Malawi Airlines, Tiyende issue 23

tiyende

With compliments of Malawi AIrlines

JOZI ADVENTURE

Locals advise on where to begin for a true taste of Johannesburg JUMPSTART YOUR

Fresh flavours

Homegrown chef bringing unforgettable dining to Malawi

Spicy Farmers

Red-hot idea tackling human-elephant conflicts

FROM THE WARM HEART OF AFRICA

lucia.gimson@landmarine.com

Takulandirani!

A new chapter for Malawi Airlines: growth, resilience, and vision for 2025

Happy New Year to our esteemed Malawi Airlines customers.

It is essential to reflect on the past year’s challenges and accomplishments. Although the economic climate has brought us hitherto unheard-of challenges, it has also encouraged adaptability and creativity inside our company. We acknowledge these difficulties while encouraging optimism and tenacity for the upcoming year.

It is evident that 2024 was challenging for many Malawians, including our valued customers, due to the economic landscape. Many industries, notably aviation, were disrupted. In spite of these hurdles, Malawi Airlines kept offering top-notch services to all of our passengers.

I am proud of how our team has responded. We have demonstrated remarkable resilience by adapting our strategies to meet changing market conditions. This transition not only maintained productivity but also positioned us well for future growth.

In response to increased traffic demand, the national carrier has made significant improvements to our services. We have increased flight frequencies to Lusaka, Harare, and Dar es Salaam, offering daily flights to these destinations. Additionally, flights to Nairobi have been increased to four times per week, and we operated double daily flights to Johannesburg on selected days from late December to early January 2025. Thanks for the business support and loyalty, without which none of this would have been possible!

As we start the New Year 2025, we at Malawi Airlines are still hopeful about the prospects that lie ahead. We are getting ready to launch a number of initiatives targeted at improving customer convenience. Notably, plans are in motion to start domestic flights to the northern city of Mzuzu in the first quarter of 2025, and by the end of the second quarter of 2025, Karonga will be included.

Moreover, we are exploring plans to expand our fleet to support our vision of flying to Kigali (Rwanda), Pemba and Nampula (Mozambique), Lubumbashi (DRC), Entebbe (Uganda) and beyond. We will also be increasing our flight frequency to Johannesburg. These additions will broaden our network and bring more opportunities for growth.

As the year begins, we wish you all the best in your endeavours. Thank you for choosing Malawi Airlines as your trusted travel partner.

Laeke Tadesse CEO, Malawi Airlines

FROM THE WARM HEART OF AFRICA

NEWS

The latest news and information from across our network

MAGIC OF AIR SHOW INSPIRING NEXT GENERATION

Phantom Aviation closed out 2024 with an awe-inspiring air show and aviation career day at the Lilongwe Air Force Base on November 9. 2024.

The event, which is sponsored by Puma Energy Aviation, attracted hundreds of visitors, who got to see a variety of aircraft as well as some breathtaking aerial manoeuvres from pilots. For many attendees, especially those who had never seen an aircraft up close, it was a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of aviation.

In the days leading up to the show, Phantom Aviation launched an initiative called the ‘Flight Experience.’ Over 400 students from various schools across Malawi were treated to 15-minute flights at Kamuzu International Airport. Conducted in collaboration with the national carrier, Malawi Airlines.

The flights were a transformative experience for many participants, some of whom were flying for the very first time. Witnessing the joy and wonder on the students’ faces highlighted the event’s impact in sparking dreams of a career in aviation. The annual event was launched in 2023. This year’s show proved a huge

WE HONOUR MILITARY VETERANS AT THANKSGIVING GOLF TOURNAMENT

Malawi Airlines proudly took part and was among the sponsors at this year’s Military Veterans Thanksgiving Golf Tournament, held on November 1 and 2 2024 at the Limbe Country Club.

The annual event pays tribute to Malawian veterans who valiantly served in the First and Second World Wars while raising funds to support their essential needs, including healthcare and accommodation.

Speaking at the tournament, Malawi Defence Force Commander Paul Valentino

Phiri praised the event sponsors: “Your support ensures our veterans live dignified lives by accessing the care they deserve,” he said.

The event – now in its fifth year –attracted over 100 golfers from various sectors, including top-ranking officers from the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) and the Tanzania Defence Force (TDF).

Music was provided by the Malawi Defence Force Brass Band, which kept the audience entertained throughout the weekend.

success and has encouraged Phantom Aviation to set it sights even higher. The organization has promised to bring more innovative and engaging activities in the coming years, cementing its position as a leader in fostering aviation enthusiasm and development in Malawi.

By sponsoring this meaningful event, Malawi Airlines reaffirmed its dedication to community service and national pride, ensuring our heroes are celebrated and supported.

FROM THE WARM HEART OF AFRICA

Tiyende presents an opportunity for Malawi Airlines to reveal to its esteemed customers the dedicated team behind its operations. In this issue the airline’s Public Relations Officer, Joseph Chikalipo, interviews First Officer at Malawi Airlines Henry Gama about his career and personal journey.

“The challenges I faced taught me resilience and adaptability, which are essential traits for a pilot”

Tell me about yourself.

OMy name is Henry Gama, and I am a pilot at Malawi Airlines. My passion for flying began when I was only four years old at Chileka International Airport, where I saw one of Air Malawi’s former planes, a Boeing 737-300 given the name ‘Kwacha’. Since then, my aviation journey has taken me to Russia, South Africa, and later Ethiopia, where I joined Malawi Airlines on February 2, 2022. There, I acquired qualifications to fly the Bombardier Q400 and recently the Boeing 737 Next Generation as a First Officer. I have a deep passion for aviation and logistics, and I truly love what

I do. Flying modern aircraft to various destinations is both fulfilling and inspiring, and I look forward to achieving even greater heights in my career.

Q: How would you describe the scope of your role as a First Officer?

As a First Officer, I assist the Captain in the day-to-day operations of the aircraft as the second in command. My responsibilities include ensuring we have the correct documentation, reviewing weather conditions, and verifying the serviceability of the aircraft. Additionally, I ensure that all relevant certificates and maintenance documents are on

‘My passion for flying began when I was just four years old’

board to prepare the aircraft for its next departure. I also handle pilot flying and monitoring duties according to the airline’s standard operating procedures, contributing to the safe and efficient operation of each flight.

Q: What factors or experiences guided you toward this profession?

What guided me toward this profession was my curiosity about how such a large piece of metal could fly. Growing up, I frequently visited the airport to see relatives off and found myself fascinated by the environment. I would save money from my parents to buy aviation magazines, read about airplanes, and play aviation-themed video games. Today, with the wealth of information available on the internet, including content on platforms like YouTube, aspiring pilots can gain a broader understanding of aviation. This exposure was a game-changer for me, and I am deeply grateful to my parents for supporting my dreams and making them a reality.

Q: What motivated you to pursue the transition from the Q400 to the larger Boeing aircraft?

I have always been a fan of Boeing, and the 737 has always been one of my favourite aircraft. This iconic plane, which was introduced in the 1960s, has evolved into one of

the most modern jets and remains Boeing’s best-selling aircraft with over 10,000 in operation worldwide. Transitioning to the Boeing 737 was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I wanted the challenge of flying a larger, high-performance aircraft and fulfilling a lifelong dream of piloting the plane that inspired me as a child. The saying, “If it ain’t Boeing, I ain’t going,” resonates with me, and I am grateful to God for helping me achieve this milestone.

Q: What skills or experiences gained from flying the Q400 helped you succeed in the transition to a larger aircraft?

Flying the Q400 provided me with valuable skills and experiences that facilitated my transition to the Boeing 737. I gained proficiency in understanding system descriptions, flying in adverse weather conditions, and utilising modern avionics. One of the most significant adjustments was working as part of a two-pilot crew, as I had previously flown alone and made decisions independently. Effective Crew Resource Management (CRM) is critical in commercial aviation, and my experience on the Q400 provided an excellent foundation for teamwork and decision-making, preparing me to handle a larger aircraft like the Boeing 737.

Q: What were the biggest challenges you faced during your type rating training [a program that teaches pilots how to operate a specific aircraft] for the Boeing aircraft?

The biggest challenge during my training was being away from home for an extended period. The preparation itself was demanding, requiring late-night study sessions and mastering extensive manuals and information. However, the effort was worth it, as I am now qualified to fly the Boeing 737. The challenges I faced taught me resilience and adaptability, which are essential traits for a pilot. As Philippians 4:13 says: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Q: What advice would you give to those aspiring to join the aviation sector?

Henry is First Officer for Malawi Airlines onboard its Boeing 737 Next generation aircraft

To aspiring aviators, my advice is to believe in your dreams, even if others don’t. Your dreams are valid, and with determination, nothing is impossible. Cultivate a passion for what you do, as it will make your work feel effortless and fulfilling. Maintain a positive mindset and a willingness to learn every day. Lastly, remember the saying, “A good pilot is always compelled to evaluate what is happening so that you can apply what you’ve learned.” Always dream big and put God first.

Kumbali Game Reserve is a haven for Malawi’s

UNIQUE FLORA AND FAUNA

Malawi will soon have a new wildlife park just 28km from Lilongwe International Airport. The 658-acre Kumbali Game Reserve is set to open to the public in May, but Mark Edwards gets a sneak peek with park owner Guy Pickering.

it’s 6am at the Kumbali Country Lodge and the Malawi morning is already starting to kindle towards another scorching day. With its 16 thatched-roof chalets and lush gardens, the lodge has been one of Lilongwe’s premier holiday escapes for the past 25 years with regular guests including music megastar Madonna.

