Accommodation
Mumbo Island is an eco-camp relying entirely on solar energy. It offers relatively simple accommodation on an unpopulated island in the middle of Lake Malawi. Mumbo Island is suitable for guests not averse to a Robinson Crusoe-style adventure. The island's biggest advantage is that it has relatively few mosquitoes and is malaria free.
Mumbo Island is approximately 1 km long and quite overgrown with mixed forest and bizarre cactus-like euphorbia. The five simple but comfortable rooms are situated on the little island of ‘Jumbo', which is connected to the beach at Mumbo Island by a bridge. The rooms sit perched on a cliff, three on the sunrise side, two on the sunset side, and offer spectacular views over the crisp blue water of Lake Malawi. Locally made furniture, en-suite facilities with ‘bucket shower', veranda with hammock - what more does one need? There's no generator on Mumbo Island; electricity is provided by solar panels. Paraffin lamps and dynamo torches ensure a comfortable ambiance. The lights of hundreds of fishing boats can be seen on the lake in the evening, as the fishermen here set out just before sunset and return at sunrise.
The main building, the lounge and the family room are tucked away under the trees on Mumbo Island. This is the place to eat, drink, play or visit the curio shop. There are several loungers set out on the beach for the sun hungry. Snorkelling and kayaking equipment is also available here.
Location
Environmental friendliness is all-important on Mumbo Island, which was never populated and therefore remains in its natural state. Great efforts are made with regard to caring for nature. Mombo Island is located within the Lake Malawi National Park at the southern end of the lake, close to Cape MacLear. The Mumbo Island office sits on the beach at Cape MacLear (Kayak Africa); from here it's a 60-minute boat trip to the island.
Activities
Lake Malawi is considered to be one of the best freshwater lake destinations for diving and snorkelling. Activities on offer here also include kayaking, sundowner trips on a wooden boat, and trekking. The island is criss-crossed by various sign-posted paths.
Wildlife
The island is a popular breeding ground for fish eagle, and the typical fish eagle cry can be heard continually. Pied Kingfisher, multicoloured gecko and water monitor can often be seen here - not forgetting all that the underwater world of Lake Malawi has to offer.
Good to know
Lake Malawi cannot be mentioned without also mentioning bilharzia / schistosomiasis, a worm infection transmitted in freshwaters. In order to reproduce, the worm requires a type of freshwater snail, which lives in reedy areas close to the shore. An infection is impossible on the lake at a distance of more than 120 m from the shore. The lodge carries out regular water tests. Those who wish to avoid any risk whatsoever of infection are advised to use only the swimming pool. If guests exhibit symptoms of the so-called Katayama fever after returning home, taking a medication such as Praziquantal will ensure swift recovery.
