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Malawi - Places To Stay

Malawi is one of Africa's smallest countries, a hidden gem untouched by mass tourism. The beautiful Lake Malawi is without a doubt the country's biggest attraction. The lake's warm freshwater makes it a popular year-round location for scuba diving, kayaking, sailing and water-sking. The highland and forest areas provide a wide range of terrain ideal for hiking, trekking, mountain biking and horse riding. The combination of landscape, wildlife, the Lake, and the friendly people makes Malawi one of Africa's most amazing countries.


Lake Malawi
Lake Malawi is one of the world's top freshwater dive destinations, which also offers hidden and unspoilt tropical islands for relaxation and beach-based holidays. The mostly water-based activities are endless, from kayaking and sailing to scuba-diving and mountain biking its shores. Lake Malawi National Park is the world's first freshwater national park and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lake Malawi has some unique and fabulous lodges worth exploring for those special holidays, such as honeymoons or anniversaries. Lodges are small and intimate located on the edge of the lake or on one of the remote islands. Below you will find a selection of our preferred lodges carefully selected with our responsible travel philosophy in mind.

Lake Malawi
Cape Maclear - Danforth lodge at Cape Maclear is surrounded by islands, this is one of the most beautiful locations on this magnificent lake. Danforth is both a Malawi yacht charter company and a luxury lodge, focusing on sailing and water sports. This family friendly lodge is owner managed and offer personal service. The focus is on sailing and watersports and the lodge has its own yacht, Mufasa, available for hire. The lodge has en-suite rooms and Mufasa has double cabins.
Lake Malawi
Likoma Island, Northeast Lake Malawi - One of the most romantic locations in Africa, Kaya Mawa is located on Likoma Island in Lake Malawi. With breathtaking views of the mountains and wilderness of Mozambique, Likoma remains almost untouched since its discovery by Scottish missionaries at the end of the nineteenth century. Comprising of stone and thatch cottages, built by local craftsmen using local materials. The site is stunningly beautiful with a white sandy beach, crystal clear water and surrounded by mango trees and baobabs.
Lake Malawi
Northern Lake Malawi - Makuzi Beach Lodge offers something for everyone; be it soaking up the sun on a secluded beach, exploring the spectacular natural surroundings, or enjoying a variety of watersports. All of the chalets are tastefully furnished and have en suite facilities. All of them overlook the beach and the warm, clear waters of Lake Malawi are metres away.
Lake Malawi
Mumbo Island, Cape Maclear - This exclusive Kayak Africa camp is situated on a pristine tropical island in Lake Malawi. Mumbo Island is located within an exclusive concession area, guaranteeing privacy in tropical island paradise. The camp is constructed entirely of timber, thatch and canvas, and adheres to the strictest principles of eco-architecture. The chalets have shaded decks with hammocks, and en-suite bathrooms with bucket showers and eco loos. A dining area, bar & sundowner deck and a watersport gazebo complete the camp's infrastructure.
Lake Malawi
Mozambican shore, Lake Malawi - Nkwichi Lodge is a genuine unspoilt wilderness. The beach on the shores of Lake Malawi with its fine, white sand is the central feature around which the lodge has been built. The main lodge building has a dining room raised high on a platform providing views out over the lake. The chalets are cleverly tucked into the trees along the lakeshore providing unique views across the crystal clear water. The chalets all vary in size and design depending on their setting but are all made of local wood, stone and grass thatch.
Lake Malawi
Nankumba Peninsula, Southern Lake Malawi - Pumulani is an exclusive beach lodge on the protected shores of Lake Malawi. Opened in July 2008, it is the only luxury accommodation set within Lake Malawi National Park, and the lodge provide the highest possible level of service. The individually-designed villas spread out along a lush hillside overlooking the lake. The villas provide the ultimate in design and comfort. Their distinctive grass roofs reflect the heat of the African sun while the simple and elegant interiors ensure comfort and privacy.The restaurant serves the finest international cuisine taking advantage of fresh local ingredients. Guests can choose to eat either inside, or outside on the deck overlooking the lake.
Lake Malawi
Senga Bay Forest Reserve - The isolated Safari Beach Lodge is set right on the edge of Lake Malawi, on a quiet private beach surrounded by boulders and trees. From the viewing deck you have a stunning view over Leopard Bay with its spectacular sunsets and the local fishermen in their dugout canoes. Accommodation consists of air-conditioned rooms in the main lodge building or free standing chalets with private verandas and beautiful views across the garden. Some chalets have extra beds and are suitable for families.