Kumbali is found on a vast plot in the capital’s affluent Area 44 with neighbours including the Malawian President. The land is owned by South Africans Guy and Maureen Pickering, who have lived in Malawi since 1991. As well as the lodge you’ll find conference facilities, a striking stone castle that is a popular events venue, and one

honoured to get an exclusive tour of the park on a December morning before it opens to the public for self-drive, guided game drives and nature walks in May.

Guided tour

of the country’s biggest banana plantations.

There is also a 658-acre swathe of forest and rolling grasslands that forms the farm’s latest attraction, the Kumbali Game Reserve. Here a diverse ecosystem has been nurtured that supports animals such as duiker, dik-dik, bushbuck, impala, rock hyrax, spotted hyena, African wild cat, bushbabies, vervet monkeys and many more.

Guy and his team have also carefully introduced some headliner animals such as zebra, wildebeest, sable antelope and ostriches – purchased from other African nature reserves – to enrich the ecosystem. The reserve is fully licensed by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife and I’m

I follow Guy and his trusty pair of boerboel dogs – one black, one golden and both docile in their owner’s company and forever seeking out shady spots to slump in. However, each are jacked with slabs of muscle that signal they are not to be messed with.

We jump in Guy’s Land Cruiser to start the adventure. The entire reserve has been mapped and signposted. A network of 4x4-friendly dirt trails built by hand – “a long job” Guy admits – weave through the woods and link the reserve’s salient attractions such as Black Rock, a spectacular sundowner spot that affords panoramic views of the rolling wilderness framed by a range of misty peaks that include Nkhoma Mountain.

The park has a herd of wildebeest

Zebras in the Kumbali Game Reserve

stripped-back surroundings that has been denuded by years of cutting down trees for fuel.

Thriving ecosystem

At one point we cross a handbuilt bridge over a stream that snakes through the park. The water stems from the Dzalanyama Mountain Range on the border of Malawi and Mozambique and Guy says he drinks from it every day. I also see groups of local women scoop up handfuls of river water to slake their thirst. Distinct among the greenery in their bright chitenje robes, the women are selectively removing branches from overgrown trees. The work has been authorised by Guy – he estimates he employs a seasonal high of around 500 locals across Kumbali – and has the double benefit of providing the women with valuable firewood as well as thinning out the tree cover to improve the health of the remaining trees.

Just how disciplined the Kumbali team have been in protecting the forest cover on his land is evident once you take in the landscape around here. Kumbali’s dense woodland stands out from the

The game reserve’s thriving ecosystem is also apparent when you are in the thick of the woods bouncing around in a 4x4. Hundreds of butterflies – an indicator of a healthy environment – flutter between nectar sources. Birds, which also play a critical role in maintaining the health of the environment, are also plentiful here. Guy tells me he invited a local birding expert to spend time in the park and he recorded more than 250 species here. Among the most abundant –if not the smartest – are helmeted guinea fowl, which are regularly scared up some from the high grass by the Land Cruiser. They then opt to run in twig-legged panic in front of the vehicle rather than veering off to the safety or taking flight.

The Kumbali Game Reserve team is dedicated to preserving and protecting Malawi’s unique flora and fauna. Endemic trees and plants abound here while the park is a safe environment where animals can thrive in their natural habitats. The Lilongwe Wildlife Reserve – an internationally recognised sanctuary for orphaned, injured and rescued wild animals in the capital – has chosen Kumbali on numerous occasions as the place to reintroduce animals to the wild. Guy points out a large cage on an elevated spot

“The game reserve’s thriving ecosystem is also apparent when you are in the thick of the woods bouncing around in a 4x4”

Photograph: Mark Edwards

Photograph: Mark Edwards

in the park that houses a genet – an agile, cat-like mammal – that is being acclimatised to the park before being let loose.

Kumbali Game Reserve also partners with Conservation Research Africa, which has its headquarters on the grounds of the lodge. Its international team conducts vital research into local populations of hyena and bats – animals stigmatised with superstition and fear by many Malawians – to counter human-animal conflicts and the opportunity to monitor the animals and track their behaviour.

Healthy herds

The stars of the show are the zebra and wildebeest, but so far they have remained out of sight. He makes calls to his team of rangers that guard and maintain the park. One has the answer he wants. The zebras have been spotted in an area of the park where the woodland is more spaced out and the grass grows in abundance. Plenty for zebras to feed on. We head over and there they are, munching away. Three very healthy-looking specimens. A male and two females. Soon three will become four. One of the females is visibly pregnant.

With no predators in the park, it is safe to leave our vehicle and approach on foot. Guided walking safaris will be among the options for visitors to the park when it opens.

The zebras seem untroubled by our presence allowing us to get within just a few metres of them.

It is such a privilege to observe them at such close quarters in the wild. The ease of the animals in our presence is evidence of the park’s ethical and secure wildlife management. The zebras were introduced in August last year and already feel safe in their new home.

Another ranger tip spurs us on to the open savannah grasslands of the park. It is a spectacular amphitheatre with rolling shrubland ringed by hills. Sure enough, a herd of 10 wildebeest is visible. Again, we leave the vehicle and approach on foot. Most of the wildebeest don’t even lift their heads from the sweet, stocky grass they are intent on grazing on. A couple of them playfully buck and charge each other. They seem healthy and at ease. A lone impala joins them and even this notoriously skittish animal seems unbothered by our approach. The animals have no reasons to distrust humans here.

As we head back to the park entrance there’s just time to meet the park’s three ostriches. There’s no trouble finding these birds. They were bought from a home in Malawi where they were kept in the garden as pets. As a consequence, they are so habituated to human contact that they spend most of their time hanging around the park’s fenced border with the lodge in the hope if meeting a guest or two.

We arrive at breakfast time and I get to do something I’ve never done before: feed an ostrich. I’m handed a big bushel of cabbage lettuce and

the seven foot-plus birds bound over and start pecking away at it. Within minutes I’m left with little more than the stalk. It's a unique experience that will be available to visitors to the park once it opens. The public launch will add another option to the diverse Kumbali experience. Guy tells me when Covid hit in 2020 stays at the lodge dried up. He was faced with the option of diversifying or selling up. He branched out in a big way.

“I always say the best form of defence is attack,” he tells me. Without a piece of machinery involved – a fact Guy is very proud of – a thatched convention centre was set up to for MICE events followed by a stone castle complete with crenelated ramparts was built to host weddings, parties and social events.

Kumbali experience

The Instagram-ready castle and its ornate gardens of sculpted hedges and shaded seating areas has become one of the capital’s most in-demand party venues with events such as music festival Kumbali Live and lifestyle celebration Sunday Soiree each attracting thousands of guests.

The castle is operational, but work continues to complete some of its most exclusive wedding features such as a luxurious suite for the bride and groom to spend their first night together as husband and wife.

Tours are also available of the banana plantation. It currently contains 60,000 banana plants, but expansion work is planned. Stretches of land have also been given to villagers for farming.

The game reserve will benefit from some of the most exciting new developments. An agreement is being finalised with a nature reserve in Zimbabwe to transfer three reticulated giraffe to Kumbali.

More animals will be introduced with animal welfare at the heart of the sustainable development. At just a 20-minute drive from the city centre, Lilongwe will soon be a wildlife capital.

The Kumbali Castle events venue and (far right) Kumbali Lodge

The sociable ostriches patrol the park's perimeter

Photograph: Mark Edwards

Lusaka in the slow lane

Like many African capitals, Lusaka, in Zambia, is a bustling place, but Ashleigh Lombard manages to find pockets of calm and clarity to capture on camera.

The Lusaka-raised photographer puts her best work on Instagram – where she goes by the handle The Parabolist – and here she reveals to Tiyende why everyone should take a moment to ‘slow down, pause and look up’

Can you give me a bit of your back story. Are you a full-time photographer or is this a side-project? Are you based in Lusaka? If so, what brought you to the city?

I am not a full-time photographer. I am currently busy with paperwork to start a company that will allow me to freelance in the country, so for now, it is just a passion project. However, when I lived in South Africa for five years, I did take on gigs.

I am based in Lusaka. I am South African but was raised here. I moved away at 19 and moved back at 24. My family moved to Lusaka because they felt called to start a church, which they did—it's been an adventure! I moved back because I felt the Lord calling me to return. I love church life here!

Q: What inspired you to start documenting Lusaka and Zambia with your photographs?

I love Lusaka. I spent many hours as a teenager walking the city streets and sitting squashed next to other people in minibuses with my face stuck out a window taking in the sights. I didn't learn to drive a car until a year and a half ago. Through the slowed-down commute of skateboards, bicycles, public transport, and my feet, I learned to love the city streets. I found peace and calm in the streets of a town or city when I wanted to escape normal life. On the streets, there is so much noise everywhere and life bursting out from every angle, but I feel such peace and quiet. I deeply believe in slowing down and enjoying the process.

Q: Do you think Lusaka is a photogenic city?

I suppose I think it is and it isn't. I think you need to look for it. I mostly hear that people feel Lusaka is quite dusty and gray, but one has to look closer. Look for the open window with a hand holding

a cup of tea, look for the beautiful architectural lines that stretch across the sky. Buildings feel like art to me!

I find the central area of the city and the markets to be immensely photogenic—not always for the chaos, but for the in-between moments. The further you go into where the majority of the city lives their lives and walks their walks the most photogenic it is. The heart is not its skyline, or perfect parks - but its people.

