About Mumbo Island
Mumbo Island Camp is a small sustainable eco-camp located on Mumbo Island - ten kilometres off Cape Maclear ...
... on Lake Malawi. It is located within the Lake Malawi National Park and is reached by a gentle 45-minute boat ride in a traditional wooden fishing boat. The island is small, only one kilometre in diameter, and uninhabited so is in its natural state. The camp is hand built with timber, thatch and canvas and perched high on large boulders overlooking the lake.
Mumbo Island is a lovely simple little eco camp. Its is a good spot to come for a few days relaxing on the little beach, kayaking around the island, snorkelling or following one of the short walking trails around the island. It is also affordable which makes it one of the cheaper beach locations on Lake Malawi.
Our view
Mumbo Island is a lovely simple little eco camp. Its is a good spot to come for a few days relaxing on the little beach, kayaking around the island, snorkelling or following one of the short walking trails around the island. It is also affordable which makes it one of the cheaper beach locations on Lake Malawi.
Country manager: Malawi
Accommodation
6 tented rooms, including 1 family tent
Children
Suitable for 10+
Open
Mid-February to mid-January
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Fishing
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Traveller reviews of Mumbo Island
10 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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View galleryMumbo Island: Our full report
Mumbo Island Camp is a small sustainable eco-camp located on Mumbo Island - ten kilometres off Cape Maclear ...
... on Lake Malawi. It is located within the Lake Malawi National Park and is reached by a gentle 45-minute boat ride in a traditional wooden fishing boat. The island is small, only one kilometre in diameter, and uninhabited so is in its natural state. The camp is hand built with timber, thatch and canvas and perched high on large boulders overlooking the lake.
The boat departs from Mumbo Island’s base camp at Cape Maclear, which is also where guests check in for their stay on Mumbo Island. There is a comfortable lounge area here for guests to relax whilst waiting for the boat. On arrival on Mumbo Island guests are lead from the jetty to the main area of the camp. This is an open-sided thatched wooden structure, overlooking the little beach, set in a cove in front of the camp. Here you will find the bar and dining area, as well as a small little curio shop selling locally hand crafted curios and jewellery. Most of the meals are served here, although there is a separate deck to the side, shaded by trees, where private meals are occasionally served for honeymooners, or those wanting a bit of privacy. The camp also has a fire pit, on another deck overlooking the beach. Down a few steps from the dining area is comfortable seating area with cane furniture covered in local fabrics. Here you will find a few games and some books.
Just offshore from this is a tiny satellite island – it’s really more of a peninsula separated by a strip of water– which is reached by a wooden walkway. Here you find 5 tents and chalets, each with lovely views of the lake. Three of the rooms are reed and thatch chalets and two of them are tented, set on wooden decks under thatched roofs. Out front is a private deck, with a couple of comfortable cane chairs as well as a hammock. Inside the fairly small rooms, there are twin beds (one tent can be converted into a double) covered with bright local fabrics and surrounded by a mosquito net. Beside the bed is a bedside table on which stands a glass carafe of filtered drinking water and glasses, a torch, and insect repellent. To the side is another low carved table on which is information about the camp, a mirror and some matches. In the corner is hanging storage for clothes and the wooden floors are covered in reed matting. At night the tents are lit by paraffin lamps and you will also find one in the bathroom.
Each room has its own separate bathroom, reached by a wooden walkway. There is a compost toilet, beside which is a basket of wood shavings, to drop down the toilet after use, as an aid to the composting process. There is also a bucket shower and a basin. Hot water for the shower will need to be requested about 15 minutes in advance. Soap and shampoo are provided.
There is a separate family chalet, on the main island, tucked within the forest off the main beach. It has two separate tents on a large platform and a shared bathroom at the back. There is no view of the lake from here.
Mumbo Island tries hard to minimise its impact on the environment by using solar water heaters and paraffin lamps. All the rubbish is removed by boat back to the mainland for disposal.
