Located in eastern Malawi, in Lake Malawi National Park, off the Cape Maclear peninsular, Mumbo Island is one of a small handful of luxury lodges on the shores of Lake Malawi.
Overview
A canvas, thatch and wood build, the Mumbo Island consists of a lounge, bar and dining area, decking, water sport gazebo, a fire pit, and six sleeping rooms. Approached by means of 45 minute boat journey, and then by way of a rope bridge, the main lodge or ‘chitenje’ is situated in a sandy cove on Mumbo Island, while the rooms occupy prime spots atop giant boulders on a nearby island. Open sided, characterised by wooden flooring, cane seating, low tables, and loungers, it’s a lovely place to relax, eat and take cover from the midday sun. There are no Wi-Fi facilities at the lodge.
Food & service
The delicious cuisine is fish based, with local produce brought in daily from the mainland. The staff are outgoing and accommodating.
Rooms
Accessed via a narrow wooden walkway, the so-called ‘chalet island’ is just as beautiful. Well kept, clean and comfortable, raised on wooden platforms, and protected by thatched roofs, the en-suite sleeping tents themselves are relatively simple affairs, comprising a hammock-bedecked veranda, twin bed, lightweight chairs, spirit lamps (there is no electricity on Mumbo island), and a side table. Each room’s floor is covered with hand-woven rugs. The private bathroom is composed of a long drop toilet, bucket shower, and sink. One of the rooms is a family size unit.
Activities
Situated within the first freshwater marine reserve in the world, activities include diving, snorkelling, island hopping, bird watching and kayaking.
Impact
Conservation
Mumbo offers a vital outpost of conservationist thought and action in an isolated location that authorities simply don’t have the ability to protect.
Commerce
The lodge generates government revenue through park fees, concession fees, and taxes, alongside salary revenue for the community.
Community
The lodge supports the growth of formal education opportunities for the community wherever possible.