WILDERNESS SAFARIS

Location:

Domwe 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. 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.

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. 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.

Game Viewing / Activities:

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.

	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. Laundry Policy Laundry services are free of charge. 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. 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.
	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. 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. 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.

Rates:
    Please contact us for a suggested itinerary and quote  

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