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Domwe Island 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.
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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 a 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.
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Lake Malawi National Park, the first freshwater marine reserve proclaimed on Earth and declared a Natural World Heritage Site in 1984. Lake Malawi contains the largest number of fish species of any lake in the world; more than five hundred different species have been recorded, with perhaps half occurring in the National Park area. Endemism is high (thought to exceed 90%) and adaptive radiation and speciation within the lake is remarkable.
Lake Malawi is unique and forms a separate bio-geographical province. It is estimated to be between one and two million years old. The lake, ninth largest in the world, is 600km long and 80km wide, and forms the southern extremity of the African Rift Valley. |
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.
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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. |
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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.
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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. |
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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. |
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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.
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Reservations and Enquiries |
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LAKE MALAWI:
Lake Malawi is one of the Great Rift Valley lakes and lies in a depression which plunges well below sea level - to a depth of at 2,300ft in the north. It is the third largest lake in Africa and has impressive proportions with approximate dimensions of 365 miles (584km) north to south and 52 miles (83km) wide. Half the south-eastern section of the lake belongs to Mozambique with the border running
through the centre of the water, while Tanzania lies along the north-eastern shore. Malawi is a long thin landlocked country, so the lake is extremely important as it takes up about one fifth of the country and many people make their living from it.
There are four busy ports and hundreds of fishing villages. However, there are still many stretches that are completely deserted with plenty of sandy beaches. Lake Malawi bears many qualities of a sea except salty water and for much of the year it is placid and welcoming, while at other times strong winds and storms can produce surfable waves. A section of the lake at Cape Maclear in the south, has been declared the world's first freshwater National Park and includes the peninsula of land and several islands.
It has more than all the freshwater species of Europe and USA put together. There are also larger edible fish such as mpasa (lake salmon), vundu (catfish) and tilapia (breem), but fishermen have been complaining that their catches are getting smaller. The national park is a sanctuary for the biologically unique, often brightly coloured little fish called cichlids, much prized by freshwater aquarium enthusiasts. These fish have adapted very quickly in evolutionary terms, resulting in a prolific number of species. More than 500 have been recorded but it is thought there could be 1,000 different species in the lake.
ANIMALS & BIRDS - AQUATIC LIFE
Lake Malawi's sub-aqua life is astounding and it can be like snorkelling in an aquarium. Many of the chichlids shine like polished silver as the sun refracts in the water, but there are many others like Cobalt Zebras and Mumbo Yellow (only found around Mumbo island within the national park), whose names reveal their dazzling colours.
Bird watching is an absolute pleasure and can be bewildering, as there is sometimes too much to look at! Within the national park it is not uncommon to find a pair of territorial fish eagles every 100 yards (100 metres). There are also countless kingfishers, herons and cormorants, all patrolling for food at different heights.
Reptile life is excellent with large monitor lizards, shiny skinks warming themselves on rocks and opaque geckos that come to life at night. Animals that might be seen on land are baboons, antelopes and hyrax.
SEASONS
Rainy Seasons: It usually rains from November to March and the storms are unpredictable. The air is clean at this time and there is no haze over the lake. The rain diminishes in April and May followed by gentle winds and calm water. Dry Season: July is cool and a little unsettled with more wind usually from the south east. The wind drops in August & September and the water becomes calmer.
October is one of the best months as the lake is calm and very clear and the air is hot.
LAKE MALAWI SPECIALITIES
• Swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving amongst colourful fish
• Warm lake water
• Fish Eagles
• Fresh fish for supper
• Watersports
• Friendly people
FACTS
This is a malarial area
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