Meet The Team | Malawian Style

Mike Varndell

Managing Founder

Mike was born in Zimbabwe but raised in Malawi. Whilst working in the finance industry he realised he wanted a life of adventure. He threw in the towel in London and travelled across South America before the lure of home called and he moved back to Malawi. Realising a gap in the market he set up Malawian Style 8 years ago, creating exciting adventures across the Warm Heart of Africa. The business has since grown and expanded to include Zambia, with some offsets in South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

Mike has since hired a flourishing team of experts who he entrusts to sort out the details of the incredible trips we offer whilst he flies the Malawian flag across the world! With a keen passion for uniting like minds and showcasing this beautiful continent, he continues to strive to get tourists to visit his home nation.

Where is your favourite place in Malawi?
Mumbo Island.

Your favourite Malawi dish?
Nsima – Jokes, Funkys Kampango Curry.

If you were an African animal, what would you be?
A tsetse fly!

Contact Mike at mike@malawianstyle.com.

Ronald Kampani

Head of Finance

Ronald Kampani our finance manager was born and bred in Malawi. He is the money man leading the money team (TMT) of Malawian Style. He has always been fascinated with and has a passion for numbers and nature, probably also explains why he initially majored Mathematics and minored Biology on his undergrad. He then studied finance and accounting and as fate would have it, he ended up at Malawian style doing what he loves. When he’s chasing for payment its nothing ‘personal’ just ‘finance’ :).

Why should people come to Malawi?
Because of its natural scenery, people & weather, plus culture.

A piece of advice for someone coming to Malawi for the first time?
Brace yourself for an experience of a lifetime!

Sum up Malawi in one word?
Epic!

Contact Ronald at ronald@malawianstyle.com.

John Mhango

Accountant

Where is your favourite place in Malawi?
My favourite place in Malawi is lake Malawi, Cape Maclear, I like that place

What is your favourite Malawi food?
My Favourite Malawi food is Nsima with Thumbana (goat insides)

Why do you think Malawi is the warm heart of Africa?
Because Malawians are so lovely, and the climate is so peaceful!

Michael Chikuse

Accountant

Michael is an accidental accountant who wanted to become a rapper but was forced by his parents to go to school (#TIA) and ended up falling in love with problem-solving. After graduating in 2014, he started working for an insurance company before joining us on October 2016. He has since played a huge role alongside his mates in ensuring Malawian Style as an industry leader. Aside from punching figures, wearing suits and ties etc. he is also an adventurous traveller, African wear designer, partygoer and enjoys spending time with the MS team.

Where in Malawi do you dream to go?
Mulanje Mountain

Why should people come to Malawi?
Malawi is a Naturally beautiful, peaceful Nation with friendly citizens and has a lot to offer.

What is your favorite animal of the Big5?
Lion #KingoftheJungle.

Contact Michael at mchikuse@malawianstyle.com.

Tapiwa Mayuni

Sales and Reservation Manager

Tapiwa, a born and bred Malawian and has been Malawian Style’s leading lady for the last 4 years. Tapiwa is a passionate Malawi advocate having watched both the tourism and conservation sectors grow. She is eager to show you what this unique destination has to offer as well as the incredible combinations it has with its better-known neighbours. Tapiwa is a keen explorer with an eager eye for a deal with an incredible warmth please do get in touch should you wish to discuss these destinations.

Where would you most like to visit in Malawi?
St. Peter’s Cathedral on Likoma Island, I’ve been to Likoma and missed out on visiting the Cathedral built over 100 years ago. An architectural wonder on this small island.

What is your favourite Malawi food?
Mandasi’s, everyone loves a good fat cake.

What is your favourite place in Malawi?
Lilongwe to stay, it’s home, Liwonde to Visit it’s Amazing.

Contact Tapiwa at tapiwa@malawianstyle.com.

Chifundo Mgomba

Reservations Manager

I have been in the sales & reservations department for 5 years, booking tours across Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. The destinations include Liwonde N.P, Lake Malawi, South Luangwa N.P, Lower Zambezi, Kariba, Hwange and Chobe. With every reservation that I make, I give special attention to exactly what the clients are looking for and what is important to them. I am extremely lucky, fortunate and blessed to say that “I love my job.

