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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230314T080000
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UID:149-1678780800-1678813200@icycle.co.za
SUMMARY:iCycle Malawi
DESCRIPTION:A Very Warm Welcome to You from Malawi – The Warm Heart of Africa!  \nLilongwe to Blantyre via Lake Malawi and the Liwonde Game \nReserve. (11 Days)  \n  \nFor the last 20 years\, James & Natalie Parkin have organised fully supported Cycling Tours. After moving to Malawi in  \n2018\, James has ridden thousands of kilometers finding the best routes in Malawi. James has retired from corporate life and has relocated back to Johannesburg. In his retirement James hopes to contribute to cycling and tourism in Malawi by organising tours displaying the best of what Malawi has to offer.   \nMalawi is undeveloped and has a huge friendly rural population with little private ownership of land. Free access to all land is permitted. Paths and district roads stretch for hundreds of kilometers in all directions\, creating a unique Mountain Bike or Gravel Bike cycling paradise.  \nIn late April/May 2024\, The first of 2 cycling tours show casing Malawi will be presented. This is an 11-day holiday (10 nights). Starting in Malawi’s Capital City – Lilongwe\, routing along the edge of the Great Rift Valley\, before  \ndropping down to Lake Malawi. The holiday includes two rest days at the best resorts on the Lake. From the Lake  \nthe tour winds its way to Liwonde which features one of Malawi’s best game reserves located on the Shire River.  \nAfter a third rest day at Liwonde spent game viewing and relaxing\, the tour heads for Blantyre with an overnight stop at Malawi’s original Capital – Zomba.  \n\n\n\nDates \nSat 6th April – Tue 16th April 2023\n\n\nIn brief \n6 days riding\, 3 rest days\, 2 days for travelling to and from Malawi \n\n\nDistance \nApprox. 650km (longer Route) \n\n\nCost \nR30 000 per person sharing  – accommodation\, meals & full support including airport transfers. Fantastic well planned routes offering you the best of Malawi! Every participant will receive a unique cycling top! The Group size is small (max of 12 riders). \n\n\nExcluded\nExcluding flights\, Game Drives\, bar bills. A single supplement at some hotels is available – Please see FAQ.\n\n\nContact \nicyclemalawi@gmail.com or James on +27 82 561 5811\, Natalie +27 82 371 9725 \n\n\nBike \nBring your own bike – Mountain Bike (Hard Tail or Full Suspension) or Gravel Bike or E Bike\n\n\n\n  \n References.  \n“Some of the best riding you will ever do on this planet! Thoughtfully planned\, tested and tweaked GPS guided routes that flow and link together taking one to places very few people will ever see\, ending each day in amazing facilities that only local knowledge could procure. Years of experience in these types of tours results in the superb organisation that ensures one can switch off\, just ride and enjoy this unique experience in a special part of Africa. Every need is looked out for\, from logistics to cold cokes in the middle of nowhere and no-one is left behind philosophy makes this a repeat bucket list tour. I’m in constant training to do it again” Dr eRni Welsh – Johannesburg  \n  \n   \n“James and Natalie\, just a few words of thanks for some amazing tours that have taken me from the far corners of South Africa and Namibia to the top of the Pyrenees and Dolomites. Your ability to provide top notch support and accommodation in the most remote areas is remarkable. The routes you chose are tailored to provide a challenge at times but with the reward of spectacular scenery and seldom seen vistas. As a cyclist your concern for safety and backup is a real comfort. Please continue displaying your skills. I look forward to more of your unique cycling tours.” Rory Attridge – Johannesburg  \n  \n   \n  \nMap of Africa\, highlighting Southern Malawi showing our tour route!  \n   \nDay 1 – Sat 6th April 2024 – Arrive by air on the daily flight from Johannesburg; or via your chosen route and we’ll meet you at Kamuzu International Airport\, Lilongwe\, Malawi.  \nThe rest of the day is spent checking into our Lilongwe Accommodation\, Wendel’s Guest House\, building bikes and taking your bike for a test run. Dinner is a social occasion hosted by our host and Chef supreme – Tom who is a local cycling legend – and his wife Mel. The evening is planned to be a relaxed social affair; to meet the tour group and to get to know each other better.   \nDay 2 – Sun 7th April 2024 – Lilongwe to Dedza Pottery (Longer Route 99km; Shorter Route 57km)  \nAfter an early breakfast\, those doing the longer route will depart by bicycle\, those electing to do the shorter route will enjoy a more leisurely breakfast and will depart by car a little later to meet the longer route riders at Nkhoma.   \nLonger Route – We leave Lilongwe passing the Presidential House and head into the countryside on winding sand roads and tracks. As we leave Lilongwe\, we leave the more urban villages on the outskirts of the city behind us and head into farmlands. The riding is not technical. The first half of today’s ride is mildly undulating. At Nkhoma we will stop for refreshments and those doing the shorter route will join us for the second half of today’s ride.  \nThe second half of the ride to Dedza is a little more strenuous as we climb towards Dedza which is the highest point of the tour. Closer to Dedza we will pass through beautiful pine forests\, as we climb gradually to our over-night stop.  \n  \nWe will be staying at Dedza Pottery. Our support crew and Malawi’s legendry ‘’Thobwa’’ protein/energy replacement drink will be waiting for us! A late lunch will be served\, and the afternoon is at leisure to look around the beautiful pottery workshop. An early dinner will be served at about 18H30.  \nProfile of Day 2 – Lilongwe to Dedza Pottery  \nDay 3 – Mon 8th April – Dedza Pottery to Eagles Nest\, Chembe Village – Cape Maclear. (Short route 70km\, Intermediate Route 124km\, Longer Route 154km)  \nToday’s distances look daunting at 154km for the long route\, it is however a spectacular mostly downhill ride! After a few Kilometers on the M1 (main tar road – take care)\, we follow a beautiful quiet tar road leading down the escarpment into the Great Rift Valley. The early morning views with mist hanging over the Rift Valley are spectacular. Halfway down we turn off the Golomoti Pass tar road and follow a sand road and then a second quiet tar road before reaching our first Coke stop at 70km at the village of Kasinje.   \nThe middle portion of today’s ride is on a good sand roads and slowly becomes more single track as we leave the more populated areas behind. At 124 km we cross a tar road where a support vehicle can collect those who have had enough! The last 30km to Cape Maclear are scenic but be warned – there is a final climb to get over before a fantastic free wheel into Cape Maclear\, with a fantastic view of Lake Malawi!   \nWhile today’s distances are long the downhills\, some tar road\, and good condition sand farm paths contribute to making these distances achievable and very rewarding to complete. \nEagles Nest – Chembe Village\, is a well-run beautiful resort on the edge of Cape Maclear with its own private beach. Cape Maclear is a fishing village\, visited frequently by tourists – Malawi’s answer to the Cote d’Azure with sparkling turquoise waters fringed by the vibe of everyday African village life.   \nDay 4 – Tue 9th April 2024 – Rest Day – Chembe Eagles Nest – Cape Maclear  \nOur first well deserved rest day is at Cape Maclear. It is said that David Livingstone described Cape Maclear as one of the most beautiful sites in Africa. The village of Chembe at Cape Maclear has grown enormously over the last few years but it remains idyllic\, offering a wonderful African experience.  \nActivities include snorkeling\, paddling\, feeding the many fish eagles\, visiting the village\, or just chilling at the swimming pool. For the more energetic a ride to Monkey Bay is an option!   \n  \n  \nDay 5 – Wed 10th April 2024 – Chembe Eagles Nest (Cape Maclear) to Makokola Retreat. (95km longer Route\, 62km shorter Route).   \nToday it’s one of my favorite routes! \nThose opting to do the shorter route will miss the first 33km and be bussed to their start point. \nFor those doing the full route we leave Cape Maclear behind us as we climb out of Chembe village\, and soon we are on village tracks again The route is undulating and with a gentle climb to the high point at 66 km\, all on very good tracks. As we drop back down towards the Lakes more southern shores we will be treated to magnificent views of the Lake – slow down\, stop and enjoy the view! Makokola Retreat\, Malawi’s premier and most luxurious Lake Resort awaits us!   \nWe should arrive in time for a celebratory lunch! The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the many activities on offer or just to put your feet up and relax!  \n  \nMakokola Retreat has something for everybody\, water sports\, bird watching\, feeding fish eagles\, diving in the Lake to view Lake Malawi’s famous Cichlids (tropical fish)\, or just relaxing at Makokola’s fantastic pool\, or one of the many lounges.   \n  \nDay 6 – Thur 11th April 2024 – Rest Day: Makokola Retreat.   \nToday is our second rest day with lots to offer! https://makokola.com/. A late sleep in\, and a relaxing day! For the more adventurous mingling with locals at the local village is a good way to meet the gentle and very kind Malawians who epitomise the slogan – “Malawi the Warm Heart of Africa.”   \n  \nDay 7 – Fri 12th April 2024 – Makokola Retreat to Liwonde Safari Camp (Liwonde Game Reserve). Long Route 134 km; Shorter Route 97 km  \nToday after a good rest at the Lake – the Queen stage of the tour! A good opportunity to work off any overindulgence!!   \n  \nAfter a hearty breakfast buffet\, the longer route riders will retrace our incoming route for a few kilometers and climb inland leaving Lake Malawi behind us. Most of today’s climbing comes early on a district sand road.  \nFrom the high point it’s a meandering route through villages and small-scale farmlands down towards the Shire River (the only river that flows out of Lake Malawi\, and a major tributary feeding the Zambezi River.) The route is on village tracks with a few km’s of riding on a new tar road just before we reach the town of Liwonde. We cross the Shire at the new barrage at Liwonde and ride through the town on a heavily pot holed tar road before reaching our Camp just inside the Liwonde Game Reserve.  Those taking on the full distance will certainly test their fitness!  \n  \nCold Water Pumped by Village Children – Just What is needed!  \n Day 8 – Sat 13th April 2024 – Rest Day at Liwonde Safari Camp.  \nLiwonde Safari Camp is a real Malawi experience\, two nights in the bush! Its basic\, its clean\, it’s laid back\, it’s two nights under the stars\, housed in either a large tent or dormitory!  \nThere is one “luxury suite” see photos below! This will be auctioned with every cent raised going to the Blantyre SPCA. The Blantyre SPCA is run by Dr Dagmar\, a young German lady with an absolute passion for animals.  \nA river cruise along the Shire River exploring the edge of the Liwonde Game Reserve is an option. Elephants\, Hippo’s\, Crocs\, and many other animals can be seen. (Please note a river cruise is not included in the tour fee\, the cost is normally about ZAR 600 per person\, before negotiation!) \n  \nOther options for the day include taking it easy at the splash pool\, watching game from the viewing decks\, or going on a game drive and for the more adventurous a ride into the town of Liwonde to visit the market.   \nDay 9 – Sun 14th April 2024 – Liwonde Safari to Zomba – (Longer Route 90 km)  \nWe leave Liwonde Safari Camp and follow the Shire River east. It’s a short day’s ride with a tough climb towards the end!  \nAt the halfway mark\, a Coke stop is essential\, the big climb of the tour awaits us!   \n  \nIt’s a tough climb\, but well worth the sense of achievement! It reminds me of some of the great climbs of the Giro or Tour de France\, getting up without putting a foot down deserves an applause! Fortunately\, it’s on an old tar/concrete road built in the days when the cement factory was operational. It’s also a Strava section – go for it\, it’s currently my Crown\, but yours to take! From the top it’s an easy\, fast ride into Zomba!  \nFor those who wish to duck the climb a motor bike taxi (Called a “Shifter” in Malawi) will shift you and your bike up the hill!! Negotiate a fair price and you will be on top in minutes!   \n  \nWe will regroup at the top of the climb and ride to the town of Zomba (the Capital of Malawi during Colonial times). A new Coffee Shop/ Small Hotel is opening in Zomba (Called Kefi)\, and we hope to stay with them. A drive or even a ride to the top of the Zomba Plateau is an afternoon option!   \nDay 10 – Mon 15th April 2024 – Zomba to Blantyre. (Shorter Route 60 km\, Longer Route 96 km)  \nOur last day!! The ride from Zomba to Blantyre is different to the other days in that we pass through some commercial farms farming tobacco\, macadamia\, soya\, and maize. We are also pass-through small scale local farmers and at this time of year the harvest will be in full swing.   \nIt’s a meandering route\, on good paths and tracks… \n  \nThose choosing the shorter route will be met by our support crew at Lunzu Village after a wonderful decent down the escarpment. Those electing to do the longer route have the infamous climb of Sanjika to do\, before entering  \nBlantyre. Sanjika is a Strava segment and one of the most prized crowns in Malawi! See if you can take it on tired legs from Dr eRni Welsh\, an Anesthetist from Johannesburg!  \n  \nOnce back in Blantyre lunch will be served and then there will be time to pack bikes and recover! That evening a celebratory dinner will be held at one of Blantyre’s finer eating establishments\, Bombay Palace.   \nDay 11 – Tue 16th April 2024 – Homeward Bound!  \nThe flight to Johannesburg leaves Blantyre’s Chileka International Airport at 09H30. After an early breakfast\, our support crew will transport those on the morning flight to the airport.   \nWe hope that you would have enjoyed your time in Malawi\, and we hope that you will do one of our future icycle tours in the not-too-distant future!!  \nTour Notes  \n\nMalawi is a malaria area. The chance of catching malaria is small\, but you should take the necessary precautions! \nWe will be cycling in areas which are not easily accessible\, and getting medical assistance is extremely difficult. Accidents can create huge problems and lengthy delays and we ask that you exercise the utmost caution when riding. \n\n  \nBeware – Malawi Ambulance!!  \n\nGPS routes for your Garmin will be supplied for all stages\, and those wanting to ride in a faster group are welcome to do so. \nWe will be sharing paths and district roads with off-road motorbikes\, local cyclists\, pedestrians\, children\, goats\, chickens\, and the odd pig! They are all hazards with zero road sense at all. When you see them (which will be often)\, take care! \n\n  \nMotor bikes are possible the biggest hazard – Take Care!!  \n  \n\nAs Tour Organiser I always ride at the back (that’s me in the photo below!). Nobody is ever left behind. \n\n  \n\nWater is readily available from boreholes fitted with hand pumps. This water is good to drink and even better to cool off under on a hot day! \n\n  \n\nYou can buy basic refreshments along the way at village shops. A 300ml glass bottle of Coke is R5\,50 and a packet of biscuits is the same price!  \n\nSome shops are more modern than others.  \n  \n\nAbout 60% of Malawi’s population is under the age of 20\, and in terms of GDP per capita\, Malawi is the second poorest country in the world. Poverty is everywhere. Despite their hardships\, Malawi’s people are immensely kind\, cheerful\, polite\, and peaceful. \n\n  \nHard Working Charcoal Trader – 3 days by bike to the market and still smiling!  \n\nI have cycled thousands of km’s across Malawi\, mostly alone\, and I have been welcomed everywhere. There are a few basics to adhere to\, Malawi is densely populated and in villages we must proceed slowly and politely!! \n\n  \nVillage Scene – Busy Market Day!  \n\nThe aim of these tours is to share great times with good friends. It’s not a race! There will be time to chill and to put your feet up!                                                                                                                                                                              \n\n  \n\nMalawi is not well developed which makes it a wonderful country for cycling. We will see very few cars and trucks! The downside is that accommodation is not of the same standard as South Africa and often things go wrong – e.g.\, no power or the shower does not work! We simply must accept that “This is Africa\,” but there is always a plan to be made! \n\n  \nA cycle tour in Malawi is an adventure rather than a 5-star outing!!  \n  \nExpect the worst – hope for the best!!!  \n\nBicycle Shops are very rudimentary in Malawi – please ensure your bike is in excellent condition\, spares are not available!! \n\n  \n  \nFAQ! Top 25 questions and answers…  \n\nIs Malawi worth visiting? \n\nYes!!! Malawi is known as the “Warm Heart of Africa” for very good reason. It’s blessed with the friendliest people\, and the country is perfect for cycling and holidays. You will love it!!  \n  \n\nIs Malawi safe? \n\nMalawi is a peaceful country\, and the people are polite and considerate. It’s always a good idea to take normal precautions – keep an eye on your bike\, and your belongings. At first you may feel a little uncomfortable riding through villages\, but you will soon relax as you are welcomed and never threatened!  \n\nWhat precautions must I take? \n\nMalawi is a malaria area. Most expats who live in Malawi never catch malaria by taking normal precautions including covering up in the evening and using mosquito spray. In Malaria areas beds come equipped with nets. Additional precautions including anti malaria tablets are recommended. Sunburn is to be avoided\, lotions with high protection factors are highly recommended.   \n\nWhat currency does Malawi use? \n\nThe Malawi Kwacha! The Kwacha is worth approx. ZAR1 = MWK 65 or USD 1 = MWK 1200. The Kwacha is expected to de-value significantly in the coming months. ATM banks are only available at the Airport\, major towns and in Blantyre.  \n\nWhat is included in the tour fee? \n\nThe tour fee includes all transfers from the airport\, all accommodation in hotels or lodges\, 3 meals per day\, basic refreshments on the ride\, Wi-Fi where available\, a support vehicle which will transfer your luggage each day and a well-managed Tour\, including fantastic well researched routes!  \n\nPayment and cancellations \n\nWe request 50% of the tour fee on booking as a deposit and the remaining 50% at least 3 months before the tour starts.   \nShould the Organisers cancel the tour due to factors beyond our control we will refund you in full or alternatively offer you a place on a later tour.   \nShould you cancel your participation in the tour at least 3 months before the tour we will refund 50% of the paid deposit. Should you cancel your booking with less than 3 months notice\, this will result in forfeiture of the full amount paid. Under such circumstances you may sell your place to another participant provided icycle receives full payment for the tour. \nWe strongly recommend that you take out all the necessary insurance cover in case you cannot participate in this Tour due to unforeseen factors.  \n\nWhat is not included in the tour fee? \n\nFlights to and from Malawi\, Bar Bills\, Curios\, Tips\, laundry services.  \nMedical rescue or medical treatment is not included. You must ensure you have Medical Aid cover and Travel Insurance including repatriation cover.  \nExtra activities at the Lake (Snorkeling etc.) not provided by the hotel or a Game Viewing River cruise at Liwonde is not included in the tour fee. The price for such activities can be negotiated with local vendors.   \n\nIs this a fully supported tour? \n\nYes\, all arrangements will be made before your arrival\, you will be met at the airport\, and you will have a Tour Leader with you throughout the tour to ensure you have a fantastic time and to help wherever required.  \nYour luggage will be transported by our support crew\, and they will be on hand to transport participants wishing to ride a shorter route each day.   \n\nIs the route available to download on my GPS device? \n\nGPX files will be emailed to you prior to the tour. If you do not have a GPS that’s not an issue. The Tour leader will have a GPS\, he knows the routes and he will ensure nobody gets lost.   \n  \n  \n\nWhat should I bring with me? \n\nYour mobile (local sim cards are available for purchase or use Wi-Fi where available). Your bike (I ride a hard tail  \nMTB)\, a spare tyre\, chain lube\, spare brake pads\, a light cycling jacket (mornings can be cool)\, cycling kit including helmet\, cycling shoes and sunglasses\, suntan lotion. Casual clothing including warm clothing for the evenings\, swimming costume\, sun hat….  \nPlease also bring a minimum of 2 bicycle water bottles. A bicycle bell is highly recommended!  \nMalawi is very laid back; a sense of adventure will hold you in good stead!!!  \n\nWhat admin must I do? \n\nYou must book your own flights. We will advise you which flights are recommended.  \nOn arrival in Malawi\, you will be requested to complete a Tour Indemnity Form and provide proof of Medical Aid and Travel Insurance.   \n\nWhat weather should I expect? \n\nLate April/May should be the end of the rain season! We might experience some shower’s so a rain jacket would be useful! The temperature will be in the range 10C – 28C\, and possibly warmer at the Lake. Even with cloud cover suntan cream is highly recommended\, a high UV protection factor is best.   \n\nPhotography and Locals \n\nMalawi is beautiful and a camera is a necessity! There will be stops for photographs – it’s a tour not a race! Some locals may request cash if you take their photo\, but a polite Greeting “Bo-bo” followed by a Thank You “Zikomo” should suffice!  \nThe locals who live close to the larger towns (Lilongwe and Blantyre) tend to beg for cash. Please do not part with cash – it creates the perception that cyclists are travelling auto banks!   \n\nAre flights included and which one must I book on? \n\nFlights are not included in the tour fee. It must be noted that Malawi Airlines which is 90% owned by Ethiopian\, flies a daily route of Lilongwe-Blantyre-Johannesburg-Blantyre-Lilongwe\, using a Boeing 737.  SAA has recently launched flights on a twice per week basis.  \nPrior to the Tour you will receive an email with recommended flights. Currently the cost of flights is approx. R10 000.  \n(Return JNB – Malawi – JNB).  \n\nCan I wash cycling kit while on Tour? \n\nA minimum of 3 sets of cycling clothing is recommended. It will be possible to have kit washed on the rest days.   \n\nWhat cycling rules and customs are followed? \n\nHelmets must be worn whenever riding! It’s also a good idea to buddy up and should your buddy stop then please stop the rest of the Group.   \nThe group will be small and if it splits into a faster and a slower group then choose the group you are the most comfortable with. If the group splits the Tour leader will lead the slower group and ensure that nobody is left behind. Remember it’s a Tour not a Race!   \nMost days offer a shorter and longer route. Those wishing to do the shorter route will be bussed part of the way and they will join those doing the longer route for the best part of the day’s ride.  \n\nWhat if I want to bail? \n\nWe will not have a support vehicle behind us as the tracks make this impossible. If you are feeling unduly tired\, you may elect to sit out the days ride and to travel in the support vehicle.  \nDuring the day we should meet our support vehicles at least once – offering those who have had enough a lift!   \nAs a last option – Malawi has many motorcycle and bicycle taxis\, cyclists have been known to hop onto a motor bike taxi to get to the overnight stop!   \n\nIs Wi-Fi available? \n\nMost hotels do not offer Wi-Fi. We will set up a Wi-Fi Hot spot at hotels for everybody to use.   \n\nWhat happens if I’m involved in a crash\, and I’m hurt? \n\nThe route is a safe route with very little technical riding. The biggest danger is pedestrians\, children\, animals\, motor bikes\, local cyclists and very occasionally cars. You must be cautious and avoid dangerous situations: slow down  \nwhen you see hazards! If you are injured\, we will make every effort to get you back to Blantyre comfortably and as  \nquickly as possible where Doctors and Medical Help is available. Please be aware that we will be riding in rural areas with limited road networks. This makes it difficult to get injured people out and currently no helicopters are available in Malawi.   \n\nMust I bring bike tools and spares? \n\nWe will supply all basic tools including a foot pump\, Allan Keys\, Bike Washstand\, Bike washing Kit etc. Suggest you bring a spare tyre\, spare chain link\, chain lube and a set of brake pads. Please note bombs are often confiscated on the flight\, so we suggest you leave them at home.   \nPlease ensure you have tubeless tyres containing adequate sealant\, tubes are not recommended.   \n\nDo I need a Visa to visit Malawi? \n\nSouth Africans will get a free 30-day visitor’s Visa on arrival at the airport in Malawi. If you are travelling on another passport\, please check with the Malawi Embassy.   \n\nWill we be sharing rooms? \n\nFinding suitable accommodation able to accommodate a group of 12 is a huge challenge in some parts of Malawi. In some places we would ask cyclists to share rooms / bathrooms (with single beds where needed). In the larger hotels we can offer a single supplement. Please contact the Tour Organisers if you require more information on a single supplement.   \n\nDo you hire out bikes? \n\nUnfortunately\, we do not hire out bikes but are looking at adding this service as a future option. Please bring your own bike. Bike bags will be transported from the start to the end of the tour.  \nA mountain bike or Gravel Bike with a wide range of gears is recommended.  You may bring an e-Bike but most airlines will not transport them. Should you wish to bring an e-bike please contact the Organisors for advice on getting your bike to Malawi.  \n\nWhat plugs are used in Malawi?  \n\nEnglish plugs (see photo below) … The Tour Organisers will have a few adapters (for South African plugs) to lend out but please bring your own adapter if possible!  \n  \nShould you have any other questions please feel free to contact the Tour Organisers!  \n  \n  \nReference from Robin Olbrich (Cape Town) \nHaving done several successful cycle tours with James in South Africa I was keen to venture further north and try something a little more exotic in Malawi with other likeminded cyclists. Not knowing what to expect I approached.  \nJames’s new Malawi tour with an open mind\, anticipating surprises along the way that remote Africa has taught us to be prepared for. The opportunity to explore a country on a bicycle gives you a real perspective of the community and this tour was no different. The experience gave me a true insight into the warm and friendly culture of the  \nMalawians. No matter the level of poverty in the many villages we rode through we were always welcomed by the locals\, and we were clearly a source of amusement and a diversion for the kids who would cheerfully run alongside us.  \nMost of the riding is done on beautifully meandering trails used by local pedestrians\, cyclists and bikers commuting between villages. The trails are comfortably ridden on hard tail mountain bikes or gravel bikes for the more  \nadventurous. We rode comfortably as a group always ensuring there was no pressure on the less fit riders. The days  \nand routes were well planned to allow for sufficient meal and refreshment stops with energy and time left at the end of each day to enjoy some sightseeing or relaxation at our comfortable accommodation in guest houses or hotels.   \nWith the backup and support of his wife Natalie\, James has an uncanny gift of being able to commingle a group of cyclists with different abilities and interests into a family atmosphere within only a few hours of arrival in Blantyre. He seemed to immediately understand the individual needs of his clients\, and the planning and organisation was on point to make the adventure an extraordinary\, personalised experience for all.   \nI still have so much more to explore on a bike in Malawi and plan to be back soon enjoying the friendly hospitality of the Parkin’s.  \n  \nDisclaimer \nDue to circumstances beyond the control of the Tour Organiser\, arrangements\, routes\,  \naccommodation and even flights  \nmight change at short notice. Such  \nchanges will be discussed with you\, if and when they may occur.  \n  \n 
URL:http://icycle.co.za/event/icycle-malawi/
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