Central Malawi
Central Malawi is home to Lilongwe, the country's capital and gateway to Malawi's more remote and exotic attractions. Most of the region is part of the Central African Plateau, crossed by numerous rivers. Just an hour from the capital, Dzalanyama Forest Reserve provide some of the best bird watching in the country. Further north is another birding hotspot, the Ntchisi Forest Reserve, one of the only two remaining montane forests in Malawi. The Viphya Higlands provide the ideal terrain for trekking, mountain biking and various other activities.

Lodges are small, intimate and family-run establishments with a true African feel. Below you will find a selection of our preferred lodges carefully selected with our responsible travel philosophy in mind.

Central Malawi
Dedza Village - Dedza Pottery is famous as the largest hand crafted pottery production in Southern Africa. The Dedza village lies south of Dedza Mountain on the Central African Plateau which fringes the Great Rift Valley. The lodge with simple but comfortable en-suite rooms, is set in the pottery gardens next to the award winning restaurant with stunning views of the Dedza landscape. Both the lodge and the restaurant have wheelchair access.
Central Malawi
Lilongwe - Heuglin's Lodge is a privately managed guesthouse situated in the leafy residential suburbs of Lilongwe. This attractive rabling house is named after the Heuglin's Robin, often seen in the garden. The guest house is ideal to use as base whilst exploring the Lilongwe area, or as a stop over before or after a safari. The standard bedrooms offer either en-suite or shared facilities. Full catering is available from two chefs and there is a swimming pool set in the lush garden. There is a large comfortable lounge with its own wildlife library and a self service bar with television.
Central Malawi
Lilongwe - Kumbali Country Lodge, situated on a 650ha working farm, is an exclusive and private lodge near Lilongwe. Their thatched chalets are spacious and comfortable with all the needed facilities. The bar and intimate dining room offer a varied menu of excellent cuisine complemented by fresh vegetables and dairy produce from the farm.
Central Malawi
Viphya Highlands - Luawa Forest Lodge is set in the unspoilt wilderness of the Viphya Plateau. The lodge overlooks a large lake and the picturesque Luwawa Valley. Various room options are available and the accommodation is plain and rustic, but comfortable and clean. Tasty meals are prepared using fresh organic vegetables grown on the farm. Situated in a forest reserve with a combination of pine and indigenous woodland, it has a varied habitat which sustains a large variety of birds and some highland wildlife. Luwawa is renowned for its prolific birdlife and antelope can be seen close to the lodge. The area is malaria free and there are plenty of activities which makes it ideals for family holidays.
Central Malawi
Lilongwe - Ntchisi Forest Reserve is an untouched paradise, entirely undiscovered by mass tourism. Ntchisi Forest Lodge sits on the escarpment of the East African Rift Valley. The lodge itself is an historical colonial building dating from 1914 (making it one of Malawi's oldest buildings) so it is ideal for cosy evenings relaxing by a roaring log fire and soaking up the old-world charm. The accommodation at Ntchisi Lodge is a little rustic, but rooms are comfortable and clean. Bird life is prolific and this is an excellent destination for the professional or amateur bird watcher due to the variety of habitats.


