Fat Monkeys, Lodge and campground in Nankumba, Malawi
Fat Monkeys is a lodge and campground on the shore of Lake Malawi in Cape Maclear, in the Nankumba district of Malawi. The property offers private rooms, dormitory beds, and tent pitches under large mango trees a few steps from a sandy beach.
Fat Monkeys opened in 1998, founded by three friends who named it after their shared nickname and started it as a local meeting place. Around 2009, new owners took over and expanded it into a full lodge with overnight rooms and a restaurant.
Fat Monkeys takes its name from the nickname of its founders, a detail that gives the place an informal and personal feel. Visitors gather at the open terrace to watch local fishermen on the water, which is a daily scene that connects the lodge to the rhythm of Cape Maclear.
The road to Cape Maclear can be rough, so arriving in a sturdy vehicle or a reliable bus makes the trip much easier. It is also worth carrying cash, as card payments are accepted at the lodge but nearby shops and services may not offer the same option.
Dogs are welcome on a leash, which makes this one of the few places in the region where travelers with pets can stay comfortably. Each tent pitch also has access to an electrical outlet, a detail that sets this campground apart from most others along the lake.
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