Luwawa Forest Lodge is nestled in the beautifully tranquil Viphya mountains (1700m), one of most scenic locations in the north of Malawi. The Lodge is only 8 km off of the M1 in an area renowned for its variety of colourful birdlife and wild flowers where bushbuck are frequently seen.
The lodge has been operating for over 20 years and specialises in outdoor adventure offering mountain biking, hiking trails, rock climbing, abseiling, canoeing, fishing, birding, orienteering, forest fitness. There are also many opportunities to explore beautiful indigenous woodland, the highland plateau and rural Malawi life on the one of the many signposted circular walks. Alternatively you can relax and let nature come to you from the comfort of your condi or patio.
The comfortable and spacious family accommodation, restaurant and bar facilities alongside outdoor adventure activities make it an ideal place for a family holiday.
A stay at Luwawa Forest Lodge will compliment the typical African safari or beach holiday experience.
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The Lodge CondiCredit: Luwawa Forest LodgeEnjoy a coffee on our Condi with its sweeping views of our beautiful Lodge garden and listen to the birdsong
Chalet 1Credit: Luwawa Forest LodgeWe have four lovely two-bedroom chalets, each with its own condi and views over the beautiful expansive Lodge garden
Self-catering cottagesCredit: Luwawa Forest LodgeThere are one-, two- and three-bedroomed fully equipped self catering cottages in the grounds of the Lodge.
Cedar Cottage bedroomCredit: Luwawa Forest LodgeA good night’s sleep is assured. Nature’s alarm clock will wake you gently in the morning.
Panoramic Luwawa Dam ViewCredit: Luwawa Forest LodgeThe Luwawa Damn is a wonder area to walk around, sit by and relax, hire one of the Lodge Kayaks to paddle on or even try your hand at fishing in!
Walking with BobCredit: Luwawa Forest LodgeThere are numerous mountain biking and walking routes to suit all capabilities from the easy 2km family walk to a more arduous 7 hour hike... to take in the magnificent variety of sceneries that the Lodge is set in
Your Stay
2 Nights
Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Fast Facts
Lodge
Chelinda Camp | Nyika National Park
Chelinda Camp, situated within Nyika National Park, overlooks a crystal-clear dam with views out onto the open grasslands of the High Nyika Plateau.
The camp has two types of accommodation. Four chalets each with two bedrooms, bathrooms, a lounge, dining area with fireplace, and small kitchen are ideal for private groups with their own guide; private meals can be enjoyed in the chalet. Six twin-bedded en-suite rooms with either a bath or shower are also available; guests here take meals in the nearby main area, which has a large dining, bar and lounge area complete with comfortable furnishings and an inviting fireplace.
This unique area is explored via day and night game drives, walks and mountain biking. The area has a host of birding specials such as Bar-tailed Trogon, White-chested Alethe and Denham’s Bustard.
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Rooms
Facilities
Chelinda Camp Chelinda Camp
Chelinda Camp Nyika Landscape
Chelinda Camp Zebra
Chelinda Camp Nyika Flora
Chelinda Camp Roan
Chelinda Camp Nyika Landscape
There are four self-catering chalets – each with two bedrooms with two beds in each, a lounge with dining area and fireplace, and a small well-equipped kitchen. There is a shared bathroom with bath and shower. The chalets are ideal for private groups with a guide.
There are six twin bedded en-suite rooms with either a shower or bath.
Property Facilities
Bar, Internet Access, Secure Parking
Room Facilities
Complimentary Wi-Fi, Fireplace, Internet, Lounge Area
Available Services
Airport Shuttle, Babysitting Service, Laundry Service, Room Service
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Cycling, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Walks
Activities Nearby
Cultural Tours
Your Stay
3 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Fast Facts
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 10
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Cycling, Fishing, Flora, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
Makuzi Beach Lodge | Chintheche
Makuzi Beach Lodge, located on the northern lakeshore of Lake Malawi, offers a serene retreat. The lodge features standard chalets, superior chalets, a family cottage, and a self-catering cottage, all equipped with mosquito nets, fans and tea/coffee making facilities. Guests can enjoy facilities such as a restaurant, bar, and lush gardens. Activities include kayaking, bird watching, and exploring the local area.
The lodge is situated along the banks of the beautiful Bua River in Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve and guests can expect wonderful views downstream and across to the wilderness on the opposite bank. This is a small and owner managed property that offers a relaxing and friendly stay. Accommodation is provided in six purpose-made, luxury safari tents, erected on varnished wooden floors and shaded by thatched roofs. Large mosquito-netted windows, ventilation flaps and screen doors, ensure that even on the hottest day the tents stay cool inside. Each is located to ensure seclusion and to engender a feeling of solitude. Each has an extensive viewing deck to the front, that overlooks the beautiful Bua River. Much of the furniture has been made by local artisans and, in many cases, constructed from dead hardwood trees found within the lodge site. Each unit has an open-air but very private bathroom (toilet, hot water showers and wash basins) to the rear. All accommodation is reached by walking, but never more than 300 metres from the main lodge. The footpaths are patrolled by lodge staff and lit with paraffin lanterns to guide you back to your room at night.