Southern Malawi
Southern Malawi is the country's most populated, developed and varied region, and home to Blantyre, the commercial "capital" of Malawi. Much of the Southern region is dominated by the River Shire that flows from Lake Malawi through Liwonde National Park, attracting game that can easily be viewed along the river banks. To the east lie vast areas of tea estates, stretching all the way to the foot of Mount Mulanje, one of Africa's highest peaks. The Mulanje Massif rises to nearly 3000m and offers anything from gentle walks to serious climbing.

The accommodation options are endless, ranging from remote luxury safari camps to traditional colonial bungalows located on some of the country's largest tea estates. Below you will find a selection of our preferred lodges carefully selected with our responsible travel philosophy in mind.

Southern Malawi
Liwonde National Park - Mvuu Camp is situated downstream from Mvuu Wilderness Lodge, on the banks of the Shire River. The camp is larger than the more exclusive Wilderness lodge and more suitable for families with even a playground for children. The chalets are a clever mix of stone and canvas specifically designed as family units.

Mvuu Camp offers a wide range of options including camping, self-catering and full board rates, as well as a range of activities. The river safaris are a wonderful way of viewing the exceptionally large hippo pods.
Southern Malawi
Liwonde National Park - Mvuu Wilderness Lodge is situated in the Liwonde National Park. Mvuu means hippo in Tonga and the name epitomises the large numbers of pods that float in the river. In this lush and fertile area an excellent diversity of animals, including elephant, sable antelope and waterbuck, and birdlife, specials include Palmnut vulture, Bohm's bee-eater, Osprey, Brown-breasted barbet and Pel's fishing owl, can be seen.

Mvuu Wilderness Lodge is small and intimate lodge set in a stunning secluded location on the banks of the Shire River. The luxury & spacious tents all have en-suite bathroom facilities with bath and outdoor shower and their own private viewing platforms overhanging the lagoon. Away from the tents is a raised dining area with a wildlife library. The best way to explore the area is by boat safari, to view some of the highest densities of hippo in Africa.
Southern Malawi
Blantyre - The Satemwa Tea Estate has spectacular views across the rolling tea gardens including views down to the Lower Shire Valley. Step back into the lifestyle of early tea planters, and a former more leisurely period where the pace of life was seemingly stress-free.

Huntingdon House and Chawani Bungalow have been recently refurbished in partnership with Ulendo Safaris. Originally the family home built by Maclean Kay in 1928, Huntingdon House exudes a colonial charm and unique character. This magnificent house forms the heart of Satemwa Tea Estate and is surrounded by sprawling manicured gardens with secret patios and terraces. The house has been tastefully refurbished offering 5 unique suites, each individually decorated to reflect the quirks and character of this grand residence. Different parts of the house have a story to tell from the original children's nursery to the resident priests quarters and private Chapel. Chawani Bungalow has been sensitively refurbished to retain its rustic character and charm. It offers 4 comfortable double/twin rooms either on a catered basis with superb meals prepared by locals chefs or self-catering.

The unique rainforest on Thyolo Mountain was once home to several endangered bird species like the alethe cholensis, white winged apalis and the green headed oriole. Extensive deforestation has reduced the rainforest to a minimum, and the protected part within the Estate has become the final refuge for the last few pairs of these remarkable birds. Watch the sunset from a beautiful picnic spot high up on the mountain with views of Mount Mulanje and the Shire River.
Southern Malawi
Zomba Plateau - Zomba Forest Lodge is the ideal retreat to access the numerous walking and hiking trails on Zomba Plateau. On the mountain there are wide expanses of cedar, pine and cypress as well as a mixture of other vegetation. The plateau top is criss-crossed by streams with many waterfalls and lakes. The old colonial house, set in spacious grounds and half way up the popular Zomba Plateau (2,000m), is botanically maintained to attract a wide variety of birds and butterflies that frequent this habitat and altitude. It is now converted into a quirky & authentic lodge that is a little rough around the edges. However the en-suite bedrooms combined with a cozy lounge area with large fireplace and a dining room area make it a very comfortable retreat.

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