Lake Malawi Mumbo Island Camp
A simple, eco-friendly camp on an uninhabited island. Kayaking, snorkelling and total quiet.
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malawi
Malawi is small, friendly and still little visited. Lake Malawi runs almost the length of the country, with clear water, sandy beaches and islands where you can kayak, snorkel among cichlid fish and do very little at all.
Inland, the parks have been transformed by conservation work in recent years. Liwonde and Majete now have the Big Five, Nkhotakota has wide open forest, and the Nyika Plateau feels more like the Scottish Highlands than Africa.
It combines beautifully with Zambia’s South Luangwa, and suits travellers who have been on safari before and want something quieter.
where to go
Clear freshwater, sandy coves and colourful cichlid fish. Ideal after a safari.
A remote island near the Mozambique shore, with a vast cathedral and lovely beaches.
Boat safaris on the Shire River among hippos and elephants, now with lion and cheetah.
A conservation success story, restocked with the Big Five.
Miombo woodland and rivers, great for walking and canoeing.
Rolling highland grassland with roan antelope, zebra and wildflowers.
when to go
The dry months are best for wildlife, but the lake is lovely for much of the year.
May to October
Clear skies and good game viewing, best from August. The lake is calm and warm by September.
June to August
Fresh mornings and warm days. Pack a jumper for the highlands.
November to April
Rain, lush scenery and birdlife. Some lodges close, and the lake can be windy.
where to stay
Lake Malawi A simple, eco-friendly camp on an uninhabited island. Kayaking, snorkelling and total quiet.
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Lake Malawi A relaxed beach lodge in a private bay on the northern lakeshore.
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Lake Malawi A private island a short boat ride from the shore, with chalets among the rocks.
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Lake Malawi A long-established resort on the southern lakeshore with its own airstrip.
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Nkhotakota Photo: Tongole Thatched suites above the Bua River, in one of Malawi's wildest reserves.
Ask us about this hotelLooking for something different? We know many more hotels and villas in Malawi, and we'll happily suggest the right one for you.
experiences
Hundreds of species of bright freshwater fish, found only in this lake.
Drift past hippos, crocodiles and elephants in Liwonde.
Track rhino and lion in a reserve brought back to life by African Parks.
Explore the open grasslands on horseback among zebra and antelope.
Visit Likoma and Chizumulu by boat and meet the island communities.
Forest trails, waterfalls and views over the southern plains.
May to October is dry and best for wildlife, especially August to October. The lake is at its calmest and warmest in September and October.
Yes. Liwonde and Majete now have the Big Five, and parks are quiet compared to East Africa.
Yes, at the lodges we recommend. Please follow the lodge’s guidance on where to swim.
Malawi is a malaria area. Please speak to your GP or a travel clinic well ahead of your trip, and check the TravelHealthPro website for the latest advice.
South Luangwa in Zambia is a short flight away, making a classic bush and lake combination.
pair it with
The Okavango Delta and the Kalahari. Small, exclusive camps and some of the best guiding in Africa.
Explore
The Maasai Mara, Laikipia's private conservancies and the Indian Ocean coast. Classic safari country.
Explore
Barefoot islands in the Bazaruto and Quirimbas archipelagos, and the perfect end to a safari.
Exploreget in touch
Tell us what kind of trip you have in mind and we'll show you the lake and bush at their best.
Start a conversationDiscreet. Personal. No obligation.
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Travel advice: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has up-to-date advice on health and safety across the globe, as well as local laws, and passport and visa information. Please check travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK and Facebook.com/FCDOtravel regularly for updates ahead of travel, as the advice can change.
