they offer a couple of dif-
