Staying an Extra Night at Umuuntu Guesthouse
I decided to stay an extra night at the Umuuntu Guesthouse in Mzuzu, Malawi. The atmosphere was wonderful, and I really enjoyed getting to know Caitlin, a Dutch woman who came to Malawi in 2006 from the Netherlands, searching for a new place to call home.
Caitlin’s Story: From the Netherlands to Lake Malawi
Caitlin and her husband originally settled at a spot on Lake Malawi, where they ran a camp for overland trucks for about five years. Tragically, her husband didn’t survive a car accident. Despite that heartbreak, Caitlin stayed on in Malawi, fully committed to raising the two children in her care and seeing them through to adulthood.
The Meaning Behind ‘Umunthu’
The name ‘Umuuntu’ carries profound meaning. It connects to the African philosophy of Ubuntu (U-B-U-N-T-U), which emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity and the importance of community over individuality. Caitlin truly lives by this philosophy. She shared that about 95% of the guests who visit are from Malawi, with very few foreigners finding their way there.
A Hidden Gem Off the Beaten Path
This is not a place you’d stumble upon by accident. The last 500 meters to reach the guesthouse is a rough path mainly used by pedestrians. Driving through it requires patience, even in good weather without much rain. But that hidden quality is part of its charm. If you ever get to Mzuzu, I highly suggest you check it out.
Exploring the Grounds and Getting Things Done
I took advantage of the reasonable internet to catch up on some tasks, enjoyed another great dinner, and explored the property. It’s a pretty big place, leased long-term, with only a handful of rooms. About half the property could be further developed, but that may not happen anytime soon.
Challenges of Running a Guesthouse in Malawi
Like most properties in the area, the guesthouse is walled in. However, part of the wall has come down due to poor water management by the city, and getting compensation for that kind of damage is extremely difficult. Running the place involves a lot of people, including apprentices who come to learn from Caitlin, as well as security guards — the most common job across Africa.
Friday Night Karaoke and Final Thoughts
On Friday nights, the guesthouse hosts karaoke, which was apparently more successful in the past but is still going strong. It’s been an amazing stay, and I wish Caitlin all the best. Thanks for coming along on this journey!
