Malawi’s Mumbo Island, an uninhabited slice of heaven
Floating on Lake Malawi, this 14-person destination offers a surprising number of activities, cocktails included
Where is this place? Mumbo Island is in the vast Lake Malawi National Park marine reserve, in the southeastern African nation of Malawi. Only one kilometre in diameter, the otherwise uninhabited tropical island, which is covered in ancient fig and baobab trees, lies 10km northwest of Cape Maclear, on a lake that is 600km long, 80km wide and more than 700 metres deep, at the southern extremity of the Rift Valley.
What makes it so special? Well, if you want to feel like the last – or first –people on Earth, there is no place like Mumbo. It has the distinction – and awards to prove it – of being eco-friendly in almost every respect. There is no mains electricity here, so forget about your gadgets. The kitchen works off gas and all lighting is solar-powered. Malawi is known as the “warm heart of Africa” and the staff do not let the side down, making guests feel part of a happy, smiling family. The lake reaches beyond the horizon, giving the impression of a crystal clear, sleepy ocean. At night, there are so many shooting stars, you might just run out of wishes.
