A gateway to the warm heart of Malawi, this hotel is situated in the central business district of Blantyre and ideal for business travelers and holidaymakers alike. Since Protea Hotel by Marriott Blantyre Ryalls is in the financial hub of Malawi and only 15 minutes from the airport, corporate guests don’t need to travel far to get their business done. We have spacious, elegant and comfortable en suite rooms with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and a satellite TV. In fact, it is one of the most technologically advanced hotels in the country. It’s a hotel that complements your travel style. The hotel has excellent wining and dining facilities, and offers an ideal venue for conferencing and banquets. Guests can also relax by our pool or work up a sweat at our fitness center.
1 Night
Bed and Breakfast
Overlooking tumbling rapids at the confluence of the Shire and Mkulumadzi (sometimes written 'Mukulumadzi' or even 'Mkurumadzi') rivers, is the smart and solidly built Mkulumadzi Lodge. Opened in 2011, it is owned by Robin Pope Safaris and incorporates some innovative 'eco' ideas. The lodge is located in a 70km2 private concession, within the newly revitalised Majete Wildlife Reserve.
Majete Wildlife Reserve was proclaimed in 1955 and covers 700km2. In 2003 it was taken under the management of the African Parks network, which has done great work to ensure the long-term viability of the park and its wildlife. The reserve is home to the ‘big five’, including a very small population of lion and leopard, which seem to be breeding and gradually establishing themselves. It already has good populations of antelope and very varied birdlife. Environmentally, Majete benefits from a variety of dry-land habitats, from miombo woodland to small kopjes, while riverine woodlands line some of the waterways – which themselves vary from a placid lake to sections of bubbling rapids and ephemeral tributaries.
On arrival at Mkulumadzi, guests cross a suspension bridge over the Mkulumadzi River. The extensive main area, under a high thatched roof, has one side completely open to the river – supported by huge old leadwood trunks. Tastefully decorated and accessorised in a classic and contemporary style, it has indoor and outdoor dining areas, a bar lined by bar stools, and seating areas on different levels, all with views of the river. To one side you’ll find a small curio shop and a swimming pool, surrounded by a wooden deck with sunbeds and umbrellas.
The eight spacious chalets at Mkulumadzi are spread out along a high riverbank overlooking the Shire River, shaded by giant leadwood and wild mango trees, and affording total privacy. All are furnished in a contemporary style using locally sourced materials, and all except one have vegetated roofs planted with indigenous succulents and grasses. This helps them to blend into the environment and also keeps the rooms cool in summer. By contrast, the honeymoon suite has a traditional high thatched roof.
2 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 8
Special Interests: Big 5, Birding, Flora, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Originally the family home built by Maclean Kay in 1928, Huntingdon House exudes a colonial charm and unique character that cannot be recreated. This magnificent house forms the heart of Satemwa Tea Estate and is surrounded by sprawling manicured gardens with secret patios and terraces waiting to be discovered by guests. As one of Malawis first land claims registered in 1874, Satemwa Tea Estate is undoubtedly among the countries most respected and established tea and coffee producers managed and operated by third generation members of the Cathcart Kay family. Chip, one of Maclean Kays sons, and his wife Dawn, live on the estate and Huntingdons guests are invited to step back in time and share some of Chips wonderful memories of his family home, discover the multitude of teas exported from the estate, and hear the fascinating history of Satemwa Tea Estate. The house has been tastefully refurbished to offer 5 unique suites, each individually decorated to reflect the quirks and character of this grand residence. Each area of the house has a story of its own from the original childrens nursery to the resident priests quarters and private Chapel. Guests are encouraged to share the colorful history of one of Malawis oldest homes while being spoilt by our team of professional staff.
2 Nights
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Situated high above Zomba, the historic old colonial capital of Malawi and fondly referred to as an Island in the Sky, Sunbird Ku Chawe sits comfortably on the rim of Zomba plateau. It shares its views over Africa with a unique high tropical micro-climate and a huge bio-diversity of birds and animals. The recently completed dam has brought further species and new attractions. Zomba Mountain rises to nearly 7000ft (2000m) and has some of Africa’s most stunning views, including those of Mulanje Mountain.
