eastafspot From France, joined Jan 2008, 467 posts, RR: 4 Posted (2 years 5 months 2 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 21025 times:
" Scotland has long had special ties with Malawi, dating back to the work of Scottish missionary explorer Dr David Livingstone."
Takulandirani fellow A.netters,
Fews years ago, an opportunity arose to work in the "Warm Heart of Africa", and took advantage to visit late last year the result of some projects in Nkhata Bay.
Many pictures were taken but i've never really get the opportunity to write and post it here. This TR is a little overdue as procrastination always stronger than me, thus some details may be missing.
Anyway hope you will enjoy as it will feature in 3 parts:
Lilongwe City Center: ADL House and Reserve Bank of Malawi
Mozambique coastline on the background
1 – KENYA AIRWAYS to LONDON
Located around 20 miles from the centre of the administrative capital, Lilongwe, is the main gateway for this Southern African country, better known after Madonna visited and adopted the couple of kids: David and Mercy.
Kenya Airways taxiing to runway 14 (taken on arrival)
My friend dropped me off at Kamuzu International at 8H30, exactly 2h prior the departure. Lilongwe main buiding is very small, and consists in a wide building with on the left hand the departure side (domestic at the far end ) including 8 check-in counters among them 2 exclusively reserved for Air Malawi, a post-office, a newsagent, 2 souvenir shops, a NB bank and one forex. On the far left end, at the arrival hall, 2 tour operators, Malawi Tourism desk and 2 car rental compagnies counters. Reaching the other side of the terminal will take you around 2 mins.
Lilongwe airport internal view.
After a quick search, an officer allowed to line up on the "Premier World" queue, as i was Skyteam gold at this time.
The process was a breeze, thanks to the malawian staff, indeed she assigneted a window seat up to London. Despite she did not mention the access to the lounge, she was a fast chatterbox and friendly.
Check-in counters
Queueing in Premier World lane and FIDS (YKQ=?).
Holding the boarding passes, i made my way to departure tax desk, where i've learnt that, from now this would be part of the fare, oh good news. My finance presented a credit of 4800 malawian Kwacha ( $ 40) that is better to spend before those greedy agents working upstairs. With christmas coming, i've found a bracelet for my brother and a chintege wearing local colours for my mum.
What i thorougly much appreciate at LLW, is undoubtly its landside terrace on the upper level. for a 50 mkw fee you can enjoy a great scenery on the airport activity and the apron traffic, or having your lunch on the smart restaurant, or relaxing with an ice cream. Unfortunately, traffic level is on daily basis pretty disappointing, outside the 10-14h shift. Also i've tried in the past attending at the plane landing, and to go through the rest of the process after, it has been proved really difficult. Hence this video has been recorded during one of my previous flight.
A spacious terrace for aviation fans, or for dreaming about new horizons...
Allegiance Air EMB-120rt ZS-AAF on its way to DAR and also operating domestic to Blantyre
Anyway, as i wanted to check my mail, after a cup of tea i greeted my friends and went to the immigration on the same upper level. One can be found 2 racket checkpoint in this airport:
The first at the immigration, as some overlanders travellers headed back to Europe, one of the officer noticed their 1 month visa was expired for 2 days, which is not a big deal indeed (as you can usually extend it after 1week in Malawi), those young girls argued the best they could, which was hopeless, of course his colleague were deeply supporting him until, apparently the chief, released a so awaited " i can help you if you need"... As the process was quick on my side i couldn't not figured out how much they brided those officers.
I head straight to the Ndege Lounge, with also a nice view of the apron.
Multi-airlines lounge at Lilongwe.
Deeply comfortable seating
An impressive well stocked bar
Buffet composed of fresh cold sandwiches, (dry) cakes, crips, peanuts, salt, Ketchup and Zabola
Incredible: These computers were internet connected, well slowly indeed.
Waiting for action
Kenya and Kuche Kuche
At 9h50 am, a verbal annoucement was pronounced to board the huge bird, i reached the departure lounge, via a security scan where is located the second racket checkpoint:
Apart from lighters or matches pocketed in the jeans which are variably not allowed on the plane, these inside the ruck sack are, the agents payed more attention on how much local currency you take away than the rest. Hence they stated the limit was $1 to a mzungu kind of rasta who wanted to bring home Kwachas as souvenir. After a fierce negociation he left everything to these guys, as obviously he was not the first "victim" and an easy target. Only god knows how they managed to keep all his spare change and notes.