Mumbo Island is a perfect place for those who like a wide variety of activities. On the main beach there is a watersports “gazebo" stocked with snorkelling equipment. There is also some diving kit here, including wet-suits, however it may be necessary to prebook diving in order for the necessary equipment to be brought over to Mumbo from the mainland.
Massive underwater boulders, lots of colourful cichlid fish and beautifully clear water make Mumbo Island one of the best freshwater snorkelling spots in the world – and the diving is good here as well.
Kayaking is also popular on Mumbo Island, and they have a selection of colourful double and single kayaks lying on the beach for guests to use, either to venture out exploring on their own, or accompanied by a guide. There are also marked walking trails around the island for those who wish to explore on foot. These can be taken unguided and maps are provided. There is a good variety of birdlife on the island – most noticeably the African fish-eagle, trumpeter hornbill, African paradise-flycatcher, white-breasted cormorant, water thick-knee (water dikkop) and many others.
However Mumbo is also a lovely place to completely relax and unwind – either on the beach in a hammock or on one of the sun loungers there, or on your private deck overlooking the lake.
Geographics
- Location
- Shore of Lake Malawi, Malawi
- Ideal length of stay
- We would recommend about three, or possibly four, nights here.
- Directions
- The lodge is a 3½ hour drive from Lilongwe to Cape Maclear, followed a 45-minute boat trip out to the island.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- When we last visited, we just visited Mumbo Island for the day, however we did stay for lunch. The meals served here are simple and wholesome and are served in the main dining area.
- Breakfast is usually a selection of cereals, yoghurt and fruit salad. A cooked breakfast (eggs, bacon, sausage and tomato) is also available along with tea, coffee and toast.
- Lunch is generally a two-course buffet where guests are able to help themselves from a table on the side. We had a choice of beef or vegetable lasagna with a green salad and some freshly baked herb bread. This was followed by lemon muffins for desert.
- Dinner is usually three courses and that evening they were going to serve a starter of butternut pate served with cheese straws. This would then be followed by chambo (a local fish) served with chips and vegetables and finished off with chocolate brownies for desert.
- Dining style
- Mixture of group dining and individual tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is not available.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included at Mumbo island. Approximate costs – a bottle of wine varies from U$16 – U$28. Beers U$2 a bottle, soft drinks U$1, spirits U$3 and a glass of wine U$2.50.
Special interests
- Birdwatching
- Nature walks and kayak trips around Mumbo Island are great addition to a birdwatching break in Malawi. From the tiny and colourful paradise flycatcher to the large African harrier hawk there is a great range of birds to be seen here.
- See ideas for Birdwatching in Malawi
- Walking
- Mumbo Island is fantastic for waking in Malawi, with lots of well-marked nature trails around the huge granite boulders that cover the island. Some walks lead through heavily forested areas, others to places of interest, or panoramic viewpoints.
- See ideas for Walking in Malawi
Children
- Attitude towards children
- The camp welcomes children of all ages.
- Property’s age restrictions
- The lodge doesn’t have an age limit, but Expert Africa doesn’t recommend Mumbo Island for children under the age of about ten due to the uneven pathways and high drops from the rooms.
- Special activities & services
- A child minder is available for U$20 a day, however parents must note that this is a member of staff and is not a qualified child-minder.
Children are welcome to go on a nature trail with a guide. - Equipment
- None available
- Generally recommended for children
- We recommend Mumbo Island for children over the age of ten years.
- Notes
- The island is surrounded by water and has uneven wooden walkways and high drops from the rooms. Children will need to be sensible, and closely supervised by their parents at all times.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- It is not possible to charge batteries on Mumbo. They need to be sent back to the base camp on the mainland to be charged and will be returned the following day.
- Communications
- There is patchy mobile reception on the island and no Wi-Fi.
- TV & radio
- There is no TV at Mumbo Island Lodge.
- Water supply
- Other
- Water supply notes
- Water is filtered directly from the lake using a filtration system.
Mumbo Island Lodge has bucket showers and compost toilets.
