Driving in Malawi !

Typical road within a town.  Note the sides of the road are damaged 

While in Malawi, we were very fortunate to have access to Matthew's car.  Matthew accompanied us on quite a few our journeys but also left us to drive ourselves too.  It is no understatement to say that driving in Malawi is VERY different.  The roads at times can be wide enough to barely allow two cars to pass. What makes it even more interesting is all the people who walk or ride their bicycles on the sides of road. Very few people have cars themselves so the average Malawian will walk substantial distances on foot or take their bicycles to travel from place to place.  It is amazing to see also what folk take on their bikes, from other people (bicycle taxis) to baskets, hay, even a live pig on the way to market!! There are also goats, chickens, dogs and children everywhere too!! Trying to negotiate past them in a car makes driving very interesting!

Mary and I had indicated to Matthew that we would be willing to take our share of driving. Well, I don't think either of us thought that we would be starting on second day in the country. But we did, and on the Monday, I drove the three of us from Mangochi to Balaka.  In total we drove over 1800 kms during the two weeks while we were in Malawi and it was Mary and I who drove almost 1500 of these!! 
There are police roads blocks throughout the country. Some blocks are on the main road in trading centre to check registration documents. Others are situated with the same trading centres as speed restrictions.  I unfortunately fell victim to these speed cameras and have the claim to fame of 'breaking the law' in Malawi. I was caught driving 89 in a supposed 50 zone.  It is usually a 5000 MK fine (£20) but it was reduced to 2000MK (£8) with some smooth talking from Matthew. 

At the wheel!!

Crowded streets with bikes, people, animals everywhere!!

The driving took a lot of concentration and was exhausting. However, having access to the car allowed us to access areas that the average traveller won't see.