We spent a day and a night at Cape Maclear after a 6-hour-long, tiring drive from Senga Bay along the severely damaged M10 road, followed by the final stretch on the S128 road, which was just as rough but even narrower and steeper.
Cape Maclear is a stunning, laid-back fishing village located at the northern tip of the Nankumba Peninsula on the southern shores of Lake Malawi. Renowned as the lake’s busiest resort destination, it is celebrated for its exceptional freshwater diving, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant local culture, all set against a backdrop of lush, towering hills.
Chembe Village, the heart of Cape Maclear, is a bustling traditional community where everyday life unfolds along the lakeshore. Fishing, boat building, laundry, and children playing all take place within sight of the water, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into local life. Remarkably, the village lies entirely within the boundaries of Lake Malawi National Park—the world’s first freshwater national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The cape was named in the mid-19th century by the legendary explorer David Livingstone in honour of his close friend, the distinguished astronomer Thomas Maclear. Later, in the late 1870s, the area became the site of the original Livingstonia Mission, marking one of the earliest centres of European settlement in the region.
Parking location – Cape Maclear: 14.0324030S 34.8384823E (🚻,🅿️10,000 MWK)