Travels around the world 2009-2024
Exploring our beautiful planet

On the road

September 28, 2015  —  Malawi

Money in Malawi - the kwacha

For the last few years, the value of the kwacha has been going down on the financial markets. In 2010, $US 1 was worth about 150 kwachas. In September 2015, the value had become $US 1 = 550 kwachas.

A 1,000 kwachas note is only worth about $US 2 and it is the biggest bank note available. On the next two photos, that big pile of money is worth only about 500 dollars (300,000 kwachas).

It is a headache to manage money in Malawi. At the ATM, only 40,000 kwachas can be withdrawn (70 dollars). Fill up the car and more than half that money is gone; credit cards are not accepted in fuel stations. There are a few rare banks allow withdrawal of large amounts of money directly at the counter using a credit card, but they are hard to found.

Chitimba - Malawi
Chitimba - Malawi
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Lake Malawi

Chitimba - Malawi
Chitimba.
Cape Maclear - Malawi
Cape Maclear - a lodge where I stayed.
Chintheche - Malawi
Chintheche beach.
Lake Malawi National Park - Malawi
A national monument.
Chintheche - Malawi
Chintheche beach.
Cape Maclear - Malawi
Cape Maclear.
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Village of Kandewe

Kandewe Village - Malawi

In this small village, a curious bridge made of branches and bamboos can be visited.

Moreover, there is a small museum and a chapel to visit.

Kandewe Village - Malawi
Kandewe Village - Malawi
In the ancestor's chapel.
Kandewe Village - Malawi
Kandewe Village - Malawi
Kandewe Village - Malawi
Kandewe Village - Malawi
Some artifacts in the museum. Yes, the gramophone is really working; it must be powered by hand.
Kandewe Village - Malawi

Visiting the chapel only took 10 minutes, but I got a song. It is an offering to the ancestors like a prayer.

A curious experience.

Kandewe Village - Malawi
Kandewe Village - Malawi
Inside the chapel.
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Lake Malawi - Nkhata Bay

Nkhata Bay - Malawi
Nkhata Bay - Malawi
Nkhata Bay - Malawi
Nkhata Bay - Malawi
Nkhata Bay - Malawi
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Lake Malawi - Monkey Bay

Mufasa Eco-Lodge, in Monkey Bay, is one of the nicest places along Lake Malawi.

Monkey Bay - Malawi
Monkey Bay - Malawi
Monkey Bay - Malawi
Monkey Bay - Malawi
Monkey Bay - Malawi
Monkey Bay - Malawi
Monkey Bay - Malawi
The bar and restaurant.
Monkey Bay - Malawi
Monkey Bay - Malawi
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Shire Valley

The Lengwe Park and Majete Reserve are both located in the Shire Valley.

Road from Blantyre to the Shire Valley - Malawi
Shire Valley - Malawi
Shire Valley - Malawi