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Credit: BuaRiverLodge
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Credit: BuaRiverLodge
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Credit: BuaRiverLodge
Your Stay
3 Nights
Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Fast Facts
Lodge
Blue Zebra Island Lodge | Blue Zebra Island, Senga Bay, Malawi
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.
A 2 hour drive from Lilongwe, this is a great combination with Zambian Safaris as well as various wildlife parks in Malawi.
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Rooms
Facilities
Activities and Services
Restaurants
The most luxurious and spacious of the island room types. A large, open planned cottage (house) with a lounge and dining area and two en-suite bedrooms (one queen, one double). 2 single beds can be added to the main room.
The master bedroom has ample cupboard space with a built in dressing table and an open bathroom with a shower and bathtub. The second bedroom is a smaller en-suite double room opening onto the lake-facing balcony.
Minimum 2 adults required (or supplement to the equivalent). Capacity: 4 adults, 2 children. This unit can be set up in different ways: suitable for a couple; 2 adults sharing separate rooms; 3 - 4 adults sharing (with discounted sharing specials); a family with 2 adults and up to 4 children; multi-generational families.
Credit: Roaming Media (Rogan Roams)
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Main BathroomCredit: Gemma Thomas
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Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Fan, Fridge, Fridge/Freezer, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge, Mosquito Nets, Safe, Table, Tea / Coffee, Wardrobe
2 Executive Family Chalets: Malachite and Fisheagle. Spacious en-suite safari-style tented chalets each with 2 bedrooms, a lounge and bathroom. Private lake-facing balconies.
Typically for families of up to 5 (2 adults & up to 3 children) or up to 4 adults. Main room: 1 queen bed / Twin room: 2 single beds / U12's sofa bed in the lounge
FISHEAGLE: located around the side of the island with a long downward stairway entrance, in a natural and very private setting.
MALACHITE: located just behind reception at the lodge entrance. Private but closer to lodge facilities.
Executive Chalets: Cormorant. En-suite safari-style tented chalet, exclusively located around the side of the island with a private lake-facing balcony. 1 queen bed & 2 sofa beds for U12's.
Sandpiper, our newest room at the lodge offers an en-suite safari-style tented chalet, exclusively located around the side of the island with a private lake-facing balcony 1 queen bed only.
Cormorant ViewCredit: Michael Wendel
CormorantCredit: Gemma Thomas
CormorantCredit: Gemma Thomas
CormorantCredit: Michael Wendel
Sandpiper Credit: UMP Festival
SandpiperCredit: Michael Wendel
SandpiperCredit: Michael Wendel
SandpiperCredit: Michael Wendel
Room Facilities
Balcony , Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, Fan, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Available), Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Queen Bed, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Named after the African Pitta.
En-suite, spacious thatched cottage, nestled in nature. Located above the central Lake Safari Tents, with stairway access. One spacious ensuite bedroom, a lounge with a sofa bed, and a large side-patio with a table seating area, patio furniture & hammock.
Pitta Cotta BedroomCredit: Michael Wendel
Pitta Cottage LoungeCredit: Michael Wendel
Pitta Cottage Outdoor AreaCredit: Michael Wendel
Pitta Cottage Entrance/LoungeCredit: Jennifer Wendel
Pitta Cottage BathroomCredit: BZ
Pitta Cottage StairwayCredit: BZ
Room Facilities
Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Fan, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Available), Mosquito Nets, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Lake Safari Tents: Bulbul, Darter, Heron, Hornbill & Nightjar En-suite safari-style tents, smaller than executives but quaint and comfortable. 3 doubles, 1 twin, 1 single. Some have sofa beds for U12s.
DARTER: 1 queen bed & 2 sofa beds Centrally located, nearest the restaurant, no stairs, largest balcony.
HERON: 1 queen bed & 1 sofa bed Centrally located, small stairway entrance.
HORNBILL: 2 single beds & 1 sofa bed Centrally located in-between Darter & Heron, small stairway entrance.
BULBUL: 1 queen bed & 1 sofa bed The furthest chalet from the communal area overlooking the lake. At the entrance to nature trails.
NIGHTJAR: 1 single bed Centrally located, small stairway entrance. This is the smallest of our accommodation options, with one single bed only.
Credit: Anneke Jagau
Credit: PMJ Photography
Credit: Anneke Jagau
Credit: 3WheelsCo
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Credit: Athira Mohan
Credit: 3WheelsCo
Room Facilities
Balcony , Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Dressing Gowns, En Suite Bathroom, Fan, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Available), Mosquito Nets, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee
Property Facilities
Accept Credit Cards, Bar, Conference Centre, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Library, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, Vegetarian
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Room Service
Activities on Site
Beach Drop Off, Bird Watching, Boating, Boules, Canoeing, Fishing, Kayaking, Massages, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Water Skiing
Activities Nearby
Explore the wonderfully wild paths around and over Nankoma Island & connect with nature. The further you go the smaller you feel as you walk among massive Baobab trees. Venture off track to The Ancient Fig for a halfway break and soak in the enchanting natural beauty of this unspoiled paradise.
