Lying at the southern end of Africa's Great Rift Valley, the Lake Malawi National Park is a World Heritage Site and an area of overwhelming beauty. It is also the first freshwater marine reserve on earth, sporting thousands of cichlid tropical fish that are vital to the bio-diversity of our planet. The waters are crystal clear throughout the year and the diving and snorkelling is among the best in Lake Malawi.
Mumbo and Domwe are two tropical islands in the Lake Malawi National Park.
An overwhelmingly beautiful eco-paradise, where timber poles, canvas, thatch and wooden decks have been cleverly blended with lush island vegetation and terrain make up the two island retreats of Mumbo and Domwe. The result is a rustic hideaway that will satisfy the most unrealistic romantic expectations.
These islands actually deliver the dreams of idyllic islands set like jewels in aquamarine waters. Enjoy kayaking on cobalt waters in the golden haze of an African sunset, surreal snorkelling in the psychedelic atmosphere created by neon-coloured fish, or just lazing in a hammock shroud looking out on an impossibly blue vista.
An efficient but unobtrusive staff runs Mumbo and its identical twin sister island Domwe just across the bay. They magically produce the most amazing meals, load up the primitive but effective showers, and light the oil-fired lanterns that enhance the Utopian ambience. There's also a highly professional team of well-trained instructors supervising the aqua activities, and I can't think of a better place to learn how to scuba-dive.
At Mumbo, a walkway of planks lead out to an offshore islet which is home to a luxury tented camp in true upmarket safari style, with fresh Malawi coffee and home-made cinnamon biscuits waiting on the table. Domwe offers a unique encounter with civets visiting the camp at night in search of mice. It also features a massive Baobab tree with a rope ladder. The view from the top is worth the climb.
Activities:
- Kayaking
- Snorkelling
- Scuba diving
- Walking
- Swimming
- Relaxing in a hammock (yes, this is an activity in Malawi)
Access is by road or air to Cape Mclear or Monkeybay, then by boat or kayak.
ACCOMMODATION
The tents are on wooden platforms overlooking the water; you can lie in your hammock in the moonlight, listening to wavelets beneath you. Each tent is carefully set to offer privacy and exclusivity.
The main areas consist of a lounge and dining area with traditional games - the perfect place to spend those lazy afternoons. Coffee and tea making facilities are available as well as a cool box filled with soft drinks and beers.
Each room has a view of the lake with a hammock on the verandah. The shower is an experience! It is set under a baobab tree and warm water must be ordered 10 minutes before a shower. This is then prepared and placed in a bucjet shower. You are called when it is ready. Cold showers are always available. The toilet operates on an environmentally friendly system that does no damage to the sensitive eco sytem. The islands both has national park statusand have finely balanced eco systems.
ROOM DETAILS
Room details:
• Each room has canvas walls and doors which open out onto a wooden deck overlooking the lake
• Beautifully decorated rooms consist of a double bed, two chairs and table.
• Drinking water is supplied in each room.
ACTIVITIES AT MUMBO AND DOMWE ISLAND CAMPS
• The stunning setting of the camps and the unique comfort of the rooms and main areas make this the perfect retreat for relaxation. The other main activities are:
- Kayaking from island to isand
- Snorkelling around the islands
- Walking around the islands
- Swimming
- Diving Courses
- Sailing Safaris Excursions from the main land
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