Q: There’s a caption to an image on your Instagram site: ‘Lusaka in the slow lane’ that could describe a lot of your work. Why this side of Lusaka?

I had a tough time during my teenage years with mental health and other issues. I found my mind to be a chaotic place to exist. My escape during the hardest times was to take my skateboard, hop on a minibus, and head through the city. It was a freedom and a relief from the chaos. Even though it was loud outside on Cha Cha Cha road, it would be quiet in my mind. I think, at times, my street photography can reflect what I felt the streets of the cities and towns I lived in to be to me – the calm, the deep breath, the pause. The line I would often want to caption my images with is - Slow down, pause and look up.

My current favourite spot is a market called Kamwala. My favourite part of the market is a central section with "tunnels" of closely packed stalls with overhanging roofs. It feels so calm compared to the rest of the market and there are such exciting scenes to be seen as one weaves through the maze and rounds a corner.

Q: You take a few impromptu portraits as well. You seem to like capturing people having a moment alone. Do you think these moments can be revealing?

“I think, at times, my street photography can reflect what I felt the streets of the cities and towns I lived in to be to me – the calm, the deep breath, the pause”

Lusaka-raised

I

enjoy capturing a person in a moment. I feel like a photo of a single individual focuses more on who they are – not just another random person in the crowd.

Q: Do you carry a camera wherever you go?

The majority of my images are unplanned. There are times where I will have seen a building and angle I love, but don't have my camera with me, but will go back there later. I don't always carry a camera – but if I'm going to be in the city centre or in a market I will most certainly take it with me.

photographer, Ashleigh Lombard

Q: You seem to like geometric shapes like an arrangement of windows in a housing block or the different shades of coloured panels in a mobile money cabin. What appeals to you about this? There is a satisfaction I find in finding the orderly. I think the world can feel so chaotic at times. With the noise of a city street or the flashing images on my phone - that sometimes to just hold tight and pull everything into order hits just right.

Q: What advice would you give someone taking up photography for the first time?

Forget about the gear; start with what you have, even if it’s just your phone. Then just keep shooting. Take photos. Take more. Take even more. Consume loads of content –look at the work of good photographers. Then, find yourself a mate with a good eye (whether they’re a photographer or not) and get them to critique your work.

Q: What do you hope people get from your images?

I hope people start to open their eyes and look for the treasures in normal life. That when someone is in Lusaka or another city, as a resident or tourist, they don't just visit the clean polished places - but walk our streets, see our beauty and glimpse the peace of our people. Wander streets, see lively scenes and notice quiet things tucked away in a corner on a rooftop. We live in such a fast pace, dopamine high world - that sometimes the call to slow needs to happen in the most bustling of places.

Q: Can people order your work through your Instagram site @the.parabolist?

People will very soon be able to, but not yet.

LILONGWE WILDLIFE CENTRE IN NUMBERS

70

The number of hectares the protected nature reserve covers. It is one of the last vestiges of a rich forest habitat that was once widespread across Malawi’s Central Region.

105

The number of animals rescued by the Lilongwe Wildlife Trust last year with 72 of them have been released back into the wild after being rehabilitated.

8,000+

The number of schoolchildren that have been engaged in education programmes at the centre.

167

The number of primates that have been rescued at the sanctuary. Visitors are not allowed into the sanctuary but the forest is home to a troop of vervet monkeys.

100

SPECIES

The centre is home to a wide range of trees. Many are important sources of food and medicine. Among them, the Mporoni – also known as the ‘carrot tree’ because it smells like the root vegetable – is used to help treat asthma and its roots are chewed to relieve sore throats.

With kilometres of riverside and forest trails, the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre is the place for the capital's residents to embrace nature. Entrance fees help support Malawi's only wildlife sanctuary (onsite, but not open to the public).

FIVE metres high

The centre’s forest boardwalk passes by an enormous termite mound. These huge mounds of soil, saliva and dung are home to industrious colonies of termites and can reach five metres in height.

40

cm

Among the diversity of animal species recorded in the centre are crocodiles, hyena, duiker, largespotted genet and Cape porcupines. The last one is famous for its tail quills that can reach 40 cm in length. When threatened, the porcupine erect its quills and they rattle as warning.

200

The number of bird species recorded at the centre. The wooden bird hide built on the bank of the Lingadzi River that runs through the centre offers unobtrusive viewing of these sometimes secretive species and provides great bird photography opportunities.

A SPICY SOLUTION

TO ELEPHANT-HUMAN CONFLICT ON THE BORDERS OF LIWONDE NATIONAL PARK

Spicy Farmers is a red-hot initiative that aims to improve the livelihoods of these farmers and their families.

The villagers of Kwisimba, Mpira and Kadewere in southern Malawi depend on farming. Along with fish caught in nearby Lake Malombe, the maize, rice, pigeon peas, mangoes, and bananas grown here support life in this low-income area.

However, the villagers are not the only ones in the area that like to tuck into this fresh produce. Wild elephants do as well. The villages are on the north-west border of Liwonde National Park – a wildlife haven that is home to the Big Five and supports the largest population of elephants in Malawi.

The outer limits of the park are demarcated by fencing, but a determined herd of elephants has been known to break through and make for the water source of Lake Malombe about 1.5 km away.

The farms of Kwisimba have proved a convenient food stop for the elephants enroute to the lake. A raiding herd can easily consume

entire fields of maize and rice, leaving the villagers without food for an entire year.

Many villagers feel they must retaliate. However, once elephants start consuming the crops, trying to chase them away usually results in only making the animals more aggressive and potentially dangerous. Villagers sometimes use drums and fireworks to drive the elephants away. If this does not work, the elephants are sometimes killed.

These human-elephant conflicts spurred African Parks – the nonprofit conservation organisation that in 2015 was given permission by the government of Malawi Government to manage and operate Liwonde National Park for the next 20 years – to translocate 570 elephants from Liwonde to Kasungu National Park near the country’s border with Zambia.

As for the remaining 474 elephants in Liwonde, an ingenious social enterprise – called Spicy

Farmers – has been set up to remove the incentive for the pigeon pea-loving pachyderms to break out of the national park. At the heart of the remedy is chilli peppers. Yes, you read that right. Elephants may have a prodigious appetite, but it appears that does not run to spicy food. Such is their dislike of the capsicum that elephants’ keen sense of smell can detect its presence from distance and signal to them to stay clear.

Pepper phobia

Elephants are especially phobic of the fiery bird’s eye chilli peppers that measure between 50,000 and 100,000 on the Scoville scale of pungency. So Spicy Farmers is working with villagers to build a 30-hectare chilli farm. Behind this 'fence' of chillies, farmers can grow the life-supporting crops for the villagers.

Takondwa Noya, operational manager at Spicy Farmers, says:

Harvest time involves the whole village

“Extensive research and case studies from other countries, such as Kenya, have shown that farmers successfully used this method to deter elephants. We began cultivating bird’s eye chillies in September 2020, and since then, elephants have breached the fence of Liwonde National Park only three times. [Each time the] elephants did not reach the maize or rice fields because upon encountering the chilli, they retreated into the park. Bird’s eye chillies emit a strong pungent odour that elephants find unappealing.”

From its beginnings in Kwisimba, Spicy Farmers currently works with four villages along the fence of Liwonde National Park with 30 hectares of chilli farms supporting 150 smallholder farmers.

Spicy Farmers supports farmers by providing training in chilli production. It has built a chilli storage warehouse and installed six solar-powered irrigation pumps to create the consistently moist soil that feeds optimal growth of the peppers. It also supplies farmers with sustainable fertiliser, seeds, and sprayers. All revenue currently goes to the farmers while capital and operational expenditures are carried by Spicy Farmers.

The effect of the project on farmers’ lives has been transformational. Not only are elephant raids on their produce now in the past, but the small-scale farmers are now linked to the lucrative chilli pepper market. Currently, the chillies are sold to a company in Malawi, with plans to expand to international

markets for greater long-term benefits.

Takondwa says: “Chili farming enables the farmers around Malombe to provide food for their families, support their children's education, and invest in new homes or motorbikes. The additional income generated from chilli farming has allowed these farmers to diversify their economic activities and improve their overall standard of living.”

This sustainable business model is at the heart of Spicy Farmer founders Maureen and Frederik’s vision for the company that for it to achieve long-term success it must become financially self-sufficient.

Making an impact

The couple have a background in strategy consulting and investments in the Netherlands but have long harboured a dream to pursue a project that, as Takondwa says, “had a significant impact on people’s lives, particularly in Africa”. The pair travelled extensively in east and southern regions of the continent and were struck by the natural beauty and friendly people, but also the grass roots economic challenges. The last of these was most acutely felt in Malawi.

Takondwa says: “Deeply moved by what they witnessed, the founders embarked on numerous journeys to various African countries, visiting refugee camps, rural communities, and conservation areas. One visit to Dzaleka refugee camp (around 40 km from Malawi capital Lilongwe), where the brother of one of the founders was volunteering, left an indelible mark on their hearts. The conditions they observed there stirred a deep desire within them to make a tangible difference in the lives of those living in one of the world’s poorest countries.”

Malawi is also where African Parks started 25 years ago, which has now extended to 23 national protected areas in 13 countries. An important part of African

Parks’ work is ensuring local human communities entwine with the fabric of the wildlife-filled national parks. The conflicts in Liwonde challenged this harmony. Takondwa says: “Previously, when elephants destroyed crops, community members would vandalise Liwonde National Park and threaten to harm park personnel.”

