Mumbo Island is an untouched, practically abandoned tropical island in the world’s first freshwater national park, Lake Malawi National Park. The Camp offers guests six comfortable tents, including a family unit, that are all set on rocks high above the water, set in amongst the trees. Each tent comes with a hot bucket shower and an ‘eco-loo’, as well as its own shaded viewing veranda and hammock. Mumbo Island Camp follows strict values of eco-architecture, resulting in the dining area, bar and water sport gazebo all having been constructed from timber, thatch, and canvas, with solar energy being used. All of these features help the camp to blend in with the environment. Mumbo Island Camp is a great spot for freshwater diving and snorkelling.

Lake Malawi is the third biggest lake in Africa and contains a broad array of underwater environments, resulting in prolific wealth and variety of mostly endemic aquatic life. Lake Malawi holds more than 2,000 species of freshwater fish – a bigger assortment than any other lake on earth, and larger than all of Europe and North America combined. Majority of these are colourful fish called cichlids, of which Lake Malawi holds over 400 kinds, and 30% of all known species.

Time spent at Mumbo Island Camp is completely at your leisure, from relaxed watersports to lounging about in your hammock. Sea kayaking is one of the more popular activities here, with guests gliding along the waters around the island or further afield to nearby Domwe, as well as other granitic islands. If you are a beginner, you have the option of asking for a guide to accompany you on your first kayaking trip. The massive variety of vibrant fish in the crystal clear waters of Lake Malawi makes for some fantastic snorkeling and a wonderful way to spend time here.

Mumbo Island Camp is a PADI-registered resort that offers beginner, advanced and specialty programmes in scuba diving. Its remarkable assortment of underwater wildlife is a fascinating experience. Swimming in Lake Malawi will always prove to be a marvelous experience, being both safe and filled with spectacular underwater beauty. Nature trails are also a great way to spend time on Mumbo Island. Five trails are offered here, snaking their way through the small forest that blankets the island. These trails are clearly marked and can be conducted without a guide. The island boasts some excellent bird life, with species ranging from Trumpeter Hornbill to African paradise flycatcher.

Lake Malawi National Park is located around Cape Maclear in the south of the Lake. This is the first freshwater system set aside for the protection of the world’s freshwater fish, and has been classified as a World Heritage Site. Sadly, there are still a number of poachers carrying out illegal fishing operations within this Park. Mumbo Island Camp is therefore partnered with Malawi’s Department of National Parks to cease this harmful activity.

Activities:

* Sea kayaking

* Snorkelling

* Scuba diving

* Swimming

* Nature trails

* Birding