LOOKING AT THE LAKE
Lake Malawi stretches almost 600km along Malawi’s eastern border but most of the tourist activity happens in the central area and the south. There any many options for accommodation — it all depends on your budget and tastes. The Gecko Lounge in Chembe Village has a good reputation, as does Pumulani at Mangochi. You would be looking at about R13 285 per person sharing for a week-long stay, buy it depends on your dates, so search sites such as Tripadvisor, which will lead you to the various booking sites.
Cape Maclear is the best known destination on the lake. From there you can visit Mumbo Island by taking a 30-minute boat trip and stay at the Mumbo Island Camp.
Mangochi Lakeshore, south of Cape Maclear, has the most hotels and lodges on the lake but that hardly makes it crowded. Club Makokola is a popular place to stay ( clubmak.com). Activities include water-skiing, wake-boarding, paragliding, beach volleyball — there’s even a nine-hole golf course.
Likoma Island is further north and within Mozambican waters. It is famous for its missionary-era cathedral and market. Likoma Island Divers offers Padi-certified scuba courses ( dive.mw ).
Lake Malawi is perfect for just relaxing but also for water sports year round. Kayaking is very popular, and you can paddle to eco-camps on two deserted islands in the national park (Mumbo and Domwe) and elsewhere. If you prefer, there are simple boat trips on traditional wooden and modern boats on offer at most resorts.
Cruises are offered by the main hotels — to last hours or days. Danforth Yachting at Cape Maclear
I need a self-catering bungalow within three hours’ drive from Cape Town for my husband, our autistic son and me in February.
We need a property that is well secured with high fences and lockable gates and no knick-knacks. —
Although it is not quite what you have in mind, the De Grendel Home and Learning Centre for Autistic Children and Adults (in Bothasig, phone 021 838 1139 or e-mail thysse@webmail.co.za) does take care of children on vacation. They do not offer accommodation for parents, but you could stay nearby and your son would be free to come and go as you want. The home is autistic friendly with a fulltime occupational therapist on site.
I can recommend Forest Edge, in Knysna, which is a bit further than the three hours’ drive but it is fenced in. The owners are most accommodating and may be willing to clear out any breakables. There are hiking routes in the forest next to the resort. See forestedge.co.za.