The Spicy Farmers idea was warmly received by African Parks. For their part, Maureen and Frederik also recognised the importance of collaborating closely with local partners. In September 2019, the founders travelled to Malawi for six months to conduct a feasibility study. By the end of 2020, the venture was launched.

Now the project has proved successful in the villages close to Lake Malombe the aim is over the next six years to further expand to three more ‘hotspots’ in Malawi where human-elephant conflicts are significant.

In the short term there are also many farmers from nearby villages who are excited to grow chillies. Takondwa says: “They do not have access to our irrigation systems and can therefore only grow rainfed chillies. Spicy Farmers will also support these farmers, amounting to 312 additional farmers next year.”

The Spicy Farmers project has transformed lives on the north-west border of Liwonde National Park

‘My dream

was not to be just a chef, but to be an extraordinary one’

Photography: Jerome Mpesi

Tiyende is delighted to introduce Wongani Banda Nyirenda as its new cookery columnist. The Malawian chef –professionally known as Chef Wonga – is the founder of homegrown catering company Wild Ginger and is the culinary consultant for the luxury farm-to-table restaurant Makoli in Bvumbwe in the Southern Region. Currently, she divides her time between Malawi and Dubai where she is an in-demand private chef. There will be a recipe for Tiyende readers to try at home in each forthcoming edition of the magazine, but we begin with a few questions so you can learn more about Chef Wonga’s culinary journey.

You were born and raised in Blantyre. What are your favourite food memories during your upbringing there?

IOne of my most vivid childhood memories is from when I was nine years old. I visited a family friend at tea-time, and she had made the most beautiful, velvety tea cake. I was captivated and asked her about the ingredients so I could try making it myself. The following weekend, I was eager to recreate it, and though I wasn’t entirely sure of her exact method, the cake I made tasted just as delightful. That tea cake became a family favourite and a staple at tea-time for years. It also sparked my love for creating memorable dishes that bring people together.

Q: When did you decide to become a chef?

I made the decision in 2017, just before I passed my A-Levels. I had been discussing my university plans with a friend, sharing my intention to study international business. During our conversation, she asked why I was pursuing business when my true passion was clearly cooking. That question stayed with me, and after reflecting on it overnight, I realised she was right. The next morning, I made the decision to follow my dream of becoming a chef – and not just any chef, but an extraordinary one. That conversation was the turning point that gave me the push I needed.

Q: You have worked at Protea Ryalls Hotel and Ku Chawe Inn, both in Blantyre. How

important were they to your culinary journey?

Both were instrumental in shaping my career. These roles gave me invaluable insight into the culinary world and helped me identify what I wanted to specialise in. They also reinforced the importance of preserving my Malawian heritage in food preparation while catering to the preferences of the local market. These experiences gave me a solid foundation in Malawi and bolstered my reputation when I eventually ventured out on my own.

Q: Tell us about your role as culinary consultant for Makoli restaurant. My role is multifaceted. I was involved from the early stages of the project, overseeing everything from the kitchen layout to, recruitment, and staff training. I also played a critical role in menu engineering and menu costing. My involvement extended to day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring the restaurant’s vision came to life seamlessly.

Q: Makoli focuses on farm-to-table dining. Has locality and seasonality always been central to your cooking?

Absolutely. Makoli’s emphasis on sourcing fresh ingredients from its own farm immediately resonated with me. Local produce offers superior flavour and aligns with my belief in letting ingredients shine. At home, I maintain a garden to ensure I always have access to fresh, organic ingredients. Seasonality also inspires my cooking, as

each season brings unique flavours and ideas that shape the menus I create.

Q: Have you incorporated classic Malawian dishes into the menu at Makoli?

Yes, but with a contemporary twist. For instance, the nsima croquette is a modern take on the traditional nsima, chicken, and tomato relish dish. It’s a stuffed nsima ball with a chicken filling, deep-fried, and served with a spicy tomato relish. This dish reimagines a Malawian classic with a touch of French influence.

Q: Can you tell us about your company Wild Ginger and the ethos behind it? Wild Ginger is built on the principles of healthy, balanced eating and sustainability, particularly the farm-to-fork philosophy. We value creating memorable culinary experiences and believe in the power of sharing food to tell stories. Whether through menu curation or bringing a client’s vision to life, our goal is to leave an unforgettable impression.

Q: What are your favourite Malawian dishes?

My top three would be local chicken cooked with onions and a hint of garlic, served with nsima and pumpkin leaves. Whole or cut chambo fish with Nsima. Then there’s Malawian street braai, particularly pork.

Q: Does Malawi have a growing food scene? Where do you enjoy eating out?

Photography: Jerome Mpesi

Malawi’s food scene is evolving, though it still has room for growth, particularly in adopting culinary trends and advanced cooking techniques. I’m selective about where I eat, but some favourites include Hostaria [Italian restaurant in Blantyre], Thyolo House {a guest house on a tea plantation], Mijn Kitchen, and, of course, Makoli.

Q: What is your view on the current standard of chefs in Malawi? Have you been sharing your skills to inspire others?

While the standard of chefs in Malawi has yet to reach its full potential, there is a growing pool of eager, motivated individuals willing to learn beyond what is traditionally taught. Sharing knowledge has always been important to me, and I’ve made it a point to mentor and teach wherever I’ve worked, hoping to inspire and support the next generation of great chefs.

Q: What does your role as a private chef in Dubai entail?

Living in Dubai has been life changing. Initially, I moved there to work in a restaurant, but when that didn’t materialise, I pivoted. My role involves curating fine dining experiences for private events and catering at clients’ homes. Being a private chef in such a competitive environment requires constant innovation, mastering new techniques, and exploring diverse cuisines. Creativity and adaptability are key to standing out, and I’ve invested heavily in expanding my skills and knowledge to offer exceptional dining experiences.

Q: You know your wines as well and enjoy pairing the best varieties to complement your meals. How did you develop this expertise? I honed my wine expertise while studying at CTIA (Chefs Training and Innovation Academy), where I received specialised training from the Cape Wine Academy. This training certified me and provided a strong foundation in wine knowledge.

QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS

What is your go-to meal to cook at home? Pasta is my go-to meal, especially a hearty bolognese, which is a family favourite.

Do you have a favourite ingredient? Definitely garlic. I can’t imagine cooking without it.

What is your favourite drink? Anything with passion fruit, but I also love ginger, honey, and lemon tea.

The place to eat? Makoli Dish to make? Pasta (any kind)

INGREDIENTS

One whole chicken

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

One clove of garlic (crushed)

One green chilli

One kambuzi chilli

One tablespoon of squeezed lemon or lime

Three cups of chicken stock

Clean, prep and cut your chicken ready for cooking.

Place a clean pot on the stove over medium-high heat. Add the oil and allow it to heat up. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pot. Stir every minute to ensure even browning. This step helps the chicken develop a rich colour before adding any liquids.

Photography: Josh "Fox" Nkhandwe

RECIPE: Local grassfed chicken With kambuzi, lime and garlic

Add half of the garlic to the chicken. By now, the chicken should be well-coloured. Pour in two cups of stock and let the chicken cook through. Allow the liquid to boil until it reduces, leaving about a quarter of the liquid in the pot.

Ensure the chicken is cooked to your desired texture. (I prefer my chicken fully cooked, though some might stop earlier to avoid the meat falling off the bone.) Pour in the remaining cup of stock, along with the

chilli, the rest of the garlic, and a squeeze of lemon or lime. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the liquid to reduce again until about a quarter remains. At this point, the sauce should have a semithick consistency.

Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavours to interact. This dish pairs beautifully with nsima (pap) or plain rice.

JOHANNES BURG

Johannesburg – or ‘Jozi’ as it is lovingly known to locals – is South Africa’s largest city by population. That urban hustle powers its cosmopolitan art, architecture, fashion, and food scenes that have regenerated the look and feel of Joburg in recent years. A city of opportunity that has not forgotten the darkest chapters of its past, Johannesburg showcases what it means to be a South African today. Here’s a guide to just some of its unique features.

City of Gold

One of the youngest of the world’s major cities, Johannesburg was founded in 1886, following the discovery of gold. Prospectors piled in when rich seams of the precious metal were found underneath the Witwatersrand, sparking a gold rush that attracted tens of thousands of people to the new settlement. Many major mining companies still maintain their headquarters in Johannesburg, but gold is no longer mined within the city limits. There are, however, thousands of abandoned mines with their huge molehill shapes providing the city with a distinctive skyline.

City of green

Johannesburg has the biggest urban forest in the world, with over 10 million trees in its city, gardens, 600 parks, open spaces and suburbs. Satellite imagery of Johannesburg makes it look more like a tropical rainforest than a city. The tree-planting began as a way to mitigate the environmental damage of mining with the work taken over in this century by the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoos. The city’s natural beauty radiates most in

October when its jacaranda trees blossom with purple plumage. The parks are Jozi’s green lungs. Head to Delta Park with its stretches of grassland and woodland or to the hilltop James and Ethel Gray Park with its extraordinary views of the city skyline.

Remembering Apartheid

Joburg has moved on from, but not forgotten its heartbreaking history of racial segregation and misrule. Since 2001, the sombre Apartheid Museum in the suburb of Ormonde has catalogued the struggle to end segregation. Today, it stands as an important reminder of the past and a warning to never repeat the atrocities experienced by non-white South Africans under the Apartheid government. The museum also hosts exhibitions dedicated to Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, as well as a range of temporary exhibitions. In Soweto, Mandela’s former residence is now the Mandela House museum. Here you’ll find artefacts from the pioneering prisoner-turned-president’s life. Constitution Hill, a former prison complex, is now a living museum that tells the story of South Africa’s journey to democracy.

