Mumbo Island

Lake Malawi is a vast and unique freshwater lake, estimated to be between three and 20 million years old. It is 600km long, 80km wide and over 700m deep, is the southern extremity of the African Rift Valley and contains the largest number of fish species of any lake in the world - probably well over 500. The Mumbo Island camp itself is surrounded by huge, prehistoric-looking boulders and sandy beaches, from which the lake stretches endlessly into the horizon.

Catering for just 14 guests, the camp features six tastefully-furnished tents with shaded decks, hammocks, bucket showers and eco-toilets. Built of timber, thatch and canvas, and perched on high rocks overlooking the water, the tents promise immersion in the natural world and evoke a Robinson Crusoe-style desert island atmosphere. At the same time, they are very comfortable and easy on the eye, with locally-made chitenjes textiles and furniture carved and hand-painted by local artisans.

With no Wi-Fi or electricity, this is a place to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature and yourself - you can enjoy the comfort of hot water, though, thanks to solar power.

In keeping with the hotel’s unspoilt, rural location, food at Mumbo Island is simple, hearty and healthy, with buffet meals offered three times a day which rotate according to the availability of fresh ingredients. Start the day off with a breakfast of fruit, pastries, and egg and meat dishes, before enjoying a variety of fresh salads, comforting pasta and stir-fry dishes, and, of course, plenty of fresh fish, at lunch and dinner. Each morning you’ll be greeted with a delivery of coffee and biscuits to your room before you head down to breakfast.

There are plenty of relaxation areas, with locally-made hammocks and cane chairs. 

The pristine expanse of Lake Malawi is right on your doorstep here, and there is a range of activities on offer to help you navigate its beautiful waters. Dive in and experience some of the best scuba diving in the world, with PADI-accredited courses on offer to help you learn or improve. Snorkelling is another way to explore the beautiful underwater landscapes, which are home to hundreds of colourful fish species. If you’d rather not get wet, you can explore otherworldly boulders and secret coves which surround the hotel in a kayak, or take advantage of the daily sunset cruises around the island.

Back on dry land, hiking is a great way to explore the forested interior of the island, which is dotted with the same huge boulders you’ll see on the beach and under the water.