About Domwe Island

Domwe Island is the largest unpopulated island in Lake Malawi, with a circumference of 11km and a highest point 400m above lake level. It is separated from the mainland by the narrow Ilala Gap, which, due to fluctuations in lake level over the millennia, has been dry on several occasions. As a result Domwe Island, unlike all other Lake Malawi islands, is well populated with mammals that have crossed onto the island during these dry times.

The camp on Domwe Island is 5km across the water from the Kayak Africa reception on the mainland beach at Cape Maclear. Visitors must first get to reception, from whence twice-daily boat transfers ferry guests to the island and back.

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 circumnavigating it’s lengthy shoreline by kayak will delight fit or experienced paddlers with a with a penchant for exploration. The absolutely beautiful – both on land and under water – two kilometre stretch of shoreline between the camp and the Ilala Gap is a perfect playground for the less adventurous and allows all guests, irrespective of fitness or experience, to enjoy sea kayaking, snorkeling, swimming and SCUBA diving.

The whole island is part of the Lake Malawi National Park and falls within Kayak Africa’s exclusive concession area, guaranteeing privacy in paradise.

The Camp

On Domwe Island “Castaway Adventure” is the theme. The camp is minimalist and simple, meaning that there is everything you need and nothing that you don’t. The camp lies behind a small beach on the west side of the island, offering sunset views over the lake with Mumbo Island and the mountainous edge of the African Rift Valley in the distance.

Camp Details in Brief:

 Maximum number of guests is ten, although larger groups are possible when it is just one party booking the whole island.

  • Camp accommodation consists of two double/twin safari tents and one reed chalet, all fully-furnished; plus one tent site. All the accommodation units are on wooden decks under thatch roofs, positioned under the forest canopy overlooking the water.
  • The tent site is approximately 6m x 4.5m and can accommodate up to two hiking dome tents. Guests are welcome to bring their own tents, or they can hire these from Kayak Africa. Mattresses and bedding are also available for hire.
  • Toilets, bathrooms and showers are not en-suite and are shared.
  • The camp is off-grid and there is no electricity at the accommodation. Each location has portable solar lamps and there is a centrally-located solar-powered charging station for cellphones.
  • Communal and social areas comprise the dining room and bar and a beach deck tucked into the forest behind the beach.

Food preparation takes place in a fully equipped and serviced kitchen behind the dining room (see below for more on meal options).

Food and Drink

Meal options:

  • Self-catered: you bring all the food and cook yourself. You will need to bring everything including cooking oil, herbs and spices and so on. There is no charge for this option and camp staff take care of the cleaning.
  • Self-catered with chef hire: you bring all the food and a Kayak Africa chef prepares and cooks for you. The chef must be pre-booked.
  • Fully catered: with this option you don’t have to do anything except pre-book! A catering team will provide three meals per day plus a morning tea/coffee tray. Certain special dietary requirements can be accommodated, some of which may attract a surcharge.

Drinks:

  • The bar offers a variety of beers, spirits, wines and soft drinks. No cash is required while on the islands – all chargeable items are put on a tab which is settled back at reception.
  • Guests are welcome to bring their own drinks and make use of the island’s cooling facilities. There is no corkage or similar charge.

Water:

Water is drawn straight from the lake at the island and is 100% safe to drink. Bottled water is available for sale from the bar.

Services

Island Style…. this best describes the vibe to which we are trying to contribute. Chilled. Your time is your own. Staff and guides are available at any time to assist with any matter, but we try to keep intrusions on your peace and tranquillity to a minimum.

In terms of daily routines the chalets are self-service. Long-stay guests can request a bedding change, and a hot bucket shower can be organised at any time. Chat to the staff at breakfast time if you are keen on a guided kayak excursion or forest walk.

On the islands Mother Nature provides the Wow! while we try to unobtrusively not let her down.

Boat Transfers

Domwe Island is 5km from Kayak Africa reception at Cape Maclear. Boat transfers between reception and the island run according to the Boat Transfer Schedule:

  • Mornings:
    • Depart Domwe Island for Reception 10h00
  • Afternoons:
    • Depart Reception for Domwe Island 15h00

Boat transfer times will be determined at the time of booking and will be included in the invoice.