"Cape MacLear" Cape Maclear by frockland

Cape Maclear Travel Guide: 71 reviews and 267 photos

Cape MacLear is the place which most travellers will visit at least once while they are in Malawi.
Its located on the north western cost of Nankubamba Peninsula about 20 kilometres from Monkey Bay. There is a village called Chembe and The Lake Malawi National Park, but both places are known as Cape MacLear.
Chembe village is spread along the coastline with its sandy beaches. There are many backpackers going since more than 25 Years.
The sunsets at Cape MacLear are the most impressive in Malawi!

Mac Beth or Mohamed?

I met him the first time in 1992. He called himself "Mac Beth" and his brother "Duncan". "My father liked Shakespeare!" He was the most charming guy around and I enjoyed doing some daytrips and BBQs with him. In 1995 he was divorced from his wife and drunk all the time. Two years later he called himself Mohamed was consuming lots drugs and didn t remember me anymore.

Coastline of Chembe Village

There is also another side of this peaceful place, I was not aware of: In Chembe Village are about 11.000 - 15.000 people living. 1.500 of them are orphans!!! There is starvation, Bilharzia and HIV! If you are bored of hanging around on the beach, visit the guys of the "Chembe Aids Project" . They are happy to explain to you their work and the massive difficulties they are facing! Things have changed here recently and its not like the homepage showing ... more soon

Pros and Cons

Pros:Beautiful beaches,indescribable sunsets, friendly locals
Cons:many tourists, no public transport
In a nutshell:This place could have been quite close to paradise

Last visit to Cape Maclear: Jun 2004
Intro Updated Aug 11, 2004
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Reviews (23)

Chembe Aids Project Things to Do (4)

Ist not at typical tourist highlight but if you are bored of hanging around on the beaches or you need a break from... more travel advice

Huh - Expensive! Hotels (7)

If you need a luxurious up market place and you can afford it: this is the place to be! Everything you desire can be... more travel advice

The Projects Place Hotels (7)

Chikonde Lodge is part of the Chembe Aids Project. There are 7 small double rooms and a cramped dorm. The rooms are... more travel advice

Friendly Place Hotels (7)

Emanuel`s is one of the older places in Chembe Village. There are basic rooms for 3 US $ with common shower and toilet.... more travel advice

Restaurants (2)
See All Exellent food
What to Pack (1)
Torch
Off The Beaten Path (2)
See All Mawala Wa Mphini
Favorites (1)
Waiting for the ferry

Transportation (2)
See All Potholes
Warnings and Dangers (2)
See All Fresh water?
Tourist Traps (1)
Lake Malawi National Park
Sports & Outdoors (1)
Scuba diving

Travelogues (4)

1 - 4 of 4

Comments (7)

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taigaa001 May 22, 2011 at 6:26 PM

I have never been to Africa so your page about life and nature around lake Malawi interests me. I am also impressed in CAP project. Keep good work.
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lizziewenz Mar 9, 2008 at 3:15 AM

This place has got a bit overpriced (ie the same price as everywhere else but lower standards). This wouldn't be my first choice!
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mtncorg Aug 13, 2004 at 9:39 AM

Great pages for the Lake malawi-bound traveller. Both natural sights and human.
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sachara Jul 25, 2004 at 7:20 AM

Nice page, bringing back good memories of Lake Malawi. Interesting updates.
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d_d Apr 15, 2003 at 3:18 AM

Nice and helpful page! I like those landscapes!
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zentrinko Jan 21, 2003 at 8:02 AM

Another terrific page, just excellent pics and tips that help the viewer learn about this area
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ExGuyParis Jan 14, 2003 at 7:54 AM

Looks quite beautiful. A very sad story about Mac Beth: I guess he decided "not to be"!