Funky Cichlid

Top choice in Malawi

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With its cheeky logo of a cichlid clad in sunglasses, this backpacker beach resort is Cape Mac's top spot to chill by day and party by night. Cool whitewashed rooms and six- to eight-bed dorms are decorated with funky murals, with well-maintained shared ablutions and packages available including breakfast, full or half board, drinks and water sports.

Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and snorkels are available to hire, while water skiing and wakeboarding can also be arranged. Alternatively, hit the elevated beachfront terrace to recline on a wicker sofa and choose between books and board games. The kitchen (open 7am to 9pm) turns out dishes from burgers and pasta to goat curry, chambo, kampango and some interesting veggie selections (mains MK4000), with barbecues and party weekends adding to the fun during high season.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Mua, Central, Malawi, East Africa, Africa

    Chamare Museum

    27.78 MILES

    If you only visit one thing here, make it the Chamare Museum, beautifully decorated with murals depicting scenes from Malawian history. The first room…

  • Sunset is the time the fishermen go out in their dugout canoes onto the Lake of Stars (lake Malawi, Cape Maclear) For their night fishing. After the sun has gone down completely and darkness has covered the water you can still see the lights on the front of their canoes bobbing up and down in the distance.

    Lake Malawi National Park

    0.62 MILES

    Much of the area around Cape Maclear, including several offshore islands, is part of Lake Malawi National Park, one of Africa's few freshwater aquatic…

  • Kungoni Centre of Culture & Art

    Kungoni Centre of Culture & Art

    27.79 MILES

    Part of the Mua Mission, this fascinating cultural centre is made up of several exhibitions, workshops and even a botanic garden. Set up in 1976 by a…

  • Mua Mission Church

    Mua Mission Church

    27.82 MILES

    Ask at the Kungoni Centre of Culture & Art for the key to this brick building dating to 1907. The exterior has carved wooden doors and painted panels…

  • Fishing Village

    Fishing Village

    24.95 MILES

    Life in Senga Bay revolves around the sea, and there's always something happening on the beach. Go early in the morning to see the boats coming in from…

  • Kungoni Art Gallery

    Kungoni Art Gallery

    27.79 MILES

    Show­cases woodcarvings and other artwork, such as painting and embroidery. Proceeds from sales go to the local artists behind the artworks; their…

  • Stuart M Grant Tropical Fish Farm

    Stuart M Grant Tropical Fish Farm

    22.76 MILES

    About 10km south of Senga Bay is Stuart Grant’s tropical fish farm, which breeds and exports cichlids. If you’re interested you can do a half-hour tour of…

  • Carving Workshop

    Carving Workshop

    27.78 MILES

    You can watch talented artists carving exquisite sculptures at this workshop, which doubles as a centre where experienced carvers train new recruits.

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