(3 reed and wood chalets, plus a stone cottage) contact via Thorn Tree Lodge, Kasama. Tel/fax: 04 221615; email: kansato@zamnet.zm or steph@zamnet.zm
Run by Luke Powell, son of Ewart Powell (who owns Thorn Tree Lodge in Kasama), this occupies the last bay on the Zambian side of the shore. It's really Robinson Crusoe stuff – just a pure white sandy beach sheltered in its own bay. Mishembe is usually accessed by a 30-minute water-taxi from Mpulungu, but is only five minutes' boat ride from Isanga Bay Lodge, below, which can be reached by 4WD.

There's a basic stone chalet hidden on the hillside, and three simple reed chalets on wooden platforms overlooking the lake. These have en-suite showers and flush toilets. Then there's space for campers under the palm trees, amongst the baboons, monkeys and birds. Bring all your own food as the team here, including experienced 'bush chef' Boniface, will cook it for you. It's a magical beach and very good value.

The bay is ideally situated for walks up to Kalambo Falls, which is about 60 minutes each way, and there is very good snorkelling right in the bay – the visibility is about 10m.