We have never had much luck with Kenya and we were only passing through. On our first try we got lost in the midnight blackness while crossing the “no man’s” land between Ugandan and Kenyan borders and completely missed the immigration office. It was embarrassing to be hauled off the bus to complete all the forms.
This time we were prepared for an overnight layover at the Nairobi airport. We didn’t know that a fire last week destroyed the transit area. Those of us awaiting onward travel were confined to a tent like the ones used for wedding receptions. There was only one rest room, no ATM access and no food to speak of.
Things didn’t improve when we landed in Malawi. The taxi from Lilongwe airport to Annie’s Lodge cost $35 only to learn that our reservation was never confirmed. There is a big African Heads of State meeting and Lilongwe is packed so we had to scramble to find a room. It ain’t the Hilton but it will have to do for now.
As it turns out the location is excellent in Section 4 of the ‘old city.’ We are near restaurants, a supermarket and a couple of travel agents, which is a good thing because independent travel in Malawi isn’t easy, even if you have your own 4WD car and camping gear. This part of our trip is going to take some work.
