A traditional dugout canoe, widely used on Lake Malawi and other parts of Africa.
They are carved from a single tree trunk, usually from durable local hardwoods. The process involves hollowing out the log and shaping it to balance well on the water. These canoes are mainly used for fishing, transport, and small-scale trade. On Lake Malawi, they are essential tools for local fishermen who rely on the lakeâs abundant fish resources, like chambo and usipa. Skills for making and paddling them are passed down through generations. They are affordable for local communities, easy to repair, and well-suited for navigating shallow or calm waters.
Limitations: Since they are small and narrow, they can be unstable in rough water, which is why locals often paddle close to shore.
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