Mumbo Island
Located off the Cape Maclear Peninsula on Lake Malawi, the tented camp is perched on one of Mumbo Island’s rocky outcrops, overlooking the lake and offering spectacular views of the crystal clear water.
Accommodation & Facilities
The majority of the reed and thatched rooms at Mumbo Island Camp are across a pontoon bridge from the main beach and dining area and are on raised platforms, although a single tent and the family unit are on the main island. Each room has a nearby private bathroom unit with hot bucket showers and eco-friendly dry compost loos (no smell and a handful of wood shavings after use). Facilities are simple but comfortable with hammocks on each balcony, to relax in and enjoy the impressive surrounds. Close to the sheltered beach is the main dining and bar area, built by hand from timber, thatch and canvas, making it very eco-friendly.
The family unit consists of two large tents with a small lounge area between them, set on an enormous thatched deck. This unit is set on its own in the forest just off the beach and is safer for families with small children as it does not overhang the water as do the other five tents. Up to two extra mattresses in each chalet can be added for children.
Eating & Sleeping
When it comes to meals for children, the chefs are always ready to create simple child-friendly food at a time convenient for parents. Children also love the jars of biscuits and peanuts and the orange squash, which are permanently available on the bar for them to help themselves.
There are staff who will help occupy the children during the day but in the evening they all have kitchen/dining room/bar duties. Should you want to hire a babysitter this must be arranged in advance. Cost for this is $10 per day.
Wildlife & Activities
All trips to the camp on Mumbo Island, by motorboat or kayak, start at Cape Maclear. Kayaking will take at least a couple of hours on a leisurely basis with cold drinks whilst the boat trip is about 45 minutes. While swimming in the lake from the lakeshore is not recommended, for those who want to get out on the water from Mumbo Island there is a choice of sea kayaking, scuba diving, swimming or snorkelling and Mumbo Island Camp is PADI registered, offering beginner, advanced and speciality courses in scuba diving (available from 10 years and above), as well as equipment hire and casual dives. The marine life is spectacular, with a huge variety of fish (although please note as it’s a national park, fishing is not available). Nature trails and bird watching are also an option, although a shady hammock or the beach are perfect retreats for those wanting to unwind and relax.
Specifically for children ….
The Malawian staff are always delighted to have children on the island and thoroughly enjoy keeping them entertained while their parents can relax and enjoy themselves. Activities for children include:
• Kayak and snorkel. All gear is included and kayaks, life jackets and snorkel gear is always available on the beach. It is best to bring your own snorkelling gear if kids are really small. There is a guide on the beach at all times to watch out for children and to provide basic tuition.
• Board games for those evening hours and the hotter hours of the midday. Most children learn the local game of bawo from the ever-patient staff and endless tournaments occupy them the rest of the holiday. There are also hand-carved chess, backgammon and draughts boards.
• Explorations to occupy the intrepid, young explorer await. The guide will take a guided walk or kayak around the island every morning at around ten. One of Mumbo’s greatest adventures for children (and adults) is to explore the mildly spooky caves around the island. The largest of these is right underneath the small island on which the tents are situated. It is so large that one can paddle in and land on the small beach at the back.
• Sunset cruise on the wooden boat every evening.
