Our Favourite Lodges in Malawi

Our Favourite Lodges in Malawi

Known as 'The Warm Heart of Africa', Malawi is often overlooked compared to the more well known travel destinations in Southern Africa, but is a much loved holiday spot nonetheless. Much of its popularity can be attributed to the stunning range of lodges across the country, here's a few of our favourites. 

Kaya Mawa

Located on a beautiful beach on the tiny Likoma Beach in the heart of Lake Malawi, Kaya Mawa is regarded as one of the most unique and isolated destinations in Malawi. Measuring just 17 square kilometres, Likoma Island is full of huge baobab trees and surrounded by beautiful sandy beaches and rocky coves. The crystal-clear waters surrounding Kaya Mawa make this an excellent location for water sports ranging from diving and snorkelling to a gentle kayak trip, and with the diverse range of freshwater fish, the waters around Kaya Mawa are known for offering the best diving experiences in the area.

The lodge itself is built around a rocky outcrop which juts into the lake with two beaches and stunning views of the sea below. This intimate lodge can only accommodate a maximum of 26 guests, and each cottage has its own unique style with some of the rooms being naturally decorated with parts of the rocks, trees and headlands from the island. Five of the rooms at Kaya Mawa have two bedrooms, making them an ideal location for family holidays, especially as the lodge is very accommodating for children.

Mkulumadzi

Mkulumadzi enjoys an idyllic location amongst 7,000 hectares of Majete Wildlife Reserve, offering guests a chic, contemporary retreat set against the rugged and untouched bush. The lodge’s location within Majete makes it the perfect base for a range of exciting game viewing opportunities, with a diverse range of wildlife including leopard, black rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo and zebra.

Once you cross a suspension bridge over the Mkulumadzi River you’ll reach the luxurious lodge tucked away in the riverine forest and shaded by giant leadwood and wild mango trees, offering complete privacy. Mkulumadzi is home to eight beautiful chalets, all with spacious bedrooms and lounge areas, en-suite bathrooms with outdoor showers and a private deck offering stunning views of the Shire River. Keeping in the tradition of Robin Pope Safaris’ properties, the activity range at Mkulumadzi is excellent. Activities from the lodge include game-drives, boating safaris, bush walks, hiking up Majete Hill, rhino tracking and cultural tours. 

Mvuu Lodge

Malawi’s original safari camp, Mvuu Lodge is known for being the land of the hippos, the word ‘mvuu’ actually translates to hippo in the local language. The lodge sits on the banks of a peaceful lagoon off the Shire River, overlooking the backwaters where the enormous creatures come to feed. There are eight tented cottages at Mvuu Lodge including one romantic honeymoon suite, all have been recently refurbished with a rustic, homely feel. The tents are spacious and comfortable, all with their own private decks offering peaceful views of the waters below.

Activities at Mvuu Lodge include boat safaris, guided bush walks, birding and trips to nearby villages and Nanthomba School. The lodge also provides traditional day and night game drives, including the “rhino walk” which offers the opportunity to view the endangered Black Rhino in its natural habitat. On request, guests can also visit one of the resident conservation projects and experience life as a wildlife researcher.

Pumulani Lodge

Hidden in the forested hills and creeping out from the rocks over Lake Malawi is Pumulani Lodge, the perfect place to escape to and relax after a busy safari in Malawi or Zambia. This rustic beach getaway has 10 villas, all individually designed to seamlessly blend in with their unique surroundings. Large bedrooms open out onto private decks overlooking the lake. The bathrooms also feature marvellous views and are equipped with a double shower and standalone bathtub. Each villa also features a separate lounge area. 

Pumulani is primarily a relaxing beach retreat but for the more active traveller a wooden dhow and two speedboats are available for activities on Lake Malawi, and sunset river cruises, diving, snorkelling, kayaking, and water-skiing can all be arranged.

Tongole Wilderness Lodge

Situated deep in the woodland of the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, this small lodge houses just 4 cottages which all sit on a bend on the river and blend in with their natural surroundings. Each room offers panoramic views of the river and are a cool and breezy haven during the heat of the day, with the raised wooden decks being a perfect place to relax and watch the forest wildlife go by.

Tongole Wilderness Lodge operates with relaxation and adventure in mind, leaving guests complete freedom to decide how they want to spend their time. Rather than racing around on a game vehicle ticking off animals here you are free to take a slow safari, stopping to explore the flora and fauna on a guided walk, taking a hike to waterfall or canoeing on the forest-fringed river.