Off-the-grid, comfortable safari tents
Low-impact, sustainable self-catering lodges surrounded by untouched paradise.
This article is written by Rebecca who had the pleasure of visiting this island camp for a rustic Far & Wild experience. A short stay is better than no stay at all, but it's surprising how much there is to do if you're outdoorsy and love the water too, so stay for a while and relax!
Kayak Africa own and run two eco-friendly camps in exclusive locations on Mumbo Island (10km northwest of Cape Maclear) and Domwe Island (5km from Cape Maclear). These islands form part of Lake Malawi National Park and both are uninhabited. Kayak Africa has built these camps based on strictly sustainable principles, but have ensured no loss of creature comforts for guests. If you have to stay overnight in the village before setting off to the islands, you can stay at the beautiful new self-catering Cape Cottage right on the beach at Cape Maclear.
Domwe Island Camp is a self-catering camp with three fully-furnished safari tents, as well as two tent sites consisting of wooden decks and thatched roof. There is also a dining area and bar, and a water sport gazebo. Though Domwe Island Camp is self-catering, you can hire a chef for the day! The Cape Cottage sleeps four in a queen size bed and a bunk bed and has a small fully fitted kitchenette.
As the name suggests with Kayak Africa, kayaking, diving and snorkelling are some of the best activities to do while enjoying these amazing, remote getaways. You can also take a walk around the islands to see some of the wonderful bird and reptile life that they are home to, or simply laze on the patio soaking up the breath-taking views.
Ottilie
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When to go to Malawi
Find out the best time to visit Malawi with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a good time for bird watchers, migratory birds from the Northern Hemisphere flock to Malawi's National Parks. The rains are in full flow with impressive thunderstorms lighting the sky across the country regularly - many lodges around the shores of Lake Malawi will be closed during this time.
February
Rain continues to pour regularly in February. The bird watching is incredible particularly in the high altitude Nyika National Park with many flowers blooming carpeting the lower plateaus.
March
In March the weather is still somewhat unsettled with regular rains, these diminish as the month goes on. Birders will be in paradise, young birds are spreading their wings for the first time preparing for their epic journey back to the Northern Hemisphere.
April
Rains begin to subside, the sun starts to shine and temperatures increase. Wildlife viewing is good, observers can watch animals emerge across Liwonde National Park. In particular antelopes are in rut and visitors to Malawi's National Parks can experience incredible clashes between rival males.
May
Days become sunnier and cooler during May. Wildlife viewing is at its best due to less vegetation and the animals gathering together around waterholes.
June
June days are long and sunny, but it's Malawi's winter and the temperatures drop significantly at this time of year. The evenings and mornings are very cold in the highland regions, with log fires lit. The dry season means animals congregate around the Shire River in Liwonde National Park for easier access to water and rich green vegetation - large numbers of elephants can be present at this time of year due to dwindling water levels.
July
July is a perfect time to visit Malawi, skies are clear there are less mosquitoes and there's virtually no rain. Although its high season, most of the National Parks won't be crowded despite the spectacular sightings of larger elephant herds - often reaching into the hundreds!
August
In August the weather warms, with daytime peak temperatures averaging around 30°C, whilst night time averages rise to 10°C. If you want to experience large wildlife herds, this is the time of year to visit. Water is diminishing and spaces at watering holes are becoming limited leading to increasing tensions between the animals. It's an amazing time to enjoy the delights of Lake Malawi's azure waters, with temperatures perfect for watersports or relaxing in the sun lakeside.
September
Night time temperatures rise rapidly, whilst daytime averages remain in the mid 20°Cs. With clear skies and dry vegetation concentrations of animals are still great but starting to dwindle in comparison to July and August. Lake Malawi is popular this time of year, the increased wind conditions make it perfect for an afternoon sail.
October
October is a humid month, temperatures regularly rise above 40°C and night times are increasingly warm. If you want to witness the world's largest antelope, the eland, can often be seen as they start regrouping for their breeding season - with herds reaching into the hundreds it makes for an awe inspiring sight.
November
The green season, November witnesses the first few storms of the rainy season arriving. It marks the arrival of the many migratory birds from the Northern Hemisphere.
December
In December the rains become more regular, with thunderstorms occurring every few days. With lush green scenery animals can be difficult to see because of the thick vegetation and the abundance of water. But birders will have an amazing time witnessing the incoming flurry of migratory birds.
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