About Cape Maclear / Lake Malawi National Park
One of Africa's Great Lakes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's famous for crystal-clear waters, incredible snorkeling among hundreds of colorful cichlid fish species, and beautiful sandy beaches. Cape Maclear is the most popular spot along the lake.
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season) offers the best visibility for snorkelling and diving, with warm days and cool evenings. September and October are the hottest months. November to April is the rainy season — the lake is warmer but visibility drops. December to February sees the most rain.
Activities
Experiences at Cape Maclear / Lake Malawi National Park
Birdwatching
MWK 5,000-15,000 (guided walk or boat trip)
Kayaking
MWK 5,000-15,000
Sailing
MWK 10,000-30,000
Scuba diving
$45 - $150
Snorkelling
Free (own gear) or MWK 3,000-5,000 rental
Where to Stay
Accommodation at Cape Maclear / Lake Malawi National Park
Cape Mac Lodge
Mid-Range
USD 30-80 per night
A popular mid-range lodge right on the beach at Cape Maclear. Offers en-suite rooms with lake views, a beachfront bar …
Chembe Eagles Nest
Mid-Range
USD 25-60 per night
A well-established lodge right on the beach with en-suite rooms and a popular restaurant serving fresh lake fish. Offers snorkel …
Domwe Island Adventure Camp
Eco Camp
USD 30-60 per person per night
A unique eco-camp on Domwe Island, accessible by kayak or boat from Cape Maclear. Sleep in simple shelters on the …
Fat Monkeys
Budget
USD 8-20 per person per night
A lively backpacker lodge on the beach with affordable dorms and private rooms. Known for its social atmosphere, bar, and …
Gecko Lounge
Mid-Range
USD 50-100 per night
A stylish boutique lodge set among the rocks at the quieter end of the beach. Offers beautifully designed chalets with …
Malambe Camp
Budget
USD 5-15 per person per night
A simple, affordable beach camp popular with overland trucks and budget travellers. Offers camping, basic huts, and dorms. Communal kitchen …
Mgoza Lodge
Mid-Range
$30–80/night
A welcoming mid-range lodge set back slightly from the beach in a quiet garden. Offers comfortable en-suite rooms with mosquito …
Mumbo Island Camp
Eco Camp
USD 80-150 per person per night (all-inclusive)
An exclusive eco-camp on tiny Mumbo Island within the national park. Raised tent platforms with open sides offer panoramic lake …
Thumbi View Lodge
Mid-Range
USD 25-60 per night
Named for its stunning views of Thumbi Island, this friendly lodge offers simple but clean rooms with lake views. The …
Getting There
Cape Maclear is approximately 3 hours from Lilongwe by road. Drive south to Monkey Bay (paved road) then take the turn-off to Cape Maclear (gravel road, 18 km). Regular minibuses run from Lilongwe to Monkey Bay, and matola pick-up trucks connect Monkey Bay to Cape Maclear. Some lodges offer transfers from Lilongwe.
Practical Tips
Know before you go
National Park Fees
Cape Maclear falls within Lake Malawi National Park. Entry fees apply: approximately USD 10 per person per day for international visitors. Fees are payable at the park gate. Keep your receipt as it may be checked.
Cash is King
Cape Maclear has no ATMs and very limited card facilities. Bring enough Malawian Kwacha for your stay. The nearest ATMs are in Monkey Bay town (18 km away).
Bilharzia Awareness
Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present in Lake Malawi. Risk is highest in shallow, weedy areas near the shore. Swimming off rocky points or from boats in deeper water carries lower risk. A single dose of Praziquantel taken 6-8 weeks after exposure treats the infection effectively.
Water Safety
The lake is generally calm but conditions can change quickly, especially in the afternoon when winds pick up. Always wear a life jacket on boat trips. Currents around the islands can be strong. Avoid swimming at night.