Domwe Island Adventure Camp

Domwe Island Adventure Camp is committed to preserving the island’s ecology and supporting the local community. The camp uses solar, paraffin and wind-up lighting, dry composter toilets, lake water for showering and washing, gas or rocket stove for cooking, and biodegradable products for cleaning. All waste is separated and taken back to the mainland for composting, burning or recycling. The wood and thatch for the decks are sourced from local and sustainable sources. The camp also employs local staff and supports local businesses. The camp is part of Kayak Africa, an adventure-safari operator that has a strong focus on sustainability and green principles. Kayak Africa has installed solar panels at their reception in Cape Maclear, which provide power for their office, fridges, freezers and lights. They also use solar water heaters and energy-efficient appliances. Kayak Africa has planted over 10,000 indigenous trees around Cape Maclear to combat deforestation and soil erosion. Kayak Africa also supports the Lake Malawi National Park authorities in their conservation efforts, such as monitoring fish populations, removing invasive species and conducting environmental education.

Domwe Island Adventure Camp is part of Kayak Africa, an adventure-safari operator that works closely with the local community in Cape Maclear and beyond. Kayak Africa supports various community projects, such as education, health care, waste management and environmental awareness. Some of their initiatives include:
Building and equipping a primary school in Chembe village, which provides education for over 800 children.
Sponsoring secondary school students from Cape Maclear to attend boarding schools in other parts of Malawi.
Supporting the Billy Riordan Memorial Clinic, which provides free medical care for over 20,000 people in Cape Maclear and surrounding areas.
Supporting the Chembe Project Trust, which runs a recycling centre, a composting site, a tree nursery and a community garden in Chembe village.
Supporting the Chembe Eagles Football Club, which promotes sportsmanship and social cohesion among the youth in Chembe village.
Kayak Africa also empowers local people by providing them with training and employment opportunities. They employ over 100 staff members from Cape Maclear and surrounding areas, who work as managers, guides, chefs, cleaners, boat drivers and maintenance workers. They also provide micro-loans to their staff members who want to start or expand their own businesses. Kayak Africa also sources most of their supplies from local producers and vendors, such as fishermen, farmers, bakers and craftsmen.