Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Offline map
( 8am-late)
Popular little spot with both locals and visitors communing for a cold beer.
It closes when the last person leaves.
Information
Dangers & Annoyances
Take great care when swimming near the large rocks at the end of the beach at Steps
Campsite; there's a surprisingly strong undertow. Some of the beaches here are flat and
reedy - perfect conditions for bilharzia, so get advice from your hotel or lodge to see if
it's safe. Finally, never swim in the lake at dusk as this is when crocs and hippos are at
large; from then on and through the night.
Getting There & Away
First get to Salima. From there, local pick-ups run to Senga Bay (MK250), dropping you
in the main street. If you want a lift all the way to Steps Campsite, negotiate an extra fee
with the driver. If you're travelling to/from Cape Maclear, consider chartering a boat; it's
not too expensive (around US$250 to US$300) if you get a group together. Ask at Cool
Runnings guesthouse.
MALAWI'S LAKE OF STARS
Since 2004, Malawi's sandy shores have been regularly rocking to the sound of Malawi's greatest pop acts and a
smattering of international DJs. Organised by a British club promoter who fell in love with Malawi while working
on a gap year, the three-day Malawi Lake of Stars Festival takes place (almost) every October at different loca-
tions by the lake. The aim is to raise funds for local charities, as well as to boost the profile of Malawian music
and have loads of fun. Think miniature Glastonbury with heat and flip-flops instead of mud and rubber boots. All
kinds of acts have taken to the stage, from Malawian reggae superstars the Black Missionaries, to up-and-coming
African hip-hop stars, to British folk musicians. The event attracted over 3000 people in 2008 and by 2011 big
names such as Foals and Vampire Weekend were guests. The event was cancelled in 2012 but should be rocking
again come 2013. For further info on where and when it will be when you visit, check out
www.lakeofstars.org
.
