Thumbi Island West
Thumbi West Island
The nearest island beyond Chembe Bay, about 15 minutes away by boat. The waters around it are Cape Maclear's classic cichlid snorkelling spot.
Thumbi West Island is about 2 kilometres northwest of Chembe Beach, in the national park's core zone. Along its rocky shoreline gather many colourful mbuna cichlids. Guides often use bread to attract the fish, so snorkellers end up surrounded by schools of them. Half-day island-hopping tours usually include snorkelling and a grilled fish lunch on the island. You can also paddle there by kayak, which takes about 30 to 45 minutes. The island has monkeys and monitor lizards and requires a national park entry ticket. Some boat operators include African fish eagle feeding shows.
Opening hours
Open daytime (boat access required; national park entrance ticket)
Nearby sights
- Otter Point
- Livingstonia Mission Graves
- Chembe Beach, Cape Maclear
- Domwe Island
- Mumbo Island
- Lake Malawi National Park
- Monkey Bay
- MV Ilala Ferry