Mumbo Island Camp
Lake Malawi National
Park, Malawi
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MUMBO ISLAND CAMP - LAKE
MALAWI NATIONAL PARK, MALAWI
Mumbo Island is a pristine
and otherwise-deserted tropical island floating
on the blue waters of Lake Malawi National Park,
the first Park in the world set aside for the protection
of freshwater fish. With crystal clear waters and
innumerable species of cichlid fish, the National
Park offers what is often considered the best freshwater
scuba diving in the world and the best snorkelling
on the Lake.
Lake Malawi is Africa's third
largest lake and stretches over 500 kilometres
from north to south. Palm fringed
beaches and soaring mountains surround the warm crystal
clear waters and picturesque fishing villages dot
the shoreline as they have unchanged for thousands
of years. The lake supports over 400 species of fish,
many endemic; the fascinating cichlid species of
this lake (and Lakes Tanganyika and Victoria) are
very popular in the tropical fish trade.
The northern
lakeshore is the lushest region of the
country
with remnant
patches
of tropical
rainforest and the dramatic backdrop of the Viphya
Mountains. This is the setting for Chintheche Inn.
Just south of Nkhata Bay, Chintheche Inn has a
wonderful, broad sandy beach and extensive grounds
with many
fine indigenous trees. Chintheche
Inn is operated by Wilderness Safaris.
Accommodation  For
images of Mumbo Island, click Mumbo
Island
Images
Mumbo Island is an intimate tented camp, accommodating
14 guests, comprises tastefully furnished, comfortable
tents with hot bucket showers and 'eco-loos'. The
camp is perched on rocks high above the water and
blends in perfectly to create a place of rustic
charm and minimal impact. Tucked into the lush
foliage, each tent is fully furnished with its
own shaded view-deck and hammock.
There is a dining
area, bar and water sport gazebo, all of timber,
thatch and canvas, and all adhering to the principles
of eco-architecture. Unlike most island destinations
in the region, Mumbo Island has never been populated
by humans and is still in its natural state. This,
together with the focus on non-motorised water
sports, makes Mumbo Island ideal for the active
outdoors enthusiast.
Activities
The most popular activities here are snorkelling
through the crystal-clear water and lazing in a
hammock or in the 'chill-out' area, contemplating
the stunning scenery. Other activities include
diving (Mumbo is a PADI registered resort, offering
beginner, advanced and specialty courses, as well
as gear hire and casual dives), swimming, kayaking,
and birdwatching. Guests have the option of boating
or paddling, exploring the granitic islands in
a freshwater Rift Valley lake.
Geography and Wildlife
At approximately 600km from north to south and in places
up to 80km wide, Lake Malawi, the third largest water
body in Africa, constitutes roughly 20% of the surface
area of this small country.
Lake Malawi is famed
for the abundance and diversity of its fish life
and holds a greater array of freshwater fish species
than any other lake on Earth and more than all of
Europe and North America combined. The majority of
these are colourful fish called cichlids (their local
name is mbuna) of which the Lake contains more than
400 types, 30% of all known species. Other fish species
such as chambo form the primary protein source of
the nearly 20 000 people that live on the lakeshore
and beyond.
Lake Malawi National Park was established
for the protection of the cichlid fish and their
habitat, thus presenting cichlid enthusiasts with
world-class observation opportunities in terms of
number and diversity of species, optimum viewing
conditions, and ease of access from the camp on Mumbo
Island.
As far as the non-aquatic wildlife
is concerned, the island lends itself to observing
the little creatures that inhabit it.
On Mumbo Island
the mammals present are the spotted-necked otter
and the rarer Cape clawless otter. The spotted-necked
variety is remarkably unafraid of humans and often
approaches and joins guests for a snorkel or swim!
Mumbo is noteworthy for the high occurrence of rainbow
skinks and large water monitors in particular. Snakes
identified include the variegated bush snake and
African rock python (both non-venomous).
Bird life
is abundant, dominated by the ubiquitous African
Fish-Eagles, but enthusiasts will be rewarded with
sightings of the shyer and less common forest birds
that inhabit the bush around the tents, such as,
for example, the north-eastern race hypoxanthus variety
of Sombre Greenbul. Other species seen include African
Harrier-Hawk, Trumpeter Hornbill, White-breasted
Cormorant, Water Thick-Knee, African Paradise-Flycatcher
and a variety of herons, weavers, doves and starlings
amongst others.
Conservation
In Lake Malawi National Park at the southern end
of the Lake, our operation at Mumbo Island
supports Malawi's Department of National Parks
and Wildlife in combating illegal fishing operations.
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