When Austin Madinga talks about travel, Malawi listens.
He’s the voice behind Life Unbound, and he’s seen just about every corner of this beautiful country. From the misty heights of Mulanje to the shores of the Lake, he’s captured it all. But when he pointed his camera at Dzaleka, he captured something different.
He didn’t just see a refugee camp. He saw a community alive with color, resilience, and joy.
In his feature on the Tumaini Festival, Austin described an atmosphere that totally defies the stereotypes. He found a place "transformed by the collective energy."
And honestly? He nailed it.
You Have to See His Photos
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. In this case, it might be more.
Austin’s photo essay is stunning. Seriously, pause for a second and click the link at the bottom of this post to look at his gallery. You need to see the colors.
He captures the dusty red earth of Dowa against the explosion of bright chitenje fabrics. He finds the focus in a chef’s eyes as he flips a chapati. He catches the pure, unfiltered joy of children running through the crowd.
It’s not just "news" photography. It’s art. It captures the vibe of Dzaleka perfectly—a little chaotic, very dusty, and incredibly beautiful.
"A Feast for the Senses"
Austin called his visit a "feast for the senses." He wasn't exaggerating.
Dzaleka isn't a place you just look at. It's a place you smell, taste, and hear.
The Food is Incredible.
Austin wrote about the "delicious food prepared in a uniquely East African way." We’re talking about egg-chapati wraps that are crispy and hot. Fresh mango and mint juice. Local roasted fish that you can smell from a block away. It’s smoky. It’s rich. And it’s unlike anything else in central Malawi.
The Energy is Real. He describes stepping out of his car and being met by "excited children shouting as they run around in the language of their homeland."
That’s the heartbeat of Dzaleka. It’s loud in the best way possible. It’s a mix of Swahili, French, and Chichewa. It’s music pumping from a barbershop. It’s life, happening right now.
Don't Wait for November
Here is the thing. Austin visited during the festival, which is amazing. But that energy he talks about? It lives here 365 days a year.
You don't need a festival ticket to eat that chapati. You don't need a stage to meet the artists.
We started Visit Dzaleka because we believe this platform belongs to the community every single day. We want you to experience that "feast for the senses" on a random Tuesday, without the crowds, just you and the people who call this place home.
Come Walk With Us
Austin mentions that Dzaleka can be a "dusty affair." It’s a busy, high-energy place.
That can be intimidating if you’ve never been here before. That’s why we exist. When you book a guide through us, you aren’t just hiring a chaperone. You’re meeting a friend.
Our guides live here. They know the best chapati spot (the one Austin probably went to). They know the artists. They speak the languages. They turn a confusing maze of streets into a welcoming neighborhood.
So, are you ready to see what Austin saw?
Come for the food. Stay for the stories.
*Please, do yourself a favor and look at Austin’s incredible photos here: Tumaini Festival: A celebration of hope and culture at Dzaleka*