Sustainability
Recycling old cushion covers
Featured among ‘Africa’s Finest’ TOP 50 Sustainable Lodges in Southern Africa for its on-site responsible practices, Mumbo Island is pioneering a mutually beneficial relationship with the local community.
A few years ago, the camp came up with an innovative idea – one which brought a huge smile on the faces of many children in the nearby village. As part of their recycling initiative, the camp donated all old cushion covers to a local tailor which transformed them into charming outfits for the children who are looked after by Vision – a local orphanage in Cape Maclear. The recurring project was given a significant twist in 2014 when the management at Mumbo Island raised money to buy proper clothes for the little ones and cushion covers were instead donated to the sixty employees to use in their homes.
Monthly donations to the orphanage at Cape Maclear help funding a feeding programme for children who are also involved in harvesting fresh crops, which are then sold back to the camp. This way, at least one meal a day is secured for underprivileged children and the decision to get them involved in everyday activities has been effective in instilling a sense of conservation and protection of the natural environment.
Guests are welcome to contribute to the project and some have been sending donations from abroad including toys, school supplies or educational materials.
See more great sustainability projects in Malawi
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is a clinic at Cape Maclear, a 45-minute boat ride away. There is also a pharmacy at Monkey Bay which is a short boat ride away, as well as a district hospital.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- There is always staff in camp and a member of staff stays on duty at night.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in all the rooms and in the main areas.
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Fishing
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is sent to the mainland, and attracts an extra charge of U$10 per bag. Underwear should not be included and soap is provided in the bathrooms for this.
- Money
- No money is handled on the island, so no currency exchange can be offered on the island. There is a safe at the Basecamp which is on the mainland, so people leave their valuables there.
- Accepted payment on location
- All payments must be made at the base camp on the mainland. Visa and Mastercard are accepted and there is no fee for this. US dollars, Euros, UK Pounds, SA Rands and Malawi Kwacha cash are accepted.
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Mumbo Island's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Mumbo Island.
Other lodges in Shore of Lake Malawi
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Pumulani
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Chintheche Inn
A warm, welcoming beach lodge on the western shore of Lake Malawi, Chintheche Inn offers simple but comfortable accommodation, and a wide range of activities, from watersports to cultural excursions.
Makokola Retreat
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Makuzi Beach
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Blue Zebra
Blue Zebra is a simple and affordable beach lodge with lots of character, which is popular with expats and ever increasingly with international visitors.
When to go to Shore of Lake Malawi
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Mumbo Island in Shore of Lake Malawi
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Malawi in January
January is the middle of the rainy season in Malawi. You can expect heavy rain for a few hours most days with some occasional flooding. It is generally hot and wet, with temperatures reaching over 30ºC.
The landscape is green and lush and the air crystal clear. In the game reserves the thick bush can restrict animal sightings, making game viewing more challenging. With the abundance of water available the wildlife disperses and is no longer concentrated around water sources. However, many species give birth at this time of the year and it is a great time for birding.
Although the majority of the safari camps are open at this time, most of the beach lodges along the lakeshore close in mid January.
- Peak of the rainy season with thundershowers most days
- Many animals are with young & birdlife is at its most spectacular
- Bush lush & green; animals dispersed so game viewing more difficult
- Air is clear & dust-free, which is great for photography
- Majority of lakeside beach lodges are closed second half of January
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in January
Malawi in February
February is generally the wettest month and still the heart of the rainy season, with dramatic thunderstorms interspersed with sunny spells.
Expect some flooding and the ground to be waterlogged. The thick bush still affects game viewing on land, and walking safaris are limited, but game viewing by boat on the swollen Shire River, in both Liwonde National Park and Majete Game Reserve, is a highlight. Birdlife is also at its most spectacular at this time of year.
Visitor numbers and costs at the few open camps are low. Most of the beach lodges remain closed, with only one or two open all year.
