July is a very good time of the year to visit this site. The temperature is simply perfect! Two nights on Mumbo Island, which is in the south end of the lake about one hour from Cape MacClear, is just an adventure. The Island has never been populated and is still in its natural state with a thick covering of miombo woodland and ancient fig and baobab trees. The island gives you a Robinson Crusoe feeling, unspoiled in the middle of “an ocean”. 

The lodge is run by Kayak Africa, which have a lodge in Cape MacClear as well. The camp has 6-7 cabins which is down to earth, with simple cabins build of reeds, timber, thatch and canvas, bucket showers and eco-loos. The place has neither electricity, wifi or telephone service, but the personal service is impeccable!

What to do in such a remote place? There are activities like snorkelling, kayaking, hiking or just relaxing. But first, a dive into the water it’s a must.  Lake Malawi is famous for its endemic cichlids.  The small beach is iconic, and perfect for snorkelling.  There are more than 500 different species of cichlids, and the bay is at great place to enjoy them.

There is a network of hiking trails perfect for exploring the island. The trails runs around the island and are perfect to enjoy the vegetation an the great views of Lake Malawi. There are lots of different birds, for instance we spotted several Fish Eagles nesting and hunting. 

We really enjoyed our two nights here on this remote island with beautiful surroundings, memorable sunrises and sunsets, and an amazing night-sky (no light pollution out here). It is a great way to enjoy this world heritage site. 

The Norwegian based tour company we used in Tanzania (Old Explorers), wanted to do a recon trip to offer Malawi as an add-on to Tanzania.  They invited us to join them on the trip. On the way from Blantyre airport, we spent two nights in Liwonde National Park at Mvuu camp. It’s another great park to spend some time in.  Recommended! African Parks is running the park and at the time we were there they were running a program to translocate 250 elephants to Kasungu national park in Malawi.

Leaving Lake Malawai we headed for Chongoni and it’s rock art sites before flying out of Lilongwe

 

# Randi & Svein Elias