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Mumbo Island
Cape Maclear, Lake Malawi National Park Malawi
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About
5.0
#1 of 2 hotels in Cape MaclearLocation
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Set on a pristine, practically deserted tropical island, the eco-friendly Mumbo Camp is surrounded by crystal-clear waters. Lake Malawi National Park is the first in the world set aside for the protection of freshwater fish and therefore, not surprisingly, one of the best freshwater diving locations on the planet. To set the scene, your accommodation – one of six en-suite tents – is perched on rocks high above the water and shaded by lush foliage. With an idyllic lake view, you can while the hours away on the hammock on your private deck. Refreshments are served in the dining area and pub. Be warned, this lazy island lifestyle is contagious!Did you know?Mumbo Island Camp has partnered with Malawi's Department of National Parks and Wildlife to put an end to illegal fishing operations in this sanctuary.Lake Malawi is Africa's third largest and second deepest lake. Mumbo is just one of the miombo woodland islands that pepper the lake. Your activities include scuba diving and snorkelling, while kayaking and boating allow you to explore the surrounding granitic islands.Over 2 000 species of colourful freshwater fish grace our lake. Spotted-necked otter are often seen while the rarer Cape clawless otter, less so. On the island you can see rainbow skinks and large water monitors. Bird life is abundant, dominated by the ever-present African Fish-Eagles.
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Property amenities
Free breakfast
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Beach
Diving
Mosquito net
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Romantic
Location
Cape Maclear, Lake Malawi National Park Malawi
Getting there
Lilongwe Intl Airport
66.9 mi•
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Car Hire
198Reviews10Q+A56Room tips
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
+1
Located 45 minutes via boat transfer from Cape Maclear. This isolated and gorgeous gem of an island is a truly special place in Malawi. The lodge leaves a minimal footprint on the island utilizing composting toilets and chalets that fit seamlessly into the surroundings and all come with an outstanding lake view. You fall asleep and awake to the sound of the waves. The menu prepared is extremely adequate and delicious with breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner with dessert. We loved every bite! There’s a delightful walking trail that goes around the entire island exposing different views and coves. Or you can spend the day on the beautiful beach swimming in clear waters and taking out the kayak to see the island from different viewpoints. Lastly we must mention the staff who are very attentive and kind yet also ensure your privacy. We can’t recommend a visit to Mumbo Island enough!
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Date of stay: March 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed on the Island for 4 nights. Thoroughly enjoyed it. It is an island made up of mostly rocks and trees. The only wildlife are non venomous snakes and LOTS of birds (inc Fish Eagles). My husband counted over 50 varieties of bird. Each chalet has a veranda where you can watch the birds and look at the wonderful scenery. During the the last evening we went on a boat round the island when the boat driver called the fish eagles down, there were several. There is no electricity on the island, you are given a very bright solar powered torch each evening.
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Date of stay: November 2022
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â All room have excellent views and amenitivies.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I have never stayed anywhere like this! This is such a beautiful, relaxing, wonderful spot, I would happily return. Two days was not long enough! Everything was absolutely perfect, from our little hut overlooking the water and bathroom built into the side of a boulder, to the excellent meals, and the daytime kayaking, swimming and scuba diving. Loved it!
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Date of stay: May 2019
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
+1
Mumbo Island is a unique piece of paradise on Earth that has been lovingly preserved by Ms Bee and her team including Vincent the boatman, Twiston the sports instructor and Patrick in the restaurant. The facilities are comfortable and extremely sensitively designed completely with local and natural material. The cottages seem to have grown out of the rocks that they are perched on. The hospitality provided is superb, the sunset cruise by Vincent including feeding the fish eagle as well as snorkelling with Twiston's instructions to see the Malawian Cichlid at close quarters is amazing and memorable. The stars in the African night and the sound of the waves lashing the rocks make for memories for a lifetime. The wonderful variety of bird and animal life including the monitor lizard and multicoloured chameleons add to the unique experience. My only regret is that I travelled to Malawi for work and stayed back a few days for leisure. I hope to be back with my family soon.
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â Do opt for a lake facing room although it is considerably more expensive. Trust me , the views...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
+1
Just returned from a month-long African family vacation in Malawi and Tanzania. We stayed in many wonderful places, but my whole family agreed that this was the best. We stayed three nights, and everyone wished we had stayed longer ... even my wifi and video-game-addicted teen sons who said they liked it so much they didn't mind at all when their phones ran out of power (Bring a couple of power banks if that bothers you). It is a truly idyllic spot. The views are amazing, the chalets are comfortable and cool. The bucket showers were warm and came quickly. The meals were served promptly and were fresh and delicious. The beach was clean and the water was lovely to swim in. Kayaking around the lake in the evening was magical, as was the sundowner cruise. We enjoyed hiking around and exploring the island. The bird life is amazing! The people were so friendly and helpful. We sat by a bonfire in the evenings, and in the mornings they brought hot water, a french press, coffee, milk and cookies on a tray and set it outside your cabin so when you wake up you can enjoy a hot cup of coffee immediately while enjoying the view from your verandah before breakfast. I am already dreaming of returning one day.