The main trail around the island is only 2.3km. Enjoy the thriving birdlife, look out for the elusive Red Duiker along the top path, Chameleons camouflaged in in trees, Monitor Lizards along the shore.
Early-birds will catch a stunning sunrise!
Explore the Marelli Archipelago by kayak - a great way to get out and explore the coves and coastal wildlife up close.
It takes around 45min-1hr around Nankoma Island, but for the more active and adventurous you can kayak all 3 islands in around 2.5 - 3 hours.
For a shorter kayak, there are rocky outcrops close to shore. Paddle around and spot all the different kinds of colourful fish. Other possible sightings: otters, monitor lizards, bird-life (especially Cormorants and African Fish-Eagles).
6 kayaks available: 4 single & 2 double.
KayakingCredit: Artur Cabral
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Credit: Jonathan Ramael
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Rarely does one have such effortless and immediate access to a site teaming with aquatic life. Just a few meters off the shore, experience Malawi’s renowned Cichlids in all their natural splendour. Famed for their vivid and vibrant colours, the Islands are home to species unique not only to Lake Malawi, but many to these islands! Look out for the Blue Zebra!
The best sites depend on lake levels and the time of year. Snorkel equipment is free to use for off-shore snorkeling. At an additional charge, snorkel trips can be arranged to Maleri and/or Nakantenga Islands.
Credit: Stephane Perrier
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Cruise around the Marelli islands and experience an awe inspiring Lake Malawi sunset out on the water - MGT (Malawi Gin & Tonic) or your sun downer of choice in hand. Every sunset is different & it's always an unforgettable event as the sun gently dips below the low lying Nkhotakota hills in the distance.
Sunset CruiseCredit: Gemma Thomas
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Malawi is world renowned as a birdwatchers paradise. The country boasts over 650 different species of birds, 10% of which are native species non-existent anywhere else on the globe.
Lake Malawi provides an ideal habitat for bird life has the highest concentration of African Fish Eagles on the continent. Their cry is heard frequently echoing across the skies over Nankoma Island.
There are over 350 species at the islands - best seen in the dry season. Take a bird check-list around the island and tick of how many you see.
African PittaCredit: Ivan Monk
African PittaCredit: Michael Wendel
Blue-cheeked Bee-eaterCredit: The Birding Life 2024
African FisheagleCredit: The Birding Life 2024
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Credit: Kim Paffen
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Credit: The Birding Life 2024
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Bul-BulCredit: The. Birding life 2024
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Quite possibly the most popular 'activity', although this doesn't require being active. With stunning views over Lake Malawi, what better way to spend an afternoon than splash about in the Infinity Pool with a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail for kids) or laze on the deck-chairs with that book you've been too busy to read!
Island ViewCredit: Michael Wendel
Infinity PoolCredit: Jenn Wendel
Pool viewCredit: Jenn Wendel
Poolside CocktailsCredit: PJM Photography
Lunch at the poolCredit: PJM Photography
Miss UmpCredit: UMP Fest
Poolside FunCredit: Anneke Jagau
CocktailCredit: Miss UMP - UMP FEST
An exciting way to experience Lake Malawi, flying over the fresh clear water of the lake at high speed.
Motorized water-sports have additional charges. Must be booked at the lodge, around the boat transfer schedule.
What better place to relax and pamper oneself than a tranquil private island, surrounded by the calming sounds of nature. Set under a giant fig tree with views across Lake Malawi.
Cheers!Credit: Michael Wendel
Spa VibesCredit: Michael Wendel
Island SpaCredit: Michael Wendel
Couples MassageCredit: Michael Wendel
Yoga weekends are usually scheduled during low season. Guided practice with restorative immersion in nature.
For self practice, the lodge has a few spare yoga mats, or guests can bring along their own and set up on their balcony or where they like!
Welcome to the Fig Tree Bar – Your Front Row Seat to the Lake Unwind with a chilled cocktail or a zesty mocktail in hand as you take in panoramic views of Lake Malawi from our infinity poolside bar. The Fig Tree Bar is the perfect spot to relax, recharge, and soak up the island atmosphere. From crisp wines to refreshing mixers, there’s something for every taste — especially when paired with a legendary Blue Zebra sunset.
Cheers to good vibes and even better views!
CocktailsCredit: Habari Media
Credit: Anneke Jagau
Named after a frequent visitor to the island, the African bee-eater.
All packages are inclusive of meals prepared by a team of Malawian Chefs at Blue Zebra Island Lodge.
Creatively inspired by international cuisine, with a touch of Malawi: The menu is prepared around seasonal foods and catered to all dietary requirements. Advance request should be given for special requirements, given that it may be difficult to get some ingredients to the island.
Enjoy a continental buffet with hot-breakfast to order; select a 2-course lunch & 3-course dinner from a set menu presented daily.
Breakfast: 6.30 to 10.00 Lunch: 12.00 to 14.00 Dinner: 18:30 to 20:30
The restaurant can seat 40 guests. Guests may opt for a poolside lunch or a private evening dining experience at the sunset lounge or Nankoma Beach.
Your Stay
1 Night
Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Fast Facts
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 11
Special Interests: Adventure, Beach / Coastal, Birding, Flora, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Watersports