Leaving Mzuzu for Mushroom Farm Eco Lodge
Today on April 15th, I left Mzuzu heading for the Mushroom Farm Eco Lodge, a journey of about 130 kilometers. The scenery along the way was increasingly more beautiful than what I had seen on the road into Mzuzu. Even just leaving Mzuzu, I felt like I hadn’t really explored it fully, but it didn’t seem worth staying longer.
Road Conditions and Tobacco Fields
The roads were a mixed bag with potholes that require constant vigilance. Along the way, I noticed tobacco growing in the fields along with facilities for drying it — a reminder that tobacco farming is still very much alive in Malawi. It was a fascinating ride through the countryside.
As I neared my destination, the road became unpaved and increasingly rough. At one point, road workers had blocked the road and were collecting money from anyone wanting to pass through. I paid my share. In the rainy season, I can see that this road would be quite challenging to navigate.
A New Home for the Land Cruiser
I received word from Dr. Vincent Moyo, the vice medical director at Nakoma Mission Hospital, located about an hour outside Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi. He expressed strong interest in taking over responsibility for my Land Cruiser. The hospital has been cut short on financing, especially due to recent changes in US aid, so they are eager for any support.
I let them know that the vehicle is left-hand drive, which isn’t ideal in Malawi where driving is on the left side of the road. However, it turns out they already operate some left-hand drive ambulances — and an ambulance is essentially what the Land Cruiser would become for them. This could be a very workable solution.
Arriving at Mushroom Farm Eco Lodge
Arriving near Livingstonia at the Mushroom Farm was exciting. The lodge sits on the edge of a hill overlooking a valley along Lake Malawi, with views of the lake itself. The people running the place are very enthusiastic, and I’m looking forward to staying here for a few days. What a wonderful spot to rest and take in the beauty of Malawi.