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Date of stay: July 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â If you have a cell phone or battery-operated devices that you can't go without, then bring a...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paradise! We were lucky in having two families with teenage children staying at the same time. One South African family and the other German. It was heavenly for us watching to youngsters make friends with each other and invent games and races around the island. The small adjacent island is where five of the lodges are, reached via a narrow wooden bridge. A sixth family tent brings the maximum capacity up to 14 - and together you are marooned once the boat heads back to Cape McClear, 50 minutes away. It does come back, briefly, the next day to bring supplies and a change of guests. We stayed four nights, which was perfect. We spent each morning exploring the wooded and hilly island and the afternoons on the small beach, reading, snorkelling, kayaking and swimming. Twisten, who was running the lodge while we were there, taught us to play Bao, for which we give him huge thanks. The team looking after us were all fantastic. One highlight was the sundowner cruise around the island - simply magical on a glassy lake as the sun faded. The colours were gorgeous and the fish eagles thrilling as they took the fish we threw for them close to the boat. An absolute must.
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Maker sure you get a sundowner cruise - blissful. Also, the lake can get quite choppy in the...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mumbo Island is the best of Lake Malawi, what a paradise! The whole setting offers a kind of luxury that no aircon, flatscreen tv and jacuzzi could ever beat. The water is crystal clear and so clean. The chalets are very cosy and comfortable, the food is great, and the team is awesome. So helpful and friendly, without intruding on your privacy. Can't wait to go back!
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beautiful small island in Lake Malawi.
Wonderful kayaking opportunities with fish eagles and otters close by.
Great trails to impressive view points.
Individualised service offered by staff with warm enthusiasm.
Gourmet standard food provided.
Secure cycle storage at Kayak Africa offices at Cape Maclear. Scenic cycling roads at Cape Maclear.
Wonderful kayaking opportunities with fish eagles and otters close by.
Great trails to impressive view points.
Individualised service offered by staff with warm enthusiasm.
Gourmet standard food provided.
Secure cycle storage at Kayak Africa offices at Cape Maclear. Scenic cycling roads at Cape Maclear.
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Date of stay: April 2021Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
+1
I spent one night on the island and it was fabulous. I had never experienced such a beautiful and relaxing stay. From the lodge, I watched the magnificent sunrise while admiring the true nature that surrounded me.
The staff were also very kind and helpful. They make your stay enjoyable. My one and only complaint concerns the food, despite the kindness of the chef and his team. There is room for improvement.
The staff were also very kind and helpful. They make your stay enjoyable. My one and only complaint concerns the food, despite the kindness of the chef and his team. There is room for improvement.
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Date of stay: May 2024Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Food should be more varied and more local. On this island, catering must also be in harmony with...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We absolutely loved the place. Lovely staff, gooed but simple food, tea and coffee at 6am at your doorstep. The view from the hut, especially in the morning, the sky full of stars. Actually everything was fantastic. No fishermen or noose at all during our 3 days
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Â Chalet 4 is great for sunrise views
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No, there's no WiFi at Mumbo. If you have a local SIM card, you get pretty decent network on some parts of the island. However, you know what they say: ''Disconnect, to get a better connection!''
Hi
Please email our booking office for all rates, bookings and helpful travel advice. Contact details on our website: Kayak Africa.
Enjoy your stay!
Hi Amanda
I'm afraid TripAdvisor does not allow me to give our contact details here, but find them on Kayak Africa's website. Our booking ladies should get back to you within a day with prices and any information you require.
I am so sorry you weren't able to get an answer - which email address did you try?
Kind regards
Tracey
Kayak Africa Marketing
Hi Phillip
It depends when in January you will be travelling. We actually close the fully-catered option on Mumbo halfway through January as it really can rain! Early January is fine though - up until about the 10th.
Mumbo is heavenly for honeymoons (the islet with the tents on it is even heart-shaped).
Best time to visit is from March through until mid January. February is the real rainy month!
Enjoy your stay!
Tracey
Yes we do. Sorry to reply so late. Only just found this question option!
"Maker sure you get a sundowner cruise - blissful. Also, the lake can get quite choppy in the night and early morning, but calms after lunch"Read full review
"If you have a cell phone or battery-operated devices that you can't go without, then bring a couple of powerbanks. Stay at least 3 nights!"Read full review
"Food should be more varied and more local. On this island, catering must also be in harmony with the greenery and lakes that surround it."Read full review
"Do opt for a lake facing room although it is considerably more expensive. Trust me , the views make the spending totally worth it"Read full review
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LOCATION
MalawiLake Malawi National ParkCape Maclear
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
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Frequently Asked Questions about Mumbo Island
What are some of the property amenities at Mumbo Island?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at Mumbo Island?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Does Mumbo Island have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the lake view available here.