Sunbird Ku Chawe has 37 rooms with en suite facilities, satellite television and telephones. All rooms have comforting log fires to keep guests warm during the cold winter nights when the high plateau is more reminiscent of Scotland than of tropical Africa.Enjoy superb cuisine on the sunny patio or in the elegant dining room. With an array of fresh herbs, vegetables and mountain berries at hand, meals at Ku Chawe are a feast to the eyes and a pleasure on the palate. On weekends, guests drive in from all over Malawi for the hotel’s famous mountainside barbecues.
The hotel also has secluded and very quite boardroom style facilities especially suited for discussion groups, workshops and seminars.
Take in the beautiful views up on the plateau at famous spots such as William’s Falls or the Queens View, with an impressive view of Malawi’s southern region. Close to Zomba is the Liwonde National Park with elephant, hippo and crocodile in abundance. Another hour’s drive to Southern Lake Malawi allows many possibilities of
1 Night
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Mvuu Lodge overlooks a tranquil lagoon just off the Shire River with the main lounge area set high above the water in an area of captivating variety and beauty. It has an extensive wildlife library and telescope to make the most of the exceptional bird and other life that moves around the river. Mvuu means “hippo” in Tonga and the name epitomises the large numbers of pods of these water-loving mammals that float in the river. In this lush and fertile area, an excellent diversity of animals can be seen.
Accommodation comprises eight luxury tents, one of which is a romantic honeymoon suite. Each tent has en-suite bathroom facilities and its own deck built to look over the water. Lodge facilities include a dining room, pub, lounge area and a swimming pool.
Activities include boat safaris, nature walks, treks & trails birding, and traditional game drives by day and night. No visit to Mvuu is complete without a visit to one of the villages on its boundaries to experience authentic African village life.
2 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
Mumbo is a pristine island in Lake Malawi National Park which, with its crystal clear waters and innumerable species of cichlid fish, offers some of the best freshwater scuba diving in the world and the best snorkelling on the Lake. The island lies 10km north-west of Cape Maclear, where reception and the nearest point of road access is located. The camp comprises five units (two twin tents and three twin reed chalets) perched on rocks high above the water shaded by lush foliage, each with bucket showers, ‘eco-loos’ and wooden deck. A hammock provides a comfortable spot to take in the idyllic Lake view. A twin-tented family unit is tucked into the forest near the main beach. There is a dining area, bar and watersport gazebo of timber and thatch. Activities here vary from lazing in a hammock to snorkelling, diving, swimming, kayaking, walking and birdwatching. Guests have the option of boating or paddling to explore the granitic islands of the Lake.
2 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
The perfect getaway for nature lovers looking for a combination of adventure and relaxation in a tranquil, private setting. Exclusively situated on Nankoma Island, a wild paradise in Lake Malawi National Park (UNESCO World Heritage site). Unobtrusive and eco-friendly, operating on solar power.
Offering a unique and sustainable travel experience, Blue Zebra is a conservation driven lodge working with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife in Malawi to protect three islands making up the Marelli group: Nankoma, Maleri, and Nakantenga. These uninhabited islands are home to a vast array of fresh water fish, including some of the most rare and colourful in the world. They support diverse flora and fauna and are a bird watcher's paradise.
Accommodation: a unique set-up with 9 en-suite safari-style tented chalets, 1 forest-set Pitta Cottage, and 1 Superior Family Cottage overlooking Lake Malawi. Secluded executive chalets boast stunning views from private balconies. The chalets are set in an unspoiled environment, immersed in nature.
Facilities: spa, infinity pool, cocktail bar, restaurant, games room, meetings room, curio shop.
Activities: nature trails, birding, kayaking, snorkeling, water-sports, sunset cruise.
Just a 2 hour drive from Lilongwe, this is a great combination with Zambian Safaris as well as various wildlife parks in Malawi.
1 Night
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 11
Special Interests: Adventure, Beach / Coastal, Birding, Flora, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Watersports
