00:00Located in the far north of Lake Malawi,
00:02Lekoma Island is the most exclusive, beautiful, and expensive destination in Malawi.
00:07You can get a decent Lake Malawi getaway for $50.
00:10But I've always wondered, could you do Lekoma without breaking the bank?
00:15So I packed light, booked local, and set myself a challenge.
00:19Explore this Malawian gem on a budget.
00:22No fancy resorts, no filters.
00:24Just me, the island, and whatever adventure comes my way.
00:28Part of Lekoma's expense is getting there, because it's so far away from Lelongwe.
00:32But my quick bus trip to Nkarabay only cost me $5.
00:38From bus to boat, most travelers take the Elala, our beautiful, historic bus bucket.
00:44But I laugh in the face of tetanus shots.
00:56Okay, I lied.
00:58My producer actually surprised us with the Lekoma fast transfer.
01:02My budget just took a massive hit, but I'm so glad that I missed the Elala.
01:13Well, Lake Malawi can be so unpredictable, and the waves got me completely soaked.
01:19But you know I came prepared, so I got a change of clothes and I'm ready to continue the adventure.
01:25I'm ready to go.
01:26Hold on.
01:27The Koragora bus was $5, and the ferry transfer was $25.
01:32That's $30 before I had even stepped foot on the island.
01:35And I'm looking for a taste of island life for under $50?
01:39Hmm.
01:39I better rein it in.
01:45I'm looking for a taste of island life for the Lekoma.
01:45Our home base, Mango Drift.
01:47I was meant to live in the lap of luxury.
01:50Well, that's my entire budget blown on a luxury chalet.
01:55The sacrifices I will make to get a good story.
01:58But on the bright side, at least the ferry cost was covered.
02:07Hi, how are you?
02:08Fine, and you?
02:09I'm good, thank you.
02:16Champagne drinks on a beer budget.
02:19I'm not sure I packed for dorm life, but the beds look comfortable, and my things are secure,
02:25and it's all about the adventure, right?
02:31How are you going to eat?
02:31Day one, and the budget hits me where it hurts.
02:34And no breakfast on an island where everything imported is premium.
02:37I'm going to have to go local.
02:39My survival depends on the new market.
02:53I'm no stranger to the local market,
02:55and the new market is a visual feast.
02:58And food at the new market is fresh and very cheap.
03:02But you have to be sharp because you want to get charged Mzungu prices.
03:06Locals get cheaper.
03:16Breakfast done.
03:17Three dollars.
03:18I'm still on budget and ready to explore the island.
03:29The breakthrough with budget travel is that the best experiences are found in cultural immersion,
03:34and this one might just provide me my lunch.
03:41Malawi has some beautiful baobab trees, and a whole industry has surfaced, making everything from baobab,
03:47juices and cosmetics, but some of these trees are so old they hold important cultural significance
03:53and are a part of the community.
03:55They provided good shelter for the elders.
04:00Yeah.
04:01All right.
04:01That's why there are many, and you see that a lot of groups, Malipenga groups now,
04:08Yeah.
04:09On the island, do perform their Malipenga, even shorter dances, and baobab trees.
04:19Oh, that's incredible.
04:22History lesson free, and just like most of Likoma's attractions, they cost nothing at all.
04:27Just like Malawi's national exercise, walking.
04:30And if you're willing to stretch your legs a little bit more,
04:32you can hike up to the most top part of the island to get spectacular sunset views.
04:38I came here thinking I was going to be force-fed champagne and caviar, but I found something much richer.
04:44Likoma Island isn't defined by its price tag.
04:47It's actually defined by its people, its culture, and the fact that it's so beautiful.
04:55I'm still under budget, and I've earned an incredible story.
04:59I bet you didn't think I could stay in budget.
05:01And since I'm heading back tomorrow, I think I'm going to go out for a glass of wine.
05:04To be continued
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