The bus opened its doors at 10h02 for a quick ride to KQS.
The King of the apron
Greeting future Malawian spotters
Control tower and a warm "Takulandirani" signpost
Wing and tail
we've been welcomed on board by a truly kenyan color smily male who explained the location of the seat
Initial seating 34, or 5 or 6 A or equivalent
Economy cabin was far to be full
KQ722
LLW-NBO via LUN
STD: 10h35 (on time)
STA: 16h25
B777 5Y-KQS
27/11/09
KQS switched on engines at 10h30, and taxied straight forward to runway 14 at 10h35, meanwhile cabin crew perfomed the safety demonstrations. The KQ flagship lift off on time and headed right to the Zambian direction.
20 mins after airborne, flight attendants started the service, which on this short hop consisted on drinks and nuts:
2 famous Kenyan Tuskers were being offered straight, one was kept for the lay over at LUN.
Luangwa River, can be 3x bigger during the rainy season
The approach on Zambia's capital was stunning, as it has allowed a fantastic overview on the airport, moreover as pilots circled back, Lusaka downtown was clearly visible. 20Min after commencing our descent we landed runway 10 at 11H40 local time.
Grass and main runways at Lusaka International Airport
Our next target: runway 10
Cabin crew announced a 45 mins lay over here, on which have been contributed mainly on spotting, while a Zambian cleaning team tidied up KQS. We could not visit the airport but were allowed to walk on the mobile passenger stairs at the front and at the rear of the aircraft.
The Pride of Africa: the "Official" carrier of East African Spotter
Lusaka traffic: a growing airline Zambezi and Proflight Bae Jet-32 wearing old color
In order to embark correctly new passengers an hostess requested to all passengers to return to their assignated seat, followed 10 min after the Zambia bound travellers. Today as the flight would not be full, i asked a female attendant if i could move forward, what she acknowleged and accepted quickly. The new seat would be 14J, even if a rasta man was occupying 14H, he did not bother i took the window. As the rest of the pax rushed in the middle row probably more confortable in a prevision of a future wee nap.
Last customers for boarding: local VIP's
New seat with much better legroom
SA62 operated by B738 ZS-SJU
Routing screen to NBO
A PA from the flight deck announced the usual ritual of taxing, safety video and other infos. While we made our way to Runway 10, passengers were being handed over headsets. In a meantime some Zambian Air Force Eastern birds were stored up on the cargo terminal:
Z.A.F. Harbin Y16 and El Magal Aviation Ilyushin IL-76TD ST-MGD
Shortly after take off crews handed over hot towels, before offering a 2 lunch choices of fish or chicken. Once meals trays cleared, they offered duty free items on purchase.
I sipped a little Amaruha while exploring the IFE, with a interresting variety of entertainement for a 2h flight. I've ended up watching an American blockbuster at 37 000 ft.
Gorgeous lunch with this prawns and fish option
A wee Amahura while watching a cool comedy
those clouds prevented from seeing Uhuru peak
Screen showing Tanzania Air Space
We began our descent on time with the beautiful dry landscape so typical in Kenyan high plateaus, and 17 min after, the touchdown occured at 16h05 as unsual runway 6.
Once parked up at gate 7 on jetbridge, the F/A allowed me to greet the cockpit team. Great gesture thank you KQ.
Taxiing to gate: Nairobi downtown in a hazy background
Emirates operates 2 flights daily, any chance to see A380 soon at NBO?
KQS flight deck
Parked up gate 7.
Having 7h30 transit i decided to first visit the Transit restaurant (right off the BA executive Lounge), then going in town and after enjoying a light snack at the lounge. Immigration is always packed at this time, hence enjoy my best spotting hint at NBO by watching this video
Premier Lounge reserved for Skyteam Elite Plus frequent travellers
Cold food offer remains identical all day every day.
Seating area in Premier Lounge
It is amusing how many people sleep in front of Simba lounge
KQ102
Nairobi – London
B777-200 5Y-KQU
Dep time: 23h45
Arr. Time: 5h45
27/11/09
KQU preparing for the overnight trip
Hoping to grab the same reg as inbound flight the total darkness could not help for the decision. As the waiting lounge as rather narrow for a wide body, u've used 2 lounges quickly resulting of a lack of seats. Despite having to stood up for a 35 mins awaiting for boarding, the flight KQ102 was not full, maybe 75-80% in Eco, with a majority of British returning from Safaris or sunbathing along the East coast.
Everything went fine when boarding proceed on time. Once settled down, few interresting aircafts appeared.
