Unplug On Lake Malawi By Spending Time At Mumbo Island Eco Resort

Arriving at Mumbo Island

The first view of Mumbo Island Resort from the boat as you approach is of the cabins perched atop a small island of boulders a few meters off the shore of the main island. I’m not really sure that you can even call the boulders that the cabins sit on an “island” because they are so small, but for ease of explanation that’s what we’ll call it. This is something that you think you’d only see in the movies, it’s hard to believe that this is really where you’ll be staying. Mumbo Island is a tiny little island, only about 1 square kilometer in size, it is unspoiled and has been part of the Lake Malawi National Park since 1980. The island is cared for and maintained by Kayak Africa who provides travel arrangements to and from the island.

Upon arriving at the small boat dock, you’re greeted by the resort manager and staff who will unload your bags from the boat and show you to your cabin. The cabins are tented structures with simple, but comfortable accommodations. Twin beds, night stands, and locally handwoven floor mats cover the floors. A solar lamp that is set out to charge each day is put in the room just before night fall. Each cabin has a small deck that has two wooden chairs and the all important hammock. No stay in paradise is complete without a hammock overlooking the lake.

Comfortable and simple accommodations

Each tent also has an outdoor bathroom enclosure, complete with sink, shower and composting toilet. The walls of the enclosure are made from reeds tied together with larger supports and the roof is made from tightly packed traditional thatch. Now, I have to say that the first time I showered in the bathroom enclosure it was the first time I had showered outside. Though there is a proper enclosure, you do have the feeling of being outside. Because there is no running water, every evening the island manager will ask each guest what time they’d like to take their evening shower so that the staff can heat the water and prepare the bucket shower. This was one of the best showers I’ve ever had in my life. The combination of showering outside though not being exposed is one of the most relaxing and freeing feelings.

Don’t worry about being tempted to use your phone or other devices you may have felt like you couldn’t live without while on the island, there’s no electricity and no cell phone service. If you need something charged or laundry service done, this has to be prearranged with the manager to have your items picked up by boat, taken back to the main island overnight and brought back when the next boat comes to the island. Not really worth the hassle, but the service is there if you need it.

The island runs completely on solar power and that’s limited to the kitchen and the dining/lounge areas. The same solar lamps provided in each room are also the same lamps that help to give very limited light around the main walking paths. Candlelight adds additional lighting during dinner but, needless to say, the moon and the stars take center stage once the sun retires. Lying on the hammock near the edge of the lake, the water so still you can almost hear the cichlids swimming, under the light of the moon literally make you feel as if you never want to leave.

Things to do on Mumbo Island

Activities on the island can be many or none depending on your mood. Kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, sunset cruises, hiking, or bird watching. For those of you who have an adventurous spirit, one of the staff members can show you how to scale the boulders near the second cabin and jump just right into the deep part of the water below without hitting the rocks in the shallows.

Food options for everyone

Every morning, about 30 mins or so after sunrise but before you’re fully awake, the staff will bring a small wooden tray and sit it at the top of the stairs leading to your cabin. The tray has a thermos of hot water, a thermos of milk, two cups, a coffee press, small glass canisters of biscuits, tea bags, coffee and sugar. It’s small touches like this that make Mumbo Island truly a gem.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the dining area. The staff will let you know when each is ready by “sounding the frogs”. The frogs are two large hollow carved wooden frogs with ribs down the back. When the accompanying stick is rubbed down the back it makes a sound that is heard from nearly every part of the island. The island is that small, and the frogs are that loud. At the time I visited the island in October 2013, the manager was Juliette. She was very accommodating when it came to meals. We had a couple of people in our group with very specific dietary restrictions, vegan/vegetarian options were made available for each meal for them and she made sure that there was enough food for everyone.