2) Domwe Island
Camp Information

Domwe is the largest unpopulated island in Lake Malawi, with a circumference of 11km and a highest point of 400m above lake level. Its exclusive camp is situated behind a small beach on the west side of the island, and comprises five large safari tents tucked into the lush foliage, each 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.
Domwe Island offers visitors a unique combination of island and African bush environments. This is due to the island being separated from the mainland by the narrow Ilala Gap which, due to fluctuations in lake level over millennia, has been dry on several occasions. As a result Domwe Island, unlike all other Lake Malawi islands, is well populated with mammals which have crossed onto the island during these dry periods.

The Island lies within an private concession area, in turn part of the Lake Malawi National Park, the first freshwater marine reserve in the world. 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. Domwe Island is ideal for active guests and those that love observing nature. The island’s size and height permit extensive and challenging nature trails, and kayaking its lengthy shoreline will delight those with a penchant for exploration.

Between all these activities, guests can relax in tranquil surroundings with delicious cuisine, shady and secluded hammocks and shimmering waters as the sun sets behind the distant mountains that line the far side of Lake Malawi.

Game Viewing
The Lake Malawi National Park is foremost a marine reserve, established for the protection of the cichlid fish and their habitat. As such the National Park presents cichlid enthusiasts with world-class observation opportunities in terms of number and diversity of species, optimum viewing conditions, and ease of access from the camps on Mumbo Island and Domwe Island. As far as the non-aquatic wildlife is concerned, the islands lend themselves more to a focus on observing the little creatures as opposed to the Big Five.

On Mumbo Island the only mammal present is the Cape Clawless Otter, which is remarkably unafraid of humans and often approaches and joins guests for a snorkel or swim. Domwe has an eclectic selection of mammals, including samango monkey, civet cat, bushpig, bushbaby, klipspringer and the yellow subspecies of chacma baboon. As far as reptiles are concerned, both islands are 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 dominated by the ubiquitous 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 Bulbul.

Location
Domwe Island
is a tropical island situated within the Lake Malawi National Park near the southern end of Lake Malawi. The island lies 5km north of Cape Maclear, where reception and the nearest point of road access are located. Approximate co-ordinates are 14°S, 35°E. Geography and Climate Lake level is 480m above sea level, and Nkunguni Peak, the highest point in the National Park is 1140m. Mean annual temperature is 23°C.

Annual rainfall averages 766mm, but is very variable.
Seasons are as follows:
January / February:
Peak of the rainy season. The camp is closed due to reception being frequently inaccessible by road.

March / April / May: Occasional rain, warm and calm. Vegetation is lush and green, air is clear, and cumulonimbus clouds make for fantastic sunsets. A highly recommended time to visit.

June / July / August: Technically winter, but temperatures are mild due to the tropical location. Occasional strong south-east trade winds occur.

September / October / November: Hot and dry, calm and hazy. Still a good time to visit as the heat is offset by the lake waters and the easy availability of swimming and snorkelling.

December: Spring, with occasional rain. A very good time to visit as the heat is not as intense, flowers are blooming and new leaves are sprouting.

Pricing
Pricing is consistent throughout the year.
Accommodation :
Five twin / double tents on raised timber decks under thatch roofs.
Currently toilet facilities are not en-suite, but consist of privately situated and environmentally-friendly dry composter toilets. The shower is a bucket-shower, suspended from the branch of a Baobab tree with fire-warmed water.
An upgrade of toilet facilities to make them en-suite is underway.

Each tent is fully-netted and has two single beds / one double bed, two cane wicker chairs, a shaded view-deck overlooking the lake and a hammock.

Camp description
Dining area Bar Sundowner deck Water sport gazebo
Electricity and water There is no electricity on the island. The kitchen works off gas, and all lighting is by means of hurricane lanterns. All water is purified, although the necessity of this is debatable.
Activities
Sea kayaking Snorkelling Swimming Scuba diving Nature trails Quality hammock time
Suggested daily schedule Freedom and quality island time – together with a good dose of healthy outdoor fun – is what visits to Domwe Island are all about.
The only fixed items on the schedule are meals, and guests are otherwise free to choose between activity, exploration and leisure.

Highly recommended are pre-breakfast swims, which redefine the term “refreshing,” and viewing sunsets from the lookout rock that is perched upon the slopes behind the camp.

