Chembe Beach, Cape Maclear
Chembe
Cape Maclear's main beach and fishing village, with guesthouses, backpacker hostels, and dive shops lining the sand. It is the base for lake trips.
Chembe is the liveliest fishing village on the southern shore of Lake Malawi. Its golden beach stretches about 2 km. At dawn you can watch fishermen haul in their nets and dry the small usipa fish. At sunset, dugout canoes returning to shore against the lake's glow are the signature scene. Along the beach you'll find several guesthouses, restaurants and bars, and shops renting snorkeling, diving, and kayaking gear. Island boats also depart from here. Guides and vendors in the village will approach you, so agree on a price before paying. The lake carries a risk of bilharzia (schistosomiasis), so if you spend long periods in the water, ask a doctor about prevention.
Opening hours
Open all day
Nearby sights
- Livingstonia Mission Graves
- Thumbi Island West
- Otter Point
- Domwe Island
- Lake Malawi National Park
- Monkey Bay
- MV Ilala Ferry
- Mumbo Island