Wild rides

Incongruously located just footsteps from the Apartheid Museum is the Gold Reef City theme park. The park recreates an old mining town and its headliner ride, the Tower of Terror, plunges passengers 50 metres down an open mine shaft at 100 kilometres per hour. It is an experience that generates more g-force than any other rollercoaster in the world. Other stomach-spinning rides on offer include inverted rollercoaster The Anaconda.

“The museum also hosts exhibitions dedicated to Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu”

Fossil finds

Nearly half of all of the hominid – the ancestors of early humans – fossils ever discovered were unearthed in Maropeng near Johannesburg. Known as the ‘Cradle of Mankind’, this Unesco World Heritage Site of 300 limestone caves revealed the largest concentration of these remains anywhere on the planet. The Visitor Centre showcases some of the most famous finds and artefacts while travellers can also explore the Sterkfontein Caves, one of the world’s most famous fossil sites.

Explore the suburbs

Many of Johannesburg’s suburbs have undergone recent revamps that make them more welcoming and walkable. Leafy Melville, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Joburg, is a vibrant suburb with

plenty of independent shops and restaurants to explore. The smaller Parkhurst is one of the city’s coolest neighbourhoods with chic boutiques and art galleries. If you want to hang out with the hipsters, head to Maboneng. It has great markets and pop-up shops and events. It is also a great place to savour the city’s nightlife with clubs galore to enjoy what locals call a ‘jol’ or good time.

Safaris

When you’re done exploring the city limits, you can head out for a safari adventure at Kruger National Park. The game reserve has the greatest diversity of wildlife in South Africa – including the Big Five – and is close enough for a day trip from Jozi.

Township tour

Steeped in history and culture, Soweto is an urban settlement or ‘township’ established on the outskirts of Joburg in the 1930s. It has played an integral role in South Africa’s fight towards democracy. Here, in 1955 3,000 people came together to adopt the Freedom Charter, which became the base for the South African Constitution. It was also the starting point of the student protest in 1976 known as the Soweto Uprising, which soon swept across the country, and was a pivotal moment in the downfall of the Apartheid regime. All manner of tour companies organise ‘township tours’ to Soweto. Try to get one that includes an evening in a shebeen

– a makeshift bar often run from a family home – for a taste of township life.

Shopping

Joburg is mall city from the massive Sandton City with its plush designer label area Diamond Walk to the trendy Rosebank Mall and the bargain-priced fashions at Oriental Plaza. However, for a more traditional retail experience, set out for the Kwai Maia Market in Maboneng. This sprawling outdoor market is a great place to find traditional Zulu beadwork alongside low-priced urban streetwear. The market used to be renowned for its stalls of traditional medicine, but is now attracting a new crowd who head there for fresh produce and a wide selection of street food.

“When you’re done exploring the city limits, you can head out for a safari adventure at Kruger National Park”

LET’S GO ARTISANAL

SHOPPING MALAWI IN

Laura Schuerwegen shows us where to shop for handcrafted goods that are thoughtful gifts, unique souvenirs of Malawi, and help to support local artisans.

Many of us love bringing back an authentic souvenir from a trip abroad. In Malawi, ‘the Warm Heart of Africa’, the work of local artisans reflects the deep-rooted traditions and creativity here. Malawi offers an array of unique, handcrafted goods that embody the spirit of the country. Shopping for artisanal products in Malawi provides an opportunity to not only acquire beautiful, one-of-a-kind items, but to connect with the local culture in a meaningful way. Here are some of the best places to discover authentic, locally made products that tell the story of this extraordinary country.

Yewo

This captivating artisanal jewellery brand from Malawi blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Known for its intricate, handmade pieces, Yewo creates jewellery that reflects the cultural richness and natural beauty of Malawi. The brand’s collection includes necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings, often featuring locally sourced materials.

What sets Yewo apart is its commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. The artisans use eco-friendly methods and the brand’s focus is on empowering local communities through fair trade. Each piece of jewellery is more than just an accessory, it's a story of skill, heritage, and the creativity of Malawian artisans. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant colours of beadwork or the elegance of metal designs, Yewo’s artisanal jewellery offers a distinctive way to wear a piece of Malawi’s culture and craftsmanship.

Where: Yewo has its atelier in Rumphi which hosts a small shop. You can also book a tour of the workshop. The jeweller also has a shop in Lilongwe at the Four Seasons garden centre and retail area on Presidential Way.

Online: yewocollective.com

People of the Sun

People of the Sun is Malawi’s first local artisanal furniture and deco shop, combining European design with Malawian craftsmanship. The company offers the hand-woven iconic Malawi chair in a multitude of variations and boasts a range of small decorative items and homeware designed by young European product designers. The shop also has a variety of designer furniture and decorative items. In 2015, People of the Sun was awarded the Entrepreneurship in Sustainable Development SEED award for its locally led innovative business model.

Where: People of the Sun has its warehouse and shop at The Fort off Kaoching Road behind La Caverna in Blantyre.

Online: peopleofthesun.com

Effie V

Effie V has a stunning range of artisanal homeware. Drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of Malawi and its rich cultural traditions, Effie V’s homeware collection features woven baskets, hand-carved wooden sculptures, lampshades, tables and small decorative items. All are crafted by local artisans using sustainable materials, ensuring each piece is not only a work of art but also a testament to eco-conscious production. Whether it's a beautifully patterned table runner or a rustic wooden bowl, Effie V’s homeware adds a touch of Malawian elegance and warmth to any space. Through this collection, the brand continues its commitment to supporting local craftsmanship, empowering communities, and offering customers unique, high-quality products that blend functionality with artistic expression.

Where: Effie V has a shop in Blantyre at African Habitat complex, Kidney Crescent, Blantyre.

Online: @effie_v on Instagram

ARTISAN MARKETPLACES

Malawi boasts a wide variety of artisanal creators. These businesses are often owner-run and don’t always have the means to establish a dedicated outlet. In this case galleries and art marketplaces are a popular way to get their work to the public. Some of the best include: LA CAVERNA – a gallery and curio shop at Café Mandala in Blantyre. AFRICAN HABITAT at Kidney Crescent in Blantyre. FOUR SEASONS NURSERY, Presidential Way, Lilongwe, has a cute shop attached to it which sells handcrafted gifts from a variety of local artisans.

LA

Lilly Alfonso is one of Malawi’s most established fashion designers, bringing wearable elegance with plenty of African flair with her ready-to-wear brand LA. Lilly is a self-taught fashion designer who shows plenty of love for the community. Recently she designed a new kit for the national netball team the Malawian Queens. Throughout her career, she has exhibited her work at runway shows across the globe and has collected numerous awards and accolades. The brand has an outlet at the exclusive Umodzi Park Hotel in Lilongwe and has just opened a shop at Kamuzu International Airport where you can get the LA brand clothing for men and women at duty free prices.

Online: @lilly.alfonso on Instagram

African Parks: transforming Wildlife conservation in Malawi

African Parks currently manages 23 protected areas in 13 African countries. The epic conservation mission began in Malawi. Sarah Kingdom looks at the four protected areas the NGO runs in the country and why they are all must-sees for wildlife enthusiasts.

Located in southwest Malawi, Majete is one of the greatest success stories in African conservation and an unlikely story of recovery and restoration. Twenty years ago, Majete was severely neglected and after decades of poaching, nearly all the wildlife was gone – elephants, rhinos, lions, buffalo, and even warthogs had been completely hunted out. Only a handful of antelope remained. Just as all hope was fading, African Parks, a non-profit conservation organisation, entered into an agreement with the Malawian government to take over the park’s management.

Jump forward 20 years and African Parks has transformed Majete and three other wildlife parks – Liwonde National Park, Mangochi Forest Reserve, and Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve – in the country. While conservation is a priority, the NGO’s efforts are not just about protecting wildlife but also about boosting local communities and making these wildlife areas sustainable for the future.

Founded in 2000, African Parks currently manages 22 national parks and protected areas in 12 African

countries. Malawi’s Majete Wildlife Reserve was the first of these parks to enter the African Parks portfolio Since then wildlife areas in Angola, Benin, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, the Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Zambia and Zimbabwe have all joined this ambitious conservation initiative.

Let’s dive into what African Parks been up to in Malawi and why these wildlife areas should be on your travel bucket list.

Majete Wildlife Reserve

Since taking over management of Majete, African Parks have reintroduced rhino, elephant, lion, giraffe, cheetah, and wild dogs. These reintroductions, hand in hand with anti-poaching and conservation measures, so significantly increased wildlife numbers that by 2016 Majete was able to supply wildlife to other parks in Malawi. The local community has seen benefits too. Projects like beekeeping and fish farming have involved hundreds of

“African Parks took over management here in 2018 and have since been working hard to boost wildlife populations”

local residents, and a scholarship programme currently supports over 100 students annually. Tourism is also at an all-time high.

For those visiting Majete, Thawale Lodge is in a prime location, only a short game drive from the park entrance and overlooking a waterhole that’s a popular drinking spot for a wide variety of wildlife.

Liwonde

National Park

Bush Camp, a self-catering (soon to be fully catered) camp with lovely stone-walled canvas tented suites and a family cottage. There’s a thatched central area, with lounge, dining area, bar and swimming pool, all overlooking the Shire River and floodplain below.

