Time has been flying since I arrived in Malawi 🇲🇼. It’s been non-stop riding, rain, roughing it and heat…too much heat! I arrived during the end of the rainy season and have experienced plenty of it while riding and camping in my tent.

From the moment I crossed the border from Tanzania into Malawi, I began to notice the subtle differences between the countries, cultures, and landscapes. As I bike through remote villages, passing farmers and kids on their way to school, it’s fascinating to observe these nuances bit by bit.

Malawi, often called the “Warm Heart of Africa,” is a landlocked country in southeastern Africa. It is bordered by Tanzania to the north, Zambia to the west, and Mozambique to the south and east. The country’s landscape features vast plateaus, mountainous regions, and the stunning Lake Malawi, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world.

With a population of around 20 million people, Malawi is home to a rich cultural diversity composed of various ethnic groups.

Economically, Malawi remains one of the world’s poorest countries, with agriculture as the dominant sector. Tobacco, tea, and sugar are major exports, but a large portion of the population are subsistence farmers. The rural landscape is dotted with individual family farms.

I entered the country from the north and have ridden through an area characterized by a mix of flat plains, rolling hills, and fertile agricultural land. The region is surrounded by lush forests and home to a very rural population, with villages scattered throughout.

It’s been an incredible experience to see a country that receives very few visitors. More to come on Malawi!