SEE & DO - CAPE MACLEAR
Cape Maclear (Chembe – Mangochi Southern Region)
Chembe is a fishing village nick named Cape Maclear by Dr David Livingstone in dedication to his friend Sir Thomas Maclear in 1861. Cape Maclear or Chembe is located in a 6km2 enclave of unprotected land, within the Lake Malawi National Park. Surrounded by green forests, mountains, rocky islands, fish sanctuaries, bird sanctuaries, beautiful lodges and one of the best swimming waters within Lake Malawi.
Cape Maclear is a backpacker haven, and as a result there’s a lot of western influence on the locals, of which majority speak English and at times with a foreign accent. Cape Maclear became well known and saw constant money coming into the area around the 1990’s, when political unrest in Zimbabwe diverted overland trucks and diverted travellers to use the Zambia route to Lilongwe, enabling everyone to experience this once hidden gem.
Cape Maclear is a good example of the constant influence from the outside world has had on the community, both positive and negative. Positive as in employment, language and interaction, negative as young locals have taken on some negative influences, such as swearing in English if they don’t get their way. Therefore if you require a tourist guide, ensure you speak to your accommodation manager and ask them to suggest a tour guide, as you’re guaranteed security as well as a great experience.
Cape Maclear also offers an unlimited experience of water sports and activities, including safari trips, boat trips, beach parties, beach bbq’s, volley ball, fishing, snorkelling and diving, bird watching and much much more.
Otter Point
This national monument is the best mainland snorkelling site situated about 2km from Chembe village and 1km inside the entrance gate to Lake Malawi National Park. The clear water is teeming with cichlids of several colours: blue, orange and yello. On land you should see rock hyrax, baboons, a variety of lizards, and if you’re lucky even a klipspringer or grysbok. Spotted-necked otters are common in the area. Entrance to the national park costs US$5 per person. You can hire snorkelling equipment in the village.
West Thumbi
Island The islands of Lake Malawi National Park offer perhaps the finest snorkelling on the lake, and West Thumbi is no exception, with Mitande Point in particular boasting one of the lake’s most diverst cichlid communities, making it a popular site with day trippers from Cape Maclear. Inexpensive snorkelling trips can be arranged through the guide assigned to your hotel, and are usually inclusive of a fish barbeque, snorkelling equipment and transport by boat (you may have to bargain).
Briggs, P. (2010). Lake Malawi National Park. In: Briggs, P Malawi. 5th ed. Connecticut: Bradt. p139 – 140.
