Lake Malawi - Accommodation & Activities

The accommodation described below offer unique and very different opportunities to experience the natural beauty and amazing freshwater life of Lake Malawi. All accommodation can be booked in combination or individually, on a fully tailor-made basis – you decide how long you want to stay and where.

Likoma Island accommodation

Cape Maclear accommodation

Scuba-Diving & Snorkelling

Responsible Travel

Likoma Island accommodation:

Kaya Mawa Lodge
Information and prices to follow soon

Cape Maclear accommodation:

Kayak Africa honeymoon bungalow

Kayak Africa interior

Mumbo Island

Kayak Africa
Kayak Africa Island Camp, situated on Mumbo & Domwe Islands, is luxurious yet rustic. The Islands are located within exclusive concession areas, guaranteeing privacy in paradise. Constructed entirely of timber, thatch and canvas, the campsites adhere to the strictest principles of eco-architecture. Accommodation is in luxury, large safari tents situated on thatched, wooden decks overlooking the lake. Each island has 5 tents, all fully furnished with their own shady view-deck & private hammock – a perfect retreat. Bathroom facilities - hot & cold water, field showers and eco-toilets - are shared. Their bush kitchen with an open fire and expert island chef is the source of 3 wholesome meals a day.

Freedom - together with a good dose of healthy outdoor fun - is what Kayak Africa Island Camp is all about. The Islands are reached by kayak, although motorised boats are available for anyone unwilling or unable to kayak. These boats are also used as safety back-up and to supply the camps. Once you are ensconced in one of the two comfortable campsites, the choice of activities is up to you. Besides sea kayaking, there is the opportunity for snorkelling, scuba-diving, exploring nature trails, bird-watching and fishing.

Farmhouse breakfasts are served on the wooden deck overlooking the forest on crisp clear days or indoors near the huge fireplace when it is cooler. In the evenings, guests can enjoy scrumptious 4-course dinners around the convivial table in the comfort of the candle-lit main farmhouse.

Price: 3 nights at Kayak Africa Island Camp starts from £450 per person, based on full board and 2 people sharing, including airport transfers. The price of a 6-dives package is £100.

Danforth Yachting
Danforth Yachting is an owner run yacht charter operation situated at Cape Maclear. They offer you the chance to sail this magnificent 38'ft catamaran Mufusa or stay at their luxury Lodge. Mufusa is the only ocean-going, liveaboard yacht on Lake Malawi and sleeps 8 people in comfort and style. It is equipped with 6 full sets of scuba-diving equipment and masks & fins for snorkelling. Why not take a private cruise on Lake Malawi and explore its unique underwater world? Both experienced and aspiring sailors will have plenty of opportunity to take the helm and brush up on your sailing skills.

The Lodge has four en-suite double rooms all with air-conditioning and patio - a stone’s throw away from the crystal clear waters of the Lake. Meals are either served at the Lodge or onboard Mufusa depending on your preference. Meals, drinks, tea, coffee and snacks are all inclusive.

Price: 3 nights at Danforth Yachting in either the Lodge or onboard the yacht starts from £525 per person, based on full board and 2 people sharing, including airport transfers, and all activities.

Mufusa by sunset

Danforth Lodge on Cape Maclear

Activities in Lake Malawi:

Scuba-diving & snorkelling
Lake Malawi offers some unique freshwater diving based in these small scale resorts, so no diving in a crowd. Novices can learn to dive at minimum hassle - warm & calm conditions, good visibility and easily accessible dive sites. More experienced divers will find the Lake very scenic with an abundance of fish most in techni-colour, unusual granite topography, caves & caverns and even a wreck. Because the Lake is situated 475 m above sea level, decompression tables need to be adjusted.

All of the above accommodation offer diving at very competitive rates. Liveaboard diving on the fully equipped catamaran Mufasa, which can sleep up to 8 guests, is also available.

Price: 8 days liveaboard on the Mufasa starts from £1,125 per person, including 7 nights on board Mufasa or in Danforth Beach Lodge (full board), 10 dives with air & weights, sailing and airport transfers, but not the international flight.

Scuba-diving of Mufusa

Snorkelling in the clear waters of Lake Malawi

All of the above accommodation provide much needed employment for local people and all the food served is bought locally benefiting the local economy. Both Kayak Africa and Kaya Mawa have community development programmes and have set up local community Trusts.

Ethical & Environmental Principles