Mangochi Forest Reserve

African Parks took over the management of Liwonde in 2015, and since then the park has undergone an incredible transformation. Once plagued by thousands of poachers’ wire snares and with human-wildlife conflicts at an all-time high, Liwonde now boasts one of the most successful conservation law enforcement programmes in southern Africa and is a thriving wildlife haven. Some of the big successes include the removal of over 40,000 snares and the successful reintroduction of cheetah, lion, and wild dogs. African Parks even brought 17 black rhinos in from South Africa, one of the largest black rhino relocations ever. Tourism is booming in Liwonde. Great news, not just for the wildlife, but also for local communities – an innovative ‘Spicy Farmers’ project has so far seen the harvest of nine tonnes of chillies while reducing human-elephant conflict by creating a “chilli elephant fence”. Visitors to Liwonde can stay at Chimwala

Right next door to Liwonde National Park is Mangochi Forest Reserve. Despite years of decline, Mangochi is home to a small elephant population, a breeding population of leopards, and several unique bird and butterfly species. African Parks took over management here in 2018 and have since been working hard to boost wildlife populations. Several species have been translocated from Liwonde to Mangochi, including impala, sable, warthog, waterbuck, kudu, and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest.

Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve

Nkhotakota is Malawi’s oldest and largest wildlife reserve, and under the watchful eye of African Parks, has undergone a stunning transformation. Decades of ivory poaching had reduced the elephant population to just 100 animals. But in 2016 and 2017, a historic wildlife

initiative saw the translocation of 500 elephants and 2,000 other animals to Nkhotakota – one of the biggest wildlife restoration projects ever. In 2022, African Parks continued this work, by introducing 800 more animals, including hippos.

Community engagement has been a big part of the success here. Beekeeping, fish farming, and chilli projects have benefited thousands of people and over 84,000 indigenous trees have also been planted. Tourism is picking up, generating jobs and revenue for local communities.

Livezi Bush Camp is a self-catering camp on the banks of the Livezi River in Nkhotakota, with stone and canvas tented chalets and a thatched central area, with dining and kitchen, that overlooks the Livezi River.

African Parks’ work in Malawi is inspiring. The NGO not only brought wildlife back to these parks, but also uplifted local communities and created sustainable models for the future. With strategic wildlife reintroductions, effective law enforcement, and strong community partnerships, African Parks has revitalised Majete, Liwonde, Mangochi, and Nkhotakota, and demonstrated how dedicated conservation work can transform landscapes and lives. Here’s to more success stories from Malawi’s beautiful wild spaces!

Booking your stay

African Parks have various lodges and campsites in the wildlife areas where it operates. Absolutely all tourism revenue generated from these properties goes back into conservation and local community projects. To make it easier Ukuri is the online booking platform for all African Parks lodges and campsites. Visit ukuri.travel to find out more.

A young warthog

Kudu with a Red Billed Ox-pecker on its back, Liwonde National Park

FILM UNCOVERS THE

Lost lakes of Dar

Young people in Dar es Salaam, one of the fastest growing cities in the world, grow up knowing only its urban sprawl but there is a generation that lives here that remembers a different, more pastoral Dar with five pristine lakes at its heart. In her documentary A Land of Lost Lakes, local filmmaker Aika Kirei preserves a little-known slice of local history that was in danger of being lost forever.

Tanzania’s commercial capital Dar es Salaam is one of the fastest growing cities in the world. New film A Land of Lost Lakes documents just how quickly things can change here. In interviews to camera, locals in their late teens and early 20s are asked if they have heard of city lakes such as Mwananyamala, Minyonyoni, Alimaura, Tenge and Magomeni. The question is met with blank faces and embarrassed laughter. “Are they real lakes,” one responds.

The film also features interviewees a generation or two older. The lakes are very real to them. One 55-year-old man smiles fondly as he re-members early childhood days spent swimming with his friends in the “crystal clear waters” of Lake Mwananyamala. He says he would regularly swim the length of the tear-shaped lake in the Kijitonyama neighbourhood in the heart of the city. Another older man describes Lake Alimaura as a fertile paradise

surrounded by mango and guava trees as well as rice and cashew farms.

Fifty years on, memories are all that remain of the five lakes that were once within Dar’s borders. One was drained for a petrol station to be built in its place while others were used as unofficial rubbish dumps that allowed sediment to build up and take away the lakes’ ability to store water. As the lakes dried up, locals began to build homes on the land. Kijitonyama is now a bustling neighbourhood with many of its tightly packed homes covering where Lake Mwananyamala once flowed.

Powerful film

At just 13 minutes long and in Swahili with English subtitles, A Land of Lost Lakes is a short but powerful film. Its director Aika Kirei was born in Dar in the 1980s yet admits she spent most of her life also unaware of the lakes. “In 2018 someone in a WhatsApp group I

“Beyond the marshy ground there is little to the untrained eye that would suggest a lake was ever here”

was part of shared an early geo map of the city that showed the lakes. Like most young people here I had no clue they had existed.”

Aika, a writer and filmmaker who has “always loved telling stories”, was inspired to find out more. She tried to locate the book the map came from and searched records at the University of Dar es Salaam’s geographic department. The paucity of information available only served to further convince her of the need to document this piece of hidden history. “It’s not in the textbooks. I felt that this was information that was going to be lost forever unless I shared it,” she says.

In the following years Aika created the children’s animated series Chiku and Katope and produced Fahari Yetu: Zanzibar Saves its Sea – both award-winning projects that explored environmental issues – but the lost lakes idea remained on her mind. In 2022 she won financial backing to make the film becoming one of

the National Geographic Society's 15,000 grantees. These grantees, who are called National Geographic Explorers, are global changemakers working to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Aika's film was specifically supported by the Society's World Freshwater Initiative, which will map global freshwater resources and launch exciting new projects in storytelling, education, and conservation.

Living testimonies

To source the living testimonies of lake life in Dar half a century ago that provide such an evocative beginning to the film, Aika approached local government offices to track down people living in the area that were around at that time. As for footage of the lakes them-selves, Aika’s camera follows a team of scientists from Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences to the (modern-day) site of Lake Mwananyamala in the centre of the city. The team

point out the mandago plants that indicate the presence of a water source, but the busy bird life here is attracted by the piles of rubbish to pick through rather than pools of drinkable lake water. Beyond the marshy ground there is little to the untrained eye that would suggest a lake was ever here.

Aika’s filming of local experts was deliberate. She wanted to show the city has the scientific and intellectual capital to recognise and tackle issues such as these. “I have always loved natural history programmes. A filmmaker friend of mine said they had never seen African scientists on film before. Not many young filmmakers are doing this. I want to tell more stories like this – our stories.”

The university scientists say locals are unaware of how their waste disposal affects the availability of water in residential areas. While National Geographic’s World Water Map – created as part of the five-year Fresh Water Initiative to map the world’s water shortages – does not include Dar es Salaam among its 21 critical water scarcity hotspots, the city has experienced supply issues in recent years. Drops in water levels of the Ruvu river, Dar’s main source of water, create challenges compounded by the loss of its lakes.

Lesson to the young

Aika hopes the film will bring home the seriousness of the situation especially to children who are saddled with the consequences of environmental damage. “Young people are the primary audience as they are the future decision makers,” she says.

Aika’s work has previously proved adept at showing children they can have impact. Chiku and Katope – a show about a couple of eco-aware Tanzanian kids that question practices that harm the environment –was commissioned for a series after its pilot episode proved popular and has been broadcast across East Africa. “We have been screening it a

lot in schools and it is being shared wider and wider,” she says. “After one school screening pupils starting do their own composting inspired by the show.”

Aika hopes A Land of Lost Lakes will prove just as educational and empowering. Both projects make use of animation to appeal to a young audience. “I had to recreate a lot of foot-age to illustrate the recollections of life by the lakes and how the build-up of trash affects the lake over time. I thought those visuals were the best way. I worked with a team of young Tanzanian animators using 3D animation.”

The film is getting seen. There have been a series of showings at schools in Dar es Salaam along with public screenings while two Tanzanian broadcasters have aired the film. It can al-so be streamed online.

Ultimately, Aika wants the film to be a resource for schools and colleges – a testament to the lakes and a valuable lesson on why one of the fastest growing cities in the world needs to factor in environmental sustainability within its rampant expansion. Aika says: “The film will be a point of reference, a lesson we can learn to apply to other areas. What can we do to prevent this happening again?””

WATCH

To stream A Land of Lost Lakes on YouTube, go to www.youtube.com/ watch?v=idrlEABYAgs

A map showing the lakes that once dotted Dar es Salaam

WIN A TWO-NIGHT STAY FOR TWO

THUMBI VIEW, CAPE MACLEAR

At Thumbi View, every guest has the chance to immerse themselves in authentic Malawian culture through locally guided island tours or by purchasing unique crafts from resident artisans.

Unwind by the pool with a refreshing beverage or let the friendly staff arrange exciting activities like kayaking, snorkelling, island tours and boat cruises.

The prize includes a two-night stay in a lake-view room for two guests, with breakfast served daily.

To enter: Email a photo of yourself holding this issue of Tiyende on your Malawi Airlines flight to competition@landmarine.org by 10th April 2025.

THE PRIZE DOES NOT INCLUDE AIR TRANSPORT TO AND FROM CAPE MACLEAR

Competition terms and conditions: Prizes dependent on availability. One entry per person. Entrants must be 18 years or over. The decision of the organisers will be final. The competition is not open to employees and their relatives of Malawi Airlines, Land & Marine Publications Ltd or Thumbi View. The prize does not include flights to the destination. Images are for representation only. Competition ends 18 April 2025, winners will be announced in the next issue and contacted directly.

