Monkey
Bay and Cape Maclear
The
M.V. Illala sails from her homeport of Monkey Bay - one of the
most popular destinations in Africa for backpackers and overlanders.
The town is built around harbour installations, with spectacular
views over the wooded lakeshore. It throbs with life on departure
on arrival days and attracts huge crowds of well-wishers as well
as passengers. From Monkey Bay, most travellers make their way
to the beaches at Cape Maclear.
The drive to Cape Maclear from Monkey Bay is through beautiful
sunlit forest, preserved Lake Malawi National Park, which extends
into the Lake, including nine islands, and offers shelter to some
of the most spectacular fish in Africa. These underwater butterflies
of the lake go by the local name of Mbuna - enchanting and delightfully
coloured fish that can be seen particularly easily in this area
of the lake.
Stretched out along the stunning beaches at this lovely spot,
are a variety of establishments offering low cost accommodation,
good food, cold beer - and plenty of fun. Inside the park is Golden
Sands Restcamp right on the beach at Otter Point. Stevens' Resthouse
is legendary wherever overlanders gather to remember their travels.
There is a variety of cheap accommodation on offer and filling
food and beer on the beach. Top Quiet Resthouse is similar to
Stevens'.
Kayak
Africa, located near Stevens', take their clients on
well organised overnight trips out to the islands in sea kayaks
with diving and snorkelling options.
Chembe
Lodge is the most up-market place to stay in the area
with good gardens and a tented camp right at the end of the bay.
The catamaran (and the company) Hello Afrika is based here, arranging
everything from sundowner cruises to three day trips.
