[3] Chilumba is located approximately 154 kilometres (96 mi), by road, north of the city of Mzuzu, the headquarters of Malawi's Northern Region.

The MV Ilala a steamboat, which connects the main settlements on Lake Malawi, has Chilumba as its northernmost stop.

Once it has reached Chilumba, it starts its travel back to its base in Lusumbwe in the Southern Region of Malawi.

[8] The peninsula facing Chirwa is a typical feature with rocky shore with deep waters potentially suitable for rock diving.

Behind lies a natural boundary of forest reserve that extends to the lake through Mphiri hills to the north, ideal for horse riding.