Airbus A330 Brussels Airline
A couple of local CRJs: Fly540 ant Jetlink Kenya
KQU was airborne at 0h05 under a light drizzle, for an 9h journey to the UK, Onboard service was smooth, thanks to the professionalism of the kenyan cabin crew. As usual they:
handed over hot towels
offered a dinner choice of beef or chicken
cleared the trays
offered duty free item
relaxed and gossiped for the rest of the 6h flight
Routing LHR-NBO: 4250 miles
Beef stew for dinner not so enjoyable
Red mood lighting
Over the Alps: Unlike the KQ's ife whichwas not working
As french point of view: certainly not the best croissant!
Prior to landing
KQU landed around 5h25 for a long taxiing to the Skyteam base at Terminal 4. Disembarking was a breeze and immigration was haslee free due to the several lanes opened so earlier this morning. My luggages yellow-tagged priority arrived rather quickly.
I was inside the Heathrow Express at 6h, meaning 2h50 prior my next flight.
[Edited 2010-12-07 13:11:48]
Fly with Air Burundi, Air Tanzania, Air Uganda, Kenya Airways and Rwandair...Jumuiya ya Afrika mashariki
eastafspot From France, joined Jan 2008, 467 posts, RR: 4 Reply 1, posted (2 years 5 months 2 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 21043 times:
3 - BACK to my FIRST EXPERIENCE with BMI
Recently matched ST Gold for DC gold, i was impatient to try something new, actually my expectations were rather low, as i've never flown any British airlines beforehand.
Aegan is now a Star Alliance member.
The Business Check-in on terminal 1 can hardly be unseen, with the colourful blue wall. Explaining i did not hold the definitive card, the smiley agent handed over promptly the BP with *gold and accepted my 2 pieces of luggage.
Business check-in
Passport control was fast with few departures this staturday morning, there was a choice between Bmi lounge (before refurbishment) or the Star Alliance’s one, without any hesitation i turn right on to the international departure.
Greeted with nice manner, the hostess warned about the quiet long distance between the UK and ROI departure gatesfrom this lounge, about 20 mins, and granted the access, just by check-in my BP.
Lounge Entrance
Morning buffet, with tasty hot baps cereals and other good stuffs
Quiet seating area
Decoration
Essential lounge equipment Bathroom
Shower
Taking the hostess words for it, refreshed and full-up, i left this convenient lounge at 8h, for a long maze walk to T1 domestic. When finally i arrived at gate 8 c, boarding was about to start.
Luggages tagged on the red priority arrived 4th and 5th and was out 10 mins after the official schedule time, well done BMI.
Conclusion
Flying the 777 with KQ on a such short route was really pleasant experience, meals were on average ok, and staff as usual, really helpfull and, i prefer like that, discret.
Star Alliance lounge is definitely convenient, but IMHO, and after experiencing both, slightly below than Skyteam lounge on T4.
BMI took a wise decision to sell food onboard this year as most of the premium passengers have a lounge access or travel on Y+ class. Currently i'm still satisfied flying BMI domestic mainly and sometime to Lyon. Maybe soon in Africa if they are still operating to ADD or FNA.
Thanks for reading, now feel free to comment
East African Spotter
[Edited 2010-12-07 13:23:29]
[Edited 2010-12-07 13:41:34]
Fly with Air Burundi, Air Tanzania, Air Uganda, Kenya Airways and Rwandair...Jumuiya ya Afrika mashariki
eastafspot From France, joined Jan 2008, 467 posts, RR: 4 Reply 2, posted (2 years 5 months 2 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 21011 times:
3 – A GLIMPSE OF " THE WARM HEART OF AFRICA"
Pictures from Lilongwe:
From the Capitol hill, where all the ministries are located
Mausoleum of the founder of Malawi: H. Kamuzu Banda
Inside Mausoleum
The Memorial of War
Memorial of War again
LWC with my colleague Esther.
Lilongwe Wildlife Center
Don't climb: a valide reason to follow the instructions
The Old Town opposite to the City Centre: a smart shopping mall
Inside the shopping mall
Road junction with Sunbird Lilongwe hotel entrance
Shoprite, can be found in Lusaka too
Handicraft vendors.
Lilongwe River bridge.