Experience this charming property with a stay in one of the lake-view rooms –the ideal getaway on the shores of Lake Malawi.

Nine reasons to visit Nairobi

1. A safari in the city

Nairobi is the world’s only city to have a national park just ten minutes from its centre. Nairobi National Park is fenced in on three sides, but its open southern boundary allows migrating wildlife to move between the park and the Kitengela plains. It results in a unique safari experience with lion, leopard, giraffe, zebra, rhino and much more to be seen in the wild with the spectacular city skyline as a backdrop.

With Malawi Airlines flying to the Kenyan capital four times a week, Tiyende has some motivation for those thinking of visiting East Africa’s largest city.

2. A creative capital

Nairobi has a thriving arts scene. Every November it hosts the East African Arts Auction that showcases some of the best modern and contemporary art from the region. All-year round you can check out the depth of talent among local artists – and see them at work – at Opportunity Factory. This marketplace for crafters in Mbagathi Road has stalls selling glassware, handmade home furnishings, jewellery, wood carvings and more. In the Hurlingham district you’ll find Kuona Trust Arts Centre, another gem for discovering local artists who present their work there at regular exhibitions and installations, events, workshops and community outreach programmes.

3. Party in the park

Nairobi residents embrace the hustle during the week, but the weekend is a time to relax and enjoy quality time with loved ones. A family favourite when Saturday comes is Uhuru Park, a recently renovated recreational park that is a welcome green space amid the concrete jungle of the CBD. Families flock to the fun fair and the boating lake while there is plenty of room for groups to gather and enjoy picnics and barbecues on the lawns.

5. The city’s green lungs

The bustling city centre with its skyscrapers and car-clogged streets may be something or a concrete jungle, but it is possible to escape into nature without leaving Nairobi. Karura Forest is a protected urban forest covering about 2,570 acres and split into three parts on the outskirts of the city. Amid its towering trees and tranquil pathways, it’s possible to leave the bustle of the city behind. Wildlife includes bushbuck, duiker and porcupines while human traffic includes Nairobians walking, cycling and even horse riding along its trails.

4. Take a ride on a matatu

The city’s iconic matatus are like artworks on wheels. These pimped-out privately run minibuses go all out to attract customers with graffiti art covering the bodywork, music blasting and huge home entertainment systems inside showing films or music videos. Taking a ride is a sensory attack. There are no timetables or schedules: when it’s full, it goes. However, each matatu does stick to a regular route so you will get to where you need to go and affordably. If you are unsure, ask the conductor who takes your fare – cash only – to let you know when you arrive at your destination.

6. Nightlife in Nairobi

Nairobi is a 24-hour city. That is something that you will appreciate if you sample the city’s fired-up club scene. Dance ‘til dawn at premier nightlife hotspots such as The Bar Next Door in upscale Kileleshwa or check out cutting edge Kenya electronica at cocktail bar and music venue Muze in Westlands.

8. City of culture

With its vast collection of artefacts ethnographic displays, and wildlife exhibits the Nairobi National Museum is the place to dive into Kenya’s fascinating history, culture, and natural heritage. Permanent galleries include early skull fossils found near Lake Turkana in northern Kenya, a collection of ancient coins and an Asian African Heritage exhibition.

7. Tuck into the food scene

From street food to fine dining, there is magic in each bite in Nairobi. If you want a classic city snack on the go, head to one of the ubiquitous stalls selling chapo smokie, a hot dog that is sliced lengthwise, grilled, and then filled with diced tomatoes and dollops of chili or ketchup. More refined palates may want to check out Cultiva, a farm-to-table restaurant in affluent suburb Karen, with a seasonal menu of dishes such as tune ceviche and braised tongue taco loaded with heirloom crops from its own organic farm.

9. Meet the creatives of Kibera

Kibera, Africa’s largest slum, occupies 2.5 sq km on the outskirts of Nairobi. It is a place of deprivation and dislocation and there are organised tours that offer little more than poverty tourism. However, there are trips that reveal another side as Kibera is also a place of creativity and resilience. Here you will find a ballet school for slum kids, the studio of made-in-Kibera fashion brand Looks Like Avido alongside start-up shops selling sandals made from old tyres and jewellery created using recycled magazines. Take a tour that allows you to see and support projects such as this.

Melnikov

Dmitriy / Shutterstock.com

United Nations in Malawi

Six decades of partnership and vision for

progress

Malawi and the United Nations (UN) celebrated 60 years of collaboration in October 2024. Bennet Phunyanya traces the progress made together.

The UN started operating in Malawi in 1964, shortly after the country gained independence. This collaboration has tackled key development challenges, yielding remarkable progress in areas like health, education, governance, food security, and climate resilience. The milestone is not only a moment of reflection but also a call to action for a sustainable and inclusive future.

Key achievements in health, identity, and social services

The UN’s support has significantly improved Malawi’s healthcare system. Over 90% of children under one year old are now routinely immunized, safeguarding young lives from preventable diseases. Efforts to combat HIV have been transformative, with a 70% drop in new infections since 2010 and treatment coverage exceeding 90%.

Another milestone has been Malawi’s success in legal identity registration, achieved with UN assistance. Over 12.5 million Malawians now have legal identification, making Malawi the first Sub-Saharan African nation to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16.9 target. This initiative has expanded healthcare access, social services, and economic inclusion, especially for marginalised communities.

UN Day Celebration: a symbol of inclusive progress

The 2024 UN Day – themed ‘Building Tomorrow Today: Youth, Climate, and Prosperity in Malawi’ – was held at the Malingunde Resource Centre for Visually Impaired Students. The event symbolised Malawi’s commitment to inclusive education and disability support, crucial for achieving sustainable growth.

The event featured speeches, performances, tree planting, and dialogues, emphasising youth-led initiatives in climate action and social innovation. Foreign Affairs Minister Nancy Tembo reiterated Malawi’s commitment to the ‘Pact for the Future’ focusing on empowering youth to address economic and environmental challenges.

Addressing food insecurity and climate change

Malawi faces significant food insecurity, exacerbated by climate change. Acute food insecurity increased by 131% last year, but UN assistance provided food support to 2.5 million people.

The newly introduced UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2024-2028) aims to strengthen climate adaptation and environmental protection, aligning with Malawi 2063, the national vision for a resilient,

self-reliant, and middle-income nation. The framework prioritises youth as drivers of change, recognizing that 80% of Malawi’s population is under 35. With UN support, young people are innovating in green technology, advocating for sustainable practices, and participating in community initiatives. By providing resources, education, and platforms, the UN seeks to unlock the potential of Malawi’s youth to address climate challenges and drive economic development.

Promoting governance, human rights, and global contributions

The UN has supported Malawi in strengthening governance, human rights, and education through programmes like Afikepo and Prosper. These initiatives aim to build resilience, promote gender equality, and ensure access to education for all, especially

girls. Malawi’s commitment extends globally, with its peacekeepers contributing to conflict resolution since 1994.

A renewed vision for the future

As Malawi and the UN reflect on six decades of collaboration, they emphasize the importance of unity in addressing challenges such as climate change, health, education, and economic stagnation. UN Resident Coordinator Rebecca Adda-Dontoh highlighted the partnership’s shared commitment to sustainable, inclusive progress.

The UN’s renewed vision underscores its dedication to supporting Malawi’s journey toward a brighter, more resilient future. Through collective efforts involving government, civil society, the private sector, and young people, Malawi and the UN aim to create lasting change and ensure a better tomorrow for all.

Mwalandilidwa ku malawi

WELCOME TO MALAWI

Most Malawians speak some English, but trying out a few words in a local language will always be appreciated. There are around 16 languages spoken in multilingual Malawi, but the most common, Chichewa, is spoken by about half the population. Here’s a few Chichewa phrases to get you started.

Welcome – Takulandirani

Hello, how are you? – Muli bwanji?

I’m fine – Ndili bwino

I’m fine and you? – Ndili bwino, kaya inu? Thank you – Zikomo

My friend – Achimwene Please – Chonde Foreigner – Azungu

Good evening – Madzulo abwino

Good night – Usiku wa bwino

How much? – Zingati?

How are you? (informal) – Boh boh?

Response: Boh.

Greeting

In Malawi, it is customary to greet people with a handshake and a greeting. In rural areas, it is also considered respectful to lightly grasp the right forearm with the left hand while bowing down the head and slightly dipping at the knees.

Useful information for flying with Malawi Airlines

OUR FLEET CHECKING IN

BOEING 737-800

Seating capacity:

138 (economy) 16 (business)

BOEING 737-700

Seating capacity 118

DE

HAVILLAND

CANADA DHC-8 DASH 8

Seating capacity:

60 (economy) 7 (business)

For the latest flights, information and to book download our app or visit www.malawian-airlines.com

Reservations:

+265 992 991 097

reservations@malawian-airlines.com

All check-in counters are opened two hours before departure. Passengers need to ensure that they come with confirmed bookings, and travel documents in order for their respective destination and transit points, which they will need to present at the counters. Passengers must also ensure that their luggage is within the allowed weight/piece for their particular flight. Any weight/piece above the allowance will incur extra charge.

Separate counters are available for Cloud Nine (business class)passengers with membership cards. Once Cloud Nine passengers have completed their check-in process they will be given an invitation card to use the Cloud Nine Lounge located at the Departure Area.

