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Domwe Island Lodge is on 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.
 
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!).
 
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.
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.
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