5 Night Itinerary - Pumulani 3 Nights and Mumbo Island 2 Nights

Malawi is a landlocked country, running down the end of the Great Rift Valley. Dominated by Lake Malawi, the third largest lake in Africa, the surrounding country is exceptionally beautiful with dramatic scenery that includes rocky outcrops, high mountains, plateaus and views across what is considered to be Africa’s most beautiful lake. Malawi is known as the “Friendly Heart of Africa” and as a people the Malawians live up to this name. They are extremely friendly and welcoming. There are many market scenes, road side stalls, cottage industries that a visitor can comfortably visit. With both the scenery and the culture Malawi is a great country to drive in.

Combining the luxury lodge of Pumulani and the more informal atmosphere of Mumbo Island can be compared to staying at a safari lodge and then spending a few nights at a bushcamp. It makes for an excellent stay at Lake Malawi .

5 NIGHT ITINERARY

Day 1 - Pumulani - From Lilongwe Airport , the flight to Monkey Bay is one hour. On arrival at Monkey Bay you will be met and transferred to Pumulani (approx 20 minutes). Pumulani is situated on the Westside of the Nankumba Peninsula in the South end of Lake Malawi – romantically called “The Lake of Stars”. The ten villas are scattered around the hillside and are individual in shape and style but all have a spacious bedroom, bathroom and extensive sitting area. The front sliding doors open onto the deck – elevated above the ground giving optimal views.

Day 2 - Pumulani - Today you might want to go on a special picnic tour to one of the islands (not included in the rate). Our boat takes you along the shores of Lake Malawi National park – since 1984 a World Heritage site. On the way you will see many fish eagles and other interesting birds. The water is so clear that you will observe marine life from aboard the boat.

Day 3 - Pumulani - Lake Malawi is the world’s most ecologically diverse lake. Its crystal clear waters are home to more than a thousand species of fish, including hundreds of species of colourful cichlids. We offer special diving courses at the best diving spots near one of the islands. For those who are interested in the real Malawian village life we offer guided walks through one of the local villages. Malawians are renowned for being amongst the most friendly people in Africa and during your stay you will have the opportunity to meet them. You can also simply relax in the beautiful and tranquil scenery or can enjoy the many other activities.

Day 4-5 - Mumbo Island - After breakfast, and at your own time, the transfer to Mumbo Island is a boat ride in a speed boat and will take 15 minutes from Pumulani. Mumbo Island is an exclusive camp situated on a pristine and otherwise-deserted tropical island floating on the clear waters of Lake Malawi.

Day 6 - Mumbo Island - After a breakfast you will be picked up by a Pumulani boat for the short transfer (15 mins) to the lodge. From here you will have a 20 minute transfer to Monkey Bay airstrip to meet your plane.

VILLAS AT PUMULANI

The central dinning and bar area is high above the lake with the most spectacular views and leads onto an expansive deck. The infinity swimming pool is on a lower terraced deck. The lake shore bar offers light snacks as well as refreshments. Meals will be served in the dining area, on the beach or by arrangement on your private deck. The stunning setting of the lodge and the unique comfort of the rooms means that many guests choose to make relaxation their main activity, but there is enough activities available to keep guests busy.

Our remote beach setting is ideal for those who simply want to soak up the sun and swim in the clear blue waters of the lake. Those who prefer to take a dive in the swimming pool, we have a infinity swimming pool near the central dining area with grand views over the lake. For those seeking activity we offer many watersports activities like snorkelling, fishing, sailing, kayaking, waterskiing, wake boarding and fun tube rides (all motorized activities are excluded). At the end of the day climb aboard our dhow and let our experienced local crewmen take you sailing into the sunset.

Your stay at Pumulani:
Includes: Full board, laundry, bar and all non motorized water sports activities (these include snorkelling, fishing, sailing, nature/ village walks, sunset cruises on the dhow, kayaking).
Excludes: Airport taxes, scuba diving and motorized water sports (waterskiing, fun tube, picnic tours)

MUMBO ISLAND CAMP

Mumbo Island camp, run by Kayak Africa, comprises of five large twin bedded safari tents and a four bed family tent, each fully furnished with its own shaded view-deck and hammock, and blending seamlessly into the lush foliage. Each room has a thatched roof and the tents are mosquito proofed. The tents are raised on timber decks or on the high rocks that are typical around this island. There is a dining area and bar, all of timber, thatch and canvas, and adhering to the principles of eco-architecture. There are timber walk ways over the boulders between the tents and central area and the beach. The beach is private and nestled in between huge boulders. There is no electricity on the island. Lighting is by means of hurricane lanterns. Water is fire heated.

The Island lies within an exclusive concession area, in turn part of the Lake Malawi National Park, the first freshwater marine reserve in the world. Like at Pumulani the waters are so crystal clear, the diving and snorkelling are among the best in Lake Malawi. Guests can relax in tranquil surroundings with delicious cuisine, lying in hammocks or gently floating in the waters. But for the more energetic there is a variety of activities, excellent sea kayaking, snorkelling and scuba facilities. Exploring the granite islands in kayaks is great fun. Birders will enjoy the abundant fish eagles and snorkellers can view enormous numbers of the cichlid fish; these small, colourful fish have adapted to so many variations that they are considered of comparable importance to the Galapagos finches in the study of evolution.

Your stay at Mumbo Island:
Includes: Full board, laundry, bar and all non motorized water sports activities (these include snorkelling, fishing, kayaking).
Excludes: Airport taxes, scuba diving