Where in Malawi do you dream to go?
Kaya Mawa at the Likoma Island

What is your favourite animal in the Big5?
The king of the Jungle (Lion)

Why should people come to Malawi?
Because of the following amazing
geographical features: beautiful Lake Malawi magnificent Mulanje Mountains and splendid National Parks.

Contact Chifundo at chifundo@malawianstyle.com.

Razziah Lamarque

Sales and Reservations

I was delighted to join Malawian style in June 2014 to help out with sales and reservations. With the experience I gained during the time, I give special attention to exactly what the clients are looking for and what is important to them.

Best travel advice for clients?
When planning a trip do not forget to come to Africa, the people are warm and friendly. From wildlife to the people and culture, to the landscapes, prepare yourself for spectacular sights. It is hard to have a bad day when all these are so dazzling..

Where would you most like to visit in Malawi?
): Kaya Maw in Likoma Island and Royal Livingstone Hotel in Livingstone.

Your favourite Malawi food?
Nsima with Chambo

Contact Razziah at razziah@malawianstyle.com.

Patrick Lamarque

Logistics Officer

Where is your favourite place in Malawi?
My favourite place in Malawi is Mangochi. I guess it’s because of the Lake and that is the place I had spent my University time!

A piece of advice for someone coming to Malawi for the first time?
My advice to someone coming to Malawi is “prepare to have the best days of your life”

Why should people come to Malawi?
Because apart from being the Warm heart of Africa, Malawi has some fishes

Chloe

Sales & Marketing

Chloe is our marketing manager, hailing from Scotland she has swapped the snow for the sun and joined us in July 2017. She has a rich background in the industry starting out as a guide in South Africa and then worked in sales for the last 6 years. She has travelled Africa extensively from the jungles of the Congo to the plains of the Serengeti and now has found herself immersed in Zambia & Malawi.

Favourite place in Malawi?
Liwonde NP is such an incredible place with massive conservation success. For wildlife, it is so exciting to see species reintroduced and the beautiful landscapes behind them. I’m told they have some pangolins too!

Any advice for someone coming to Malawi for the first time?
Bring an open mind and insect repellent! Leave your shoes and WiFi connection at home.

If you were an African animal which one would you be and why?
Honey Badger – I look cute but I’m feisty! Find me happiest digging around the bush!

Contact Chloe at chloe@malawianstyle.com.

Jen

Sales & Marketing

Having been born and brought up in Malawi Jen always knew her beloved home country would bring her back one day. After spending 15 years in the UK and then 2 years travelling and working in Australia she decided it was time to head back to her roots. With a degree in Hospitality Management as well as her love for the African bush and passion for travel she decided to look at perusing a career within the Travel Industry, joining the Sales and Marketing team. Over the years she has spent a lot of time travelling through both Malawi and Zambia and looks forward to exploring more of the magnificent parks and wildlife they both have to offer.

Favourite place in Malawi or Zambia?
Forever South Luangwa. If I had to choose a specific spot it would either be Bilimungwe Bush Camp – although not the best game viewing around, the staff and guides made the experience and it was quiet, no other vehicles to take away the true safari experience. I also got spoilt with staying at Chinzombo and although I thought I wouldn’t be fussed over such luxury in the bush my experience here was memorable.

Any advice for someone coming to Malawi for the first time?
Enjoy where you are and take in the surroundings, sometimes it’s about the smaller things that make the experience memorable.

Where would you most like to visit outside of Malawi and Zambia?
Cuba – for the beaches, culture, food, landscapes and music. Uganda – to visit the gentle giants, the Mountain Gorillas

Contact Jen at jen@malawianstyle.com.

Gabi

Sales & Marketing

Gabi is our third-culture-kid, having grown up around the world; of Italian and English origin; and with her family having settled in Malawi in the 1920s, she’s seen it all and after finishing her studies in 2012, Malawi was calling her home. With a strong background in hospitality management, she’s a hard girl to impress so can guide you in selecting the very best accommodation to make your trip an unforgettable one. As an animal lover, foodie and photography enthusiast, Gabi would rather be camping in the bush with her camera, pasta-maker and five pets in tow.

Favourite place in Malawi or Zambia?
South Luangwa – a.k.a the valley of leopards. How could anyone choose differently? To me, it is the beating heart of the animal kingdom.