- Peak of the rainy season with thundershowers most days
- The bush feels alive; birdlife is at its most spectacular
- Good for photography but poor game viewing
- Few tourists, so rates usually at their lowest
- Majority of lakeside beach lodges are still closed
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Malawi in March
The rainy season is nearing the end in Malawi. The thunderstorms become fewer with sunnier days, but you can still expect some rain most days. March is one of the last of the summer months with temperatures still around 25–30ºC most days.
On safari the thick bush still restricts game viewing and walking safaris are limited too, with the larger animal species being quite elusive. On the plus side, migrant birds make the most of the abundant insect life. This time of the year is also great for keen photographers with the vivid green landscape and clear, dust-free air.
The beach lodges are also starting to open again around mid-March, following the rainy season.
- Expect to experience some rain most days
- The bush feels alive, with birdlife still a highlight
- Good for photography but game viewing remains poor
- With few tourists, rates generally at their lowest
- Beach lodges now open from mid-March
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Malawi in April
April is a month of change in Malawi. The days start to cool down, rainfall decreases, and summer turns into autumn as the dry season approaches. Temperatures drop to around 25 ºC during the day with the evenings becoming cooler.
This is the tail-end of the green season and, after five months of rain, the landscape remains green and lush, with game viewing still a challenge. However, the birdlife is still great, and the improving weather attracts more visitors to both the bush and the beaches along the Malawi lakeshore.
- The temperatures are cooling down but still expect the odd rain shower
- Start of the dry season with mostly clear and sunny days
- Bush still green & lush: good for photography but not for game viewing
- Very few visitors, and still one of the cheapest times to visit
- The lakeshore beach lodges are now all open
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in April
Malawi in May
May is the end of summer and the first month of the dry season. There may still be the occasional shower, but clear sunny skies are becoming the norm. As winter approaches, daytime temperatures drop to a comfortable 20–25 ºC, but at night they’re down to around 10ºC, so warm clothing is advisable for early- morning game drives.
As the rain disappears the landscape starts to dry out. Although the vegetation is still thick, the game viewing starts to improve and walking safaris becoming more reliable. Birding is still excellent, too. Around the lakeshore, temperatures can be significantly warmer, making beach holidays popular at this time of the year. Yet visitor numbers remain low, making May one of the most cost-effective times to visit.
- Start of the dry season with mostly clear & sunny days
- Temperatures are mild along the lakeshore so good for a beach stay
- Bush still green & lush but game viewing improving
- Good for photography & great birdlife
- Very few visitors, & still one of the cheapest times to visit
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
Malawi in June
June is entirely in the dry season, and – along with May – can also be one of the coldest months. With no rain, clear skies and temperatures dropping to around 20–25ºC during the day, the nights can be cold, reaching around 10ºC. Warm clothing is advisable for early-morning and late-afternoon game drives.
The landscape remains lush, but the bush starts to die back significantly, bringing a marked improvement in wildlife viewing. This, along with cooler temperatures, makes June ideal for walking safaris. Temperatures around the lakeshore tend to be significantly warmer, so June is another popular month for beach holidays with higher visitor numbers.
- Well into the dry season with sunny days & cool temperatures
- Thick bush is dying back, & game viewing improves
- Increased visibility & cool weather perfect for walking safaris
- Mild temperatures along the lakeshore: good for a beach stay
- June is still low season : a popular time before high season starts
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in June
Malawi in July
July is the middle of the dry season in Malawi, with temperatures starting to pick up towards the end of the month. This makes July a good time for both safaris and beach holidays. Expect it to be pleasant during the day but still cold at night, especially at high altitude such as Nyika Plateau; blankets and hot water bottles are often provided on safari.
As the vegetation dies back, animals start to congregate around perennial water sources, making this one of the best times of year for game viewing.
July is also the start of high season and all the camps increase their rates to make the most of the improving game and the start of the international holiday period.