Meals Meal times are flexible with respect to activities and arrival and departure times. A hearty breakfast of fruit salad, freshly baked bread, eggs and bacon sets the tone for the day.

Lunches and dinners feature an array of salads, fresh fish, chicken and vegetable casseroles, curries, stir-fries and pasta dishes.

Drinks and extra payments
Drinks, scuba diving and tips are not included in the nightly tariffs, and these accounts must be settled before departure.

Payments for such extras can be made by credit card or with US Dollar, British Pound, Euro or Malawi Kwacha cash. Laundry Policy
Laundry services are free of charge.


By road
Road transfers are available from the main centres in Malawi (Lilongwe and Blantyre), from nearby lodges such as Mvuu Lodge, and from the nearest airfield at Club Makokola. Driving time from Club Makokola to reception on the beach at Cape Maclear is one hour.

For self-drive guests
Domwe Island reception is on the beach at Cape Maclear.
Take the M3 towards Monkey Bay. Approximately 5km short of Monkey Bay turn left at the One Stop shop onto the dirt road to the Lake Malawi National Park (this turn-off is well signposted, and 4x4 vehicles are not required).
Follow the road for approximately 25km to the gate to the National Park.
Do not enter the gate, but at the gate turn right towards the lake.
Follow the road as it doubles back past the cottages and into the village.
Domwe Island reception is on your left, opposite the big Baobab tree.
It is well signposted, and secure parking is available.

By air: Charter flights and Air Malawi domestic flights to Club Makokola are available from Club Makokola to Domwe Island reception at Cape Maclear. Driving time is one hour.

Club Makokola airstrip details
Airport code: CMK
Height above sea level: 486m
Length: 1000m
Surface: unpaved Day use only
Suitable aircraft: turbo prop (e.g. ATR 42) or smaller.

Nearest large airport: Chileka Airport, Blantyre (BLZ) or Lilongwe International (LLW)

By boat or yacht:
It is possible to travel straight to Domwe Island by boat or yacht charter from places such as Senga Bay or Likoma Island, without going past reception on the beach at Cape Maclear first. However this can only be done by prior arrangement.

Owners
Domwe Island is part of the Lake Malawi National Park, and is therefore property of the Republic of Malawi.
Kayak Africa has had the concession to develop and manage ecotourism on Domwe Island since 1996.
Prior to this no facilities of any sort existed on Domwe.
Kayak Africa is owner-managed in Malawi by Jurie Schoeman and Marzi Callender.


Activities
Unlike most island destinations in the region, Domwe 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 Domwe Island ideal for the active outdoors enthusiast. The protected waters of the National Park bring sea kayaking within reach of anyone, irrespective of fitness or experience. The two-person kayaks are large and stable, and the guides are local residents with an intimate knowledge of the area.

For the more energetic – and fitter – guests, there is the option of kayaking the 5km of open water separating Domwe Island from Kayak Africa’s reception on the beach at Cape Maclear.
The colourful Cichlid fish, coupled with the massive granite boulders that make up much of the underwater terrain, makes for a truly remarkable and unusual snorkelling experience, which once again is enhanced by the calm, warm and clear fresh waters. Lake Malawi is a great place to scuba dive, ideally suited to beginners or those who prefer relaxed diving with no dangers. Domwe is a PADI registered resort, offering beginner, advanced and specialty courses, as well as gear hire and casual dives.

Unlike all other Lake Malawi islands, Domwe is well populated with mammals which have crossed the narrow Ilala Gap onto the island during drier times. Notable species include the rare samango monkey, civet cat, bushpig, klipspringer and the yellow subspecies of chacma baboon.
Nature trails weave their way through the massive granite boulders that cover the island, which is heavily wooded, hosting Baobab (Adansonia digitata) and several species of Ficus, Sterculia, Khaya, Albizia and Brachystegia. Birdlife is abundant, including notably Fish Eagle, Gymnogene, Trumpeter Hornbill, White-breasted Cormorant, Water Thick-knee (Water Dikkop), Paradise Flycatcher and a variety of herons, weavers, doves and starlings amongst others.

At the same time the remoteness and tranquillity of the island means that there is no shortage of relaxation opportunities. All itineraries are suitable for anyone in good health, and all activities are optional.

RATES: $250pppn

For further enquiries or to book please call or mail
020 8566 2109 or 07947 628 268
enquiries@bonvoyageonline.co.uk

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