Best travel advice for clients?
Kick off your shoes often and connect with Mother Nature – it’s good for the soul (and the sole)! Try to leave your mobile devices turned off and put away. You’ll soon forget about them and immersing yourself entirely in the natural world is a truly priceless experience.

If you were an African animal which one would you be and why?
I would love to say something elegant like a leopard but as my family insist on calling me, at 5″10, a giraffe is more my speed.

Contact Gabi at gabi@malawianstyle.com.

Guides

Eddie

Head Guide

Why do you think Malawi is the warm heart of Africa?
I don’t think Malawi is the warm heart of Africa, IT IS the warm heart of Africa. Its people, the wilderness of Malawi. The few things that we have are really more than other countries will have. The few things we have, the few wildlife, the few lake parts, the few rivers, just a few things, that’s what makes Malawi, and the people unique.

What is your favourite animal of the big five?
Buffalo because buffalos are always being buffalos, tough guys!

Any advice for someone coming to Malawi for the first time?
Love your natural surrounding, love everybody you meet, if someone asks you any questions, take it with a smile.

Hastings

Guide

I was born and raised in Malawi, I am fortunate to travel through much of Malawi i.e. Liwonde N.P, Majete Wildlife Reserve, Lake Malawi, Mulanje Mountain. I joined the Malawian style team in 2012. My pleasant nature and attention to detail have earned me a very good name as a tour guide. Guiding is my true passion! I joined guiding not by chance but by choice.

What is your favourite place in Malawi?
Cape Maclear.

Why should people come to Malawi?
Malawi is a must-visit country, full of friendly people. It is one of the best countries to visit in Africa thanks to Lake Malawi!

What is your favourite Malawi food?
Nsima with beef stew.

Gift

Guide

Where is your favourite place in Malawi?
Nyika National Park, the place is just beautiful

Where in Malawi do you dream to go?
Mount Mulanje, hiking up to Sapitwa

Why should people come to Malawi?
Because the people in Malawi are friendly and peaceful, the destination is still unspoiled, because of the beautiful nature and the rich culture!

Francis

Guide

My name is Francis Tandwe and I have worked at Malawian Style as a guide for 5 years. Before that, I studied Motor Vehicle Mechanics from the year 2003 to 2005 at Binary School of Technology which is located in Lilongwe city. I worked as a mechanic for three years before I joined the tourism industry in April 2010 when I started working as a tour guide and mechanic at Kiboko Safaris. I joined the Malawian Style team as a tour guide in 2014.

What is your favourite Malawi food?
Nsima with nicely cooked local chicken.

Favourite place in Malawi or Zambia?
Mulanje Mountain – because of its location surrounded by the tea plantations and also because of its hiking challenges.

What is your favourite animal in the big 5?
I do enjoy the way leopards hunt! they are smart hunters with their deadly tactics.

Boniface

Guide

My name is Boniface cherani, born in a family of seven. I Worked with several companies before joining Malawian Style in 2015 as a guide. I like travelling that’s why I joined the guiding field in 2012. During my free time, singing is my hobby.

Why should people come to Malawi?
They should come to Malawi to experience de real African culture

Any advice for someone coming to Malawi for the first time?
They must see Lake Malawi which has got pure clean water!

Malawi in one word?
The Warm Heart of Africa! For the warmth and friendliness of the people

Emmanuel

Guide

Born and raised in Malawi, I was fortunate to travel through much of Malawi i.e. Liwonde N.P, Majete Wildlife Reserve, Lake Malawi, Mulanje Mountain. My passion for being a tour guide grew when I was working as a freelance guide in the year 2009.

I joined the Malawian style team in the year 2016 in the operations department. My pleasant nature and attention to detail have earned me a very good name as a tour guide. Guiding is my true passion!

What is your favourite place in Malawi?
Cape Maclear, Malawi.

What is your favourite Malawi food?
Nsima with Chambo.

If you were an African animal which one would you be and why?
Leopard because it is a shy animal but smart in thinking.

Mike Varndell

Ronald Kampani

John Mhango

Michael Chikuse

Tapiwa Mayuni

Chifundo Mgomba

Razziah Lamarque

Patrick Lamarque

Chloe

Jen

Gabi

Guides

Eddie

Hastings

Gift

Francis

Boniface

Emmanuel

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