Check-in at the counter

For personal service, our friendly staffs at our check-in counters at airports we fly to around the world are happy to help you. They make sure that your baggage is checked through to your final destination and give you your boarding pass.

Baggage check-in

Checked Baggage: Passengers are permitted a free checked baggage allowance the limit of which may differ by class and point of origin-destination. Excess baggage may be carried on payment of applicable charges.

Cabin/hand baggage: On all Malawian routes you are allowed to carry only one piece of hand baggage with a maximum weight of 7kgs and measuring not more than 20x40x55cms or 8x16x22inches into the cabin.

Check-in/reporting time

The time shown on flight coupons is the departure time of the aircraft. In order to perform check-in operations in due time, the passenger is requested to report at the airport check-in counter two hours prior to flights departure.

7 KG

One (1) piece with a maximum weight of 7kgs is free of charge

All carry-on baggage should be suitable for placement in the overhead rack or under the passenger’s seat. The total of all dimensions added together (L+W+H) shall not exceed 115 cm and/or 45 inches.

In addition to carry-on baggage passengers may also carry items of personal effects for use in-flight, free of charge, these include:

• A handbag (laptop bag), pocketbook or purse

• A small camera and/or a pair of binoculars

• A reasonable amount of reading material for the flight

• Infant’s food for consumption in flight

• Infant’s carrying basket

• A fully collapsible cabin wheelchair and/ or a pair of crutches, and /or braces or other prosthetic devices provided that passengers are dependent on them

• One laptop without accessories and attachments.

FROM THE WARM HEART OF AFRICA

REVITALISING MALAWI’S TRAVEL INDUSTRY

Malawi Airlines was among participants at the Travel Agents Association of Malawi annual meeting, which looked at actionable ways to bolster travel and tourism in the country.

The Travel Agents Association of Malawi (TAAM) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Mangochi from December 6 to 8, 2024, reaffirming its commitment to advancing the aviation and travel sectors in Malawi. As the national flag carrier and a cornerstone of the country’s aviation industry, Malawi Airlines proudly participated in this landmark event.

Under the theme ‘Revitalizing Malawi's Travel Industry: Innovation, Collaboration, and Sustainable Growth’, the AGM came at a critical juncture as Malawi grapples with an economic crisis that has severely affected the aviation sector.

Discussions emphasised resilience in the face of challenges, including the Covid pandemic and the withdrawal of several international airlines. Stakeholders highlighted the need for innovation and collaboration to secure the industry’s future.

The event brought together representatives from ten travel agencies, Kenya Airways, Amadeus, AMG Global, Nucore, Reunion Insurance, and the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM). Through engaging presentations and panel discussions, participants explored actionable solutions to uplift the sector. A recurring focus was on forex management, with stakeholders advocating for initiatives to aid in retaining foreign exchange. These discussions showcased

a shared commitment to overcoming the economic hurdles plaguing the sector.

Ambassadors

The guest of honour Ken Khoswe, the Manager of Policy and Compliance at RBM, underscored the indispensable role of travel agents as frontline ambassadors for tourism and travel.

“Travel agents play a key role beyond ticketing; they act as a bridge between travellers and service providers, shaping perceptions of the country. Thus, empowering them with knowledge of Malawi’s attractions, superior customer service skills, and digital proficiency is essential to driving tourism growth,” he said.

Dr Mwale also emphasised the

importance of collaboration and technological innovation for the industry’s advancement.

“Stakeholder collaboration among airlines, agents, and policymakers should be prioritized to develop innovative and sustainable solutions. Furthermore, embracing digital tools is crucial for streamlining operations and enhancing the industry's competitiveness,” he added.

In recognition of excellence within the travel industry, TAAM honoured outstanding individuals and companies. Malawi Airlines won the prestigious Airline of the Year award while two of its representatives were celebrated with accolades for Best Sales Manager of the Year and Best Consultant of the Year.

Flight Schedule

Book and manage your flights download our app for instant access to the latest flight information.

Destinations

Find out where we fly and explore our route network

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

Johannesburg, South Africa’s vibrant economic hub, seamlessly blends rich cultural heritage with modern attractions. From iconic historical landmarks to dynamic business districts, it’s a must-visit destination for both leisure and corporate travellers.

HARARE, ZIMBABWE

Zimbabwe’s capital is known for its lush green spaces and rich cultural heritage. With its welcoming atmosphere and nearby natural attractions, Harare provides a distinctive urban experience that offers lifelong memories.

LILONGWE, MALAWI

Lilongwe stands out for its dual nature, with the modern city centre complementing the more traditional Old Town. It offers serene landscapes, such as the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, while serving as a convenient base for exploring Malawi’s rich cultural heritage and natural attractions.

DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA

Tanzania’s largest city is a lively coastal destination that combines modernity with Swahili culture. Renowned for its vibrant markets, arts scene, and proximity to pristine beaches and islands, it’s a gateway to Zanzibar and safari adventures.

NAIROBI, KENYA

Nairobi boasts a lively nightlife, excellent dining, and accommodation for all budgets. Located just 7km from Nairobi National Park, it offers exciting game viewing and the bustling Maasai Market. The city combines urban sophistication with natural and cultural attractions.

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA

Lusaka is a vibrant city with a unique African culture and friendly people. Its diverse culinary scene showcases a range of local and international flavours. Whether you’re exploring markets or dining out, Lusaka offers an authentic and dynamic experience.

BLANTYRE, MALAWI

Malawi’s commercial centre is known for its historical significance and thriving business scene. The city offers a unique blend of colonial architecture and modern development, along with a rich cultural heritage.

FROM THE WARM HEART OF AFRICA

For the latest flights, information and to book download our app or visit www.malawian-airlines.com

Reservations: +265 992 991 097 reservations@malawian-airlines.com

Planned routes Pemba, Mozambique, Uganda and Rwanda

DAR ES SALAAM

Pemba

Nampula

Kigali

Ke ny a

anzania

Contact us

Malawi Airlines offices and addresses

LILONGWE SALES AND TICKETING OFFICE

Golden Peacock Shopping Centre

T: +265 992 991 097

E: reservations@malawian-airlines.com

E: jessicab@malawian-airlines.com

E: zionel@malawian-airlines.com

E: charityp@malawian-airlines.com

E: elizabethm@malawian-airlines.com

Kamuzu International Airport (KIA)

T: +265 992 991 123

E: charitym@malawian-airlines.com

E: asayilem@malawian-airlines.com

E: lysonj@malawian-airlines.com

E: chindambaj@malawian-airlines.com

Baggage inquiries

T: +265 996 46 66 10

E: llbaggage@lihaco.net

BLANTYRE SALES AND TICKETING OFFICE

Chibisa House next to Pep Stores

T: +265 992 991 125

E: rodwellm@malawian-airlines.com

E: upilem@malawian-airlines.com

E: beckyl@malawian-airlines.com

CHILEKA AIRPORT (BLANTYRE)

T: +265 992 991 124

E: shadrachm@malawian-airlines.com

T: +265 999 127 650

E: victorc@malawian-airlines.com

Baggage inquiries

T:+265 992 178 627

E: blzbaggage@lihaco.net

GSA SOUTH AFRICA (JOHANNESBURG)

Johannesburg, South Africa

T: +27 11 783 1181

Cell / WhatsApp: +27 (0)79 514 7694

Reservations

E: JNBRES.Malawian@aviareps.com

Sales

E: JNBSALES.Malawian@aviareps.com

Lost Property

E: LostPropertyJNB@colossalaviation.co.za Tina. Cell: +27 724 920 075

TAMBO INTERNATIONAL OFFICE (JOHANNESBURG)

Contact: Aviareps

T: +27 11 783 1181

Cell / WhatsApp: +27 (0)79 514 7694

E: JNBRES.Malawian@aviareps.com

Baggage inquiries

T: +27 11 390 8557

T: +27 11 921 6074

E: LostPropertyJNB@bidair.co.za

GSA DAR ES SALAAM (TANZANIA)

Fast Track Ltd., Ground floor, Peugeot House, Bibi Titi Mohamed Street, PO Box 38331, Dar es Salaam

T: +255 222 136 663

Cell: +255 688 737 500

E: info@fasttracktanzania.com

After Office Hours

T: +255 714 737200

DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT (TANZANIA)

T: +255 755 218 243

Baggage inquiries

T: +255 754 000 051

T: +255 754 000 052

T: +255 763 881 375

E: Dar.tracing@swissport.co.tz

LUSAKA (ZAMBIA)

Kenneth Kaunda International

Airport Office

Contact: Fred Mazyopa

T: +260 955 236 402

E: fredm@malawian-airlines.com

GSA ZIMBABWE

Contact: Wonder Makanyire

No.5 Lezard Avenue, Milton Park, Harare, Zimbabwe

Cell: +263 718131704

E: Wonderm@malawian-airlines.com

GSA KENYA

Muindi Mbingu Street, PO Box 42901-00100, Nairobi, Kenya

Reservations and Ticketing Office

T: +254 723 786 649

T: +254 701 223 493

T: +254 701 223 970

E: nbocto@ethiopianairlines.com

E: nbores@ethiopianairlines.com

Sales

Angela Oduor

T: +254 113 040927

E: nbosls@ethiopianairlines.com

Claire Gichuki

T: +254 113 040928

E: nbosr@ethiopianairlines.com

Airport office

Contact: Justus M. Simba

T: +254 708043385

E: justusMogereS@malawian-airlines.com

Global contact Centre

T: 020 3892349

FROM THE WARM HEART OF AFRICA