Chintheche Inn
Lake Malawi Shore, Malawi
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CHINTHECHE
INN - LAKE MALAWI SHORE, MALAWI
Lake Malawi is Africa's third
largest lake and stretches over 500 kilometres
from north to south. Palm fringed
beaches and soaring mountains surround the warm crystal
clear waters and picturesque fishing villages dot
the shoreline as they have unchanged for thousands
of years. The lake supports over 400 species of fish,
many endemic; the fascinating cichlid species of
this lake (and Lakes Tanganyika and Victoria) are
very popular in the tropical fish trade.
The northern
lakeshore is the lushest region of the
country
with remnant
patches
of tropical
rainforest and the dramatic backdrop of the Viphya
Mountains. This is the setting for Chintheche Inn.
Just south of Nkhata Bay, Chintheche Inn has a
wonderful, broad sandy beach and extensive grounds
with many
fine indigenous trees. Chintheche
Inn is operated by Wilderness Safaris.
Accommodation  For
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The
Inn has 10 double rooms which open out onto the
beach and all are brightly furnished with local
crafts. All rooms have private en-suite bathrooms
and are equipped with ceiling fans and mosquito
nets. There is a central dining area and
a recently
completed
swimming pool for those days when the lake is rough.
Dining is usually done outside under the stars
in the lovely warm Malawian night air.
Activities
There
is plenty to do at Chintheche. Guests are offered a
comprehensive range of activities beyond the watersports
and lake. The knowledgeable local guides are always
on hand to lead birding walks in the area and can
arrange fishing with the local fishermen.
Guests can
enjoy visits to local villages, excellent mountain
biking
trails
(bikes are for hire), trips to the Vizara rubber
plantation and the lively market town of Nkhata
Bay. Nearby Bandawe Mission provides a fascinating
look
into the country's colonial past. Windsurfers,
paddleskis, and sailing are all available at
the Inn and there is a large
and stable wooden
fishing boat for trips to the nearby island. Snorkelling
gear is provided and the Inn
offers a full range of PADI-accredited dive
courses.
Guests may
also wish to walk the Luwawa Hiking Trail. This
is a tough walk though, and
only recommended
for the very fit.
Geography and Wildlife
The northern shores of Lake
Malawi are among the country's most beautiful and
varied areas. Less populated than the south and
well within the tropics, the area has the highest
rainfall in Malawi and subsequently the most luxurious
vegetation.
Remnant patches
of trpoical rain forest abound and the spine
of the Viphya Mountains runs parallel to the lake
and a few kilometres inland, providing a daramatic
backdrop. Several large rivers flow into the lake
in the area, creating large marshlands, which produce
excellent birding. The settlements in the area
blend into this natural vegetation with picturesque
villages often clinging to the hilly contours
of the land.
The lake is
at its widest here and yet, on a clear day, one
can still see the coast of Moçambique,
80 kilometres away. The beaches here are undoubtedly
the finest on the lake - miles of pristine white
sand interspersed with jagged rock formations
and charming fishing villages.
The birdlife here
is outstanding with 'specials' including the Bluespotted
Dove,
Moustached Warbler, Gunning's Robin, Palmnut Vulture,
Green Coucal, Narina Trogon, Böhm's Bee-eater and
Purple-banded Sunbird.
The
Owners
Chintheche Inn is owned by the
Malawi Government and Wilderness Safaris leases
it from them. In 1996 the present Government
set up the Privatisation Commission of Malawi with
a goal to look at loss-making Government enterprises
and either sell or lease these to the private sector
. The leasing of the Inn gives the Government a guaranteed
return both in lease fees and taxes and is seen as
part of a far sighted policy by the government of
Malawi to maximize its tourist potential by instigating
succesful public-private sector partnerships.
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