Old Town Mosque
Late november 2009, a nationwide shortage of petrol occured in Malawi, we had to fight the last days to find a bus/transport to Lilongwe for an unusually astronomical fare. We've finally reached the capital around 3 am, early morning the day of the flight. The hotel/inn you will see after was my 3rd choice as last hotels visited were full. My previous visits on this place were ok as in a different room, hence i made the wrong decision to back up here. Staff offered us a room in refurbishment...that was appalling, even for a 5h stay, of course there was no way to pay full price thus Management offered us a 75% discount, rather fair:
One of the receptionists
A pleasant read of the rules especially n°3
Despite the state, room equipped with A/C
Not sure about what happened on this ceiling
Bathroom with an undrained sink
Lilongwe bus station: check how the vendors reach their potential customers
Breastfeeding in the bus to Nkhata Bay
Pictures from Nkhata Bay on the shore of Lake Nyassa
Scenery around Chintheche (sorry for the wiring)
Smoke on the water? No flies over the water
Fisherman thinking about ...
The best spot around Nkhata bay: Chikale Beach
Street scene in Nkhata Bay
The idea was good, the viability not, closed down after 8months!
Once the doorstep passed, "You will never walk alone"
Some of my colleagues "bribing" official referee
Mama Referee now corrupted
Lacking of shirts this player is wearing a green "Celtic" jersey
M.V. Illala has been built in the late 40's in Glasgow – Scotland
Fishermen carriyng a dugout at Senga Bay
Catch of the day, they're just selling the whole stock at Senga Bay
Remote village wher the closest road is about 8km, and a town at 24 km.
Staple food in Africa called nsima here
Is he shy or grumpy?
Family ride at Salima
Hey kids how do you rate EAS trip report about your country?
Interesting to find aircraft types on the screens!
Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): What i thorougly much appreciate at LLW, is undoubtly its landside terrace on the upper level. for a 50 mkw fee you can enjoy a great scenery on the airport activity and the apron traffic, or having your lunch on the smart restaurant, or relaxing with an ice cream.
Very impressive!
Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): We could not visit the airport but were allowed to walk on the mobile passenger stairs at the front and at the rear of the aircraft.
Interesting concept.
Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): M.V. Illala has been built in the late 40's in Glasgow – Scotland
je89_w From United States of America, joined Mar 2002, 2327 posts, RR: 10 Reply 5, posted (2 years 5 months 1 week 6 days 19 hours ago) and read 19625 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW PHOTO SCREENER
Nice report! Always interesting to see reports from Africa, especially on domestic flights.
I like how your B772 morphed into a B763 prior to landing at Lusaka, and back to a B772 upon disembarking the aircraft!
richcandy From France, joined Aug 2001, 694 posts, RR: 0 Reply 6, posted (2 years 5 months 1 week 6 days 18 hours ago) and read 19563 times:
Hi
Thanks for the trip report. I spent a few weeks in the summer working for a charity in village about 2 hrs down a dirt track from Mangochi. These people had nothing, very basic healthcare, no education (the closest school was a 10 mile walk away). What I found amazing was that they seamed so happy.
We had one day in Lilongwe and one day at Cape MaClear and thats really all I saw of Malawi. Hope to go back next year, maybe I will get to visit a few more places.
Alex
p.s. did you see the kids selling roasted rats on sticks along the road from the airport into town?
AI151 From United Kingdom, joined Dec 2009, 303 posts, RR: 17 Reply 8, posted (2 years 5 months 1 week 6 days 16 hours ago) and read 19369 times:
Hey EAS,
Great report on KQ which I haven't read much about here on A.net. Apart from the meals, the flights looked good and well done on getting that bulkhead seat. No doubt everybody else was looking to get the middle seats to sleep.
Loved the pictures of Africa as well. Makes me want to go there even more than before. But I have to admit that hotel was indeed one of the worst I have ever seen anywhere in the world. I would have strongly had reasons to walk out, unplugged sink is the worst thing to see.
AlexEU From Serbia, joined Oct 2007, 1791 posts, RR: 2 Reply 14, posted (2 years 5 months 1 week 4 days 13 hours ago) and read 17253 times:
Great trip report!
Brings back many memories, as I used to live in Lilongwe for 1 year...2004-2005! The shopping mall you mentioned was same...and you can imagine how boring they get after living for one year! Anyway, Malawi is a beautiful country with very friendly people and nice for tourism too, especially the lake.
edit: can´t believe they used B772 for a relativly short flights!
Which one do you prefer the Cargo or the fighters?
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 12): nice to read that you have got a 777 on such a short flight
Oh yes, despite 767 is currently still operational on the route, Formely KQ rostered this bird certain days, mainly for the freight capacity more important than passenger between India/China and Zambia/Malawi. a friend who flew recently had a "basic" B737 on the same leg.
