Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Mua
Wedged between Salima and Balaka, and sitting on a hill thick with flame trees, Mua is a
rare treat; the red-brick terracotta-tiled mission seems transplanted from Tuscany, and the
church itself is strangely beautiful even if you're not religious. Built at the beginning of
the 20th century by Catholic White Fathers, Mua Mission houses a school, a hospital and
the fascinating Kungoni Centre of Culture & Art. Established more than 30 years ago, the
centre is dedicated to breeding greater understanding of Malawi's culture and history
among tourists and Malawians alike.
Sights
Kafukufuku Research Centre
( 01-262706;
www.kungoni.org
; per day MK600)
For people with a genuine interest in
learning more about Malawian history and culture there's the research centre where you
can delve into photographs, books and research papers. The centre also runs sporadic
courses on Malawian culture, history, art and language. They include a visit to the mu-
seum, group participation, videos and free access to the library.
CULTURAL BUILDING
Kungoni Centre of Culture & Art
( 01-262706;
www.kungoni.org
; 7.30am-4pm Mon-Sat)
The Kungoni Centre of
Culture & Art, part of the Mua Mission, is made up of several different workshops and ex-
hibitions. Set up in 1976 by a Canadian, Father Claude Boucher (who still directs the
centre), it has developed into an important focal point for cultural information and train-
ing.
CULTURAL BUILDING
Chamare Museum
(admission MK900; 7.30am-4pm Mon-Sat)
If you only visit one thing here, make it the
Chamare Museum, beautifully decorated with vibrant murals depicting scenes from
Malawian history. Its three rooms concentrate on the three main cultural groups of the re-
gion (Chewa, Ngoni and Yao) and their approach to traditional beliefs, with a huge collec-
tion of Gule Wamkulu masks. A guide is included in the entrance fee; the tour takes at
least an hour.
MUSEUM
