Livingstonia

23 February 2024

Perched on the edge of the Livingstonia escarpment is the Mushroom Farm, a permaculture ecolodge. I stayed here to experience the off-grid facilities, sweeping views and a guided hike to the Chombe Plateau. Along the way, I met people who shared their fascinating life stories giving me an insight into life in this area.

Staying in the dorm of this unique venture on the top of the escarpment was fascinating. There were fire heated hot showers, a composting loo, solar-powered electricity and an extensive garden were vegetables, grains and flowers were grown many of which were used for the cooking.

I spent one day hiking to the top of the Chombe Plateau accompanied by a local guide. MacDonald shared his knowledge of the countryside, its geology, farming potential and settlement layouts. On route he introduced me to the team constructing a new special needs school, the villagers at Livingstonia and his neighbours around the primary school where he is a governor.

A fascinating and memorable day.