Quoting A340600 (Reply 13): thanks for sharing something more unusual around here
Pleased to read you've enjoyed, sorry if It has been posted with a little delay though,
Quoting AlexEU (Reply 14): as I used to live in Lilongwe for 1 year...2004-2005!
Whaou nice, Have you liked over here?
Quoting AlexEU (Reply 14): The shopping mall you mentioned was same...
The Art Gallery inside worths a visit. Now a huge shopping centre has opened opposite to the Shoprite. The same one can be found in SA or USA.
Palmjet From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2001, 1051 posts, RR: 20 Reply 16, posted (2 years 5 months 1 week 3 days 15 hours ago) and read 16884 times:
Loved this report (and the others you have posted recently) - thank you for sharing with us. It's also good to see your non aviation pics as well. Looks like your flights on KQ were nice and the 777 is a lovely aircraft to fly on. Thanks again and look forward to more reports in the future! Any travel plans coming up? Cheers P/jet
fasty From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 36 posts, RR: 0 Reply 19, posted (2 years 5 months 1 week 2 days 6 hours ago) and read 16316 times:
Very interesting TR
I've often flied from Lubumbashi to ADD via LLW. It's nice to see what the inside of the terminal looks like, especially this terrace, which is not a common concpet in African airports.
Also the 1st meal looks great compared to what ET, the main competitor of KQ offers on similar routes.
I loved your fist pictures witth the flame tree, this is my favorite tree, keep on posting !!
ba319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8258 posts, RR: 56 Reply 21, posted (2 years 4 months 3 weeks 2 days 7 hours ago) and read 14888 times:
Hi EAS,
Finally found time to get around to this, quite an enjoyable read, lovely pictures.
- Very nice, just a shame about the lack of traffic.
Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): Shortly after take off crews handed over hot towels, before offering a 2 lunch choices of fish or chicken. Once meals trays cleared
- Not a bad looking meal, reminds me of my SAA meal on SA333 from JNB-CPT.
babybus From United Kingdom, joined Dec 2003, 3512 posts, RR: 6 Reply 22, posted (2 years 4 months 3 weeks 2 days 6 hours ago) and read 14833 times:
Loved the pics and a very thorough report. thanks
Do you remember the routing over north Africa to London? Did the plane fly over Egypt, Libya, Algeria or Morocco? I know you showed a Skymap but usually the routing changes as you go along. Be interesting to know.
and with that..cabin crew, seats for landing please.
are you serious?
usually it's over Libya, some islands Malta and Sicily, Italian alps, west Paris. Nevertheless on this TR, : Rwandair And Skyteam Airlines To Scotland (by Eastafspot Dec 10 2009 in Trip Reports) , exceptionally KQ flown over Egypt
Fly with Air Burundi, Air Tanzania, Air Uganda, Kenya Airways and Rwandair...Jumuiya ya Afrika mashariki
wexfordflyer From Ireland, joined Jun 2009, 550 posts, RR: 0 Reply 24, posted (2 years 4 months 4 days 1 hour ago) and read 12900 times:
That was a great TR that I really enjoyed. My first one that I have read on Kenya Airways!
You have a great variety of photos and, for me, that is what makes a trip report!!!
Thumbs up!!!
Come with me, there's a place I want you to see, where the leaves are dark, I've got a hiding place in central park.
25 abrelosojos: Thanks a lot for this wonderful report, and I must commend your excellent memory! I would not have guessed the flight was so long time ago. Your memor
26 eastafspot: thank you too quiet tough, it is amusing that FIDS screen shows flight for the wholeday Welcome back Alex, long time no see you indeed, hope you were
27 lukeyboy95: Hi EAS. Many thanks for this report. I read it when you first wrote, but have since visited Malawi for a month, and I have to stay it is the most utte
29 eastafspot: hi, yeah it can be described like this that's right indeed, sometime prisonners were challenging guards or police, unrealistic Really looking forward.
Sponsor Message: 
From France, joined Jan 2008, 467 posts, 
From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 1748 posts, 
From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6183 posts, 
From United Kingdom, joined Dec 2009, 303 posts, 
From Suriname, joined Jul 2005, 3533 posts, 
From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2202 posts, 
From Serbia, joined Oct 2007, 1791 posts, 
From Ireland, joined Jun 2009, 550 posts, 
Sponsor Message: 
Printer friendly format