- Warm dry days with crisp cold nights
- Significantly improved game viewing
- No limit on walking safaris, with pleasant temperatures a plus
- Temperatures along the lakeshore ideal for beach and watersports
- Approaching peak season, so significant increase in costs
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Malawi in August
August is well into the dry season with game concentrated around water sources and the safari season approaching its best. The landscape is changing from green to brown and the air is becoming drier and dustier. There is also a lot of smoke in the air as burning of trees and vegetation is prevalent in Malawi, so this isn’t the best time for photography.
Later in August the temperatures start to pick up, but early mornings and late evenings are still cooler – particularly out on open game drives where warm jackets, gloves and scarves are recommended. August is one of the most popular months. Pleasant weather and good game viewing attracts lots of visitors, and costs are correspondingly high.
- Warm dry days with crisp cold nights still the norm
- Game viewing at its best
- No limits on walking safaris, with pleasant temperatures a bonus
- Lakeshore temperatures remain good for beach and water sports
- Still peak season, with attendant high costs
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Malawi in September
This is the most popular time of the year for a safari. There has been no rain for months and temperatures are starting to increase, making morning and evening game drives more comfortable. Daytime temperatures are now above 30ºC and evening temperatures relatively mild.
Game viewing is at its best with the animals concentrating around the reducing water sources, making wildlife interactions more common. With the increasing heat the air becomes more hazy, reducing photographic opportunities and distant views.
This is a good time to finish a safari with some relaxing time along the Malawi lakeshore. Costs, though, are high, and camps can be booked up months in advance.
- Dry & hot during the day with clear skies & warm nights
- One of the best months for wildlife viewing
- Dust & smoke creates a haze; not great for photography
- Temperatures along the lakeshore perfect for beach and watersports
- Peak season; camps are expensive & often full well in advance
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Malawi in October
This is the last month of the dry season: the start of summer with temperatures peaking over 40ºC during the day and hardly less than 20ºC at night. This makes early-morning and late-evening game drives more comfortable but can be terribly hot during the day and makes walking safaris very challenging.
The landscape is very dry and brown, so not ideal for photography, but game viewing remains at its best. With the lack of water the animals are all vying for the best spot to drink without being preyed upon.
October is the perfect time to finish a safari with some relaxing time along the Malawi lakeshore. It is still peak season, though, and costs remain high.
- Dry, hot days with clear skies; warm nights
- One of the best months for wildlife viewing
- The haze from dust & smoke is not great for photography
- Warm lakeshore temperatures still good for beach & watersports
- Peak season; camps are expensive & often full well in advance
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Malawi in November
November marks the end of the dry season and the start of the rainy season. Temperatures continue to increase with humidity building as the rains approach, which can be any time during the month. Be prepared for spectacular thunderstorms and short sharp showers.
After the first rains the bush springs back to life and wildlife disperses, making game viewing harder. Birding, though, is on the up – and with the air washed clean, photographic opportunities improve.
The first week or two are a good time to travel as the camps have reduced their rates and rains may not have started in earnest. However, while all the camps and beach lodges remain open some of the airstrips may become waterlogged, making road transfers more practical.
- Typically the start of the wet season; very hot & humid
- Increased chance of heavy rain as the month progresses
- Greatly diminished game viewing once the rains arrive
- A good time for photographers & keen birders
- Lower rates at camps and beach lodges, with fewer visitors
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Malawi in December
December is the first full month of the rainy season, with daily thundershowers expected, interspersed with sunny spells. Temperatures are around 30ºC with high humidity.
After a few weeks of rain, the abundance of standing water causes animals to disperse and the bush becomes thicker and greener, reducing visibility for game viewing. Conversely, this is when many animals produce their young, and is a great time for birdwatching. The rain also clears the air of dust and smoke, making it much more favourable for keen photographers.
December is still a good month to be along the lakeshore provided you don’t mind the afternoon rain showers.
- Very hot & humid
- Increased chance of heavy rain as the month progresses
- Opportunities for game viewing decrease with the arrival of the rains
- A great time for photographers & keen birders
- Rates at camps & beach lodges fall, as do visitor numbers
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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