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Mumbo Island

Overview

Key Features

When to Visit

Mumbo Island Tours

Rates/Bookings

Mumbo Island is a barefoot paradise set on a tiny, untouched isle in the heart of Lake Malawi. After a 40-minute boat ride, you step into a world with no phones, no noise and no rush. Just crystal clear water alive with colourful Cichlid fish, sandy coves, shady hammocks and rustic chalets tucked between ancient rocks. Spend your days snorkelling, kayaking or wandering quiet forest paths, then end with a glass of wine as the lake turns gold. Pure, simple paradise.

Crystal Clear Water and Views

If you have ever dreamed of a private island with white sandy beaches and crystal clear water, Mumbo will perfectly fulfil this dream. The views, simply put, are stunning. The chalets are perched atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the blue lake and you can see the small colourful cichlid fish from your room. Whilst the rooms are rustic with a focus on eco-friendly construction, you have your own Robinson Crusoe-style chalet with a comfy bed, en-suite bathroom with bucket shower and composter toilets. All in all, the perfect island escape!

Cichlid Fish

Mumbo is THE spot to snorkel on the lake. With crystal clear water you barely need a mask to see the colourful fish. Lake Malawi is home to over 500 species of endemic Cichlid fish and whilst it may not be the ocean, Lake Malawi has a very healthy population of fish which make for a unique snorkelling experience. Take the snorkelling masks to explore the rocky realms around the island and in the protected bay to see the amazing freshwater fish for yourselves.

Digital Detox

In a roundabout turn of events from lodges desperately trying to have internet and cell signal for their clients, a new trend has emerged for places where you can digitally detox. Get away from beeping phones, endless emails and the monotonous scroll of social media on your island paradise with no Wi-Fi, in fact, there is no electricity! But don’t let that put you off… Eat dinner under bright stars and candlelight, watch fish eagles as they swoop in to catch fish, kayak around the island looking for otters and spend quality time with your loved ones away from modern distractions.

LOW Season: 10 Jan – 30 Jun

HIGH Season: 1 Jul – 9 Jan

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Nov-Apr:

Lush green scenery and the most amazing sunsets
Flowers and birds galore
Few tourists
Cheaper rates

May-Jun:

Beautiful green scenery after the rains
Fantastic photography opportunities
Dry weather
Mild temperatures

Jul-Oct:

Warm/hot temperatures
Best for snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing
Dry weather

Brilliant Place: Just Go!

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.

A TripAdvisor Member
Paradise!

Kayak Africa have made such a special place on Mumbo – here you will have a private island to yourself only to be shared with the water monitors, African fish eagles and cichlids. The rooms are stunning, luxurious and very private, all with lake views. You can snorkel almost right from your room and see the amazing fish of Lake Malawi. The staff were incredibly hospital and making vegetarian food was no problem at all. The food was absolutely delicious. With a sunset cruise, walks and kayak around the island and snorkeling there is more than enough to keep you busy. I’m already planning my next trip!

A TripAdvisor Member
The true meaning of paradise!

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!

A TripAdvisor Member