During these unprecedented times, Pakachere Backpackers are very much open for business! Adhering to all social distancing and health and safety standards you would expect (and serving the domestic market while international borders remain closed), Pakachere are welcoming guests to this beautiful area of Malawi and have provided us with an update on what you can do at Zomba right now and what’s planned for the rest of the year. Plenty of inspiration for when everyone is able to visit this gem of a town.
Even though the market might be a bit too busy for many people at the moment, fresh berries can be bought along Mountain Road on your way up or down the plateau. Hiking on Zomba Plateau is a perfect way of combining exercise and enjoying nature far away from other people. The tour guides from Zomba Tour Guides Association will be very happy to take you for hikes while observing guidelines to reduce the spread of the corona virus. The Botanic Gardens close to the historical buildings are a great spot for a picnic and a stroll if you do not feel like going up the mountain but still want to spend time outside in a green environment.
Pakachere Backpackers
Besides the usual measures like hand wash stations on site, regular disinfecting of touch points, al-fresco dining in the big garden, hand sanitiser behind the bar and strict instructions for staff about keeping distance and not coming to work when feeling sick, Pakachere now has a 1-bed dorm for people on a budget who do not want to share with others. All beds are kept empty for at least 72 hours after every guest before new guests can occupy the room.
Pakachere has a meeting room that seats max 16 people with physical distancing, filtered water (no plastic bottles), homemade lemonade and healthy options for snacks and lunch.
Zomba City Festival
Zomba City Festival which was planned for May 2020, will start with a deconstructed version from September to lead up to the 3-day festival in 2021. The original Zomba Festival would have taken place over 3 days with activities for families, culture vultures, sporty people and party people. Spread over the city, the concept of Zomba City Festival is for visitors to explore the city with many smaller events at various locations. For example, an art exhibition in the Botanic Gardens, yoga and a treasure hunt on Zomba Plateau, live music at Pakachere, children’s activities at Dominos, a fashion show at The Chocolate Factory, mountain biking on the mountain, a historical walk in town, and much more. Updates about the festival can be found on www.visitzomba.com. The events leading up to the big festival will be exclusive for small groups with plenty of room for physical distancing.
Christmas in Zomba
Did you know you can hire Pakachere for your group or family over the holidays? The whole place is yours for $300 per night for max 24 people (please note, 10 will be sharing a dorm. Camping is possible). Our chef can help you cook your own food or we can offer a menu on request; in the morning 1 lady from housekeeping will be present to clean the place; and there will be someone during the day to serve you at the bar and help in the kitchen if needed. There is security on site 24/7. What better way to celebrate Christmas!
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