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.
Just 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
BirdingCredit: WAG Malawi
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.
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 downard stairway entrance, in a natural and very private setting.
MALACHITE: located just behind reception at the lodge entrance. Private but closer to lodge facilities.
2 standard Executive Chalets: Kingfisher & Cormorant. En-suite safari-style tented chalets. Both exclusively located around the side of the island with private lake-facing balconies.
CORMORANT: 1 queen bed & 2 sofa beds for U12's. Best for couples / young families. Furthest executive chalet from the communal area. Stairway from the balcony down to boulders which meet the lake.
KINGFISHER: 1 queen bed & a mini-lounge. Best for couples / solo travelers. Long stairway entrance down to a private cove where this secluded chalet is set on the waters edge.
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. *Photographs will be updated soon as this is the newest room.
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.
BULBUL: 1 queen bed the furthest chalet from the communal area overlooking the lake & a private beach. At the entrance to nature trails.
DARTER: 1 queen bed & 2 sofa beds\ Centrally located, nearest the restaurant, no stairs, largest balcony.
HERON: 1 queen bed & 2 sofa beds Centrally located, small stairway entrance.
HORNBILL: 2 single beds & 1 sofa bed Centrally located in-between Darter & Heron, small stairway entrance.
NIGHTJAR: 1 single bed Centrally located above reception.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Conference Centre, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Library, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa
Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card, Room Service
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
BEE-EATER RESTAURANT
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
2 Nights
Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 11
Special Interests: Adventure, Beach / Coastal, Birding, Flora, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Watersports
Mvuu Camp | Liwonde National Park, Malawi
Mvuu Camp has a spectacular vantage point along the Shire River that draws all manner of fauna to its banks. The camp, comprising 14 units as well as a nearby campsite, is a clever mix of spacious stone and canvas chalets and specially designed family tents. An impressive thatched dining and lounge area offers a magnificent river vista that is framed by two large baobab trees. Dinners are sometimes held under the stars in a specially constructed boma. A custom-built education and conference centre with facilities for up to 40 delegates or smaller corporate and team building functions is available.
Mvuu Camp offers a wide range of accommodation options such as full board rates and camping, and a variety of activities including boat safaris on the Shire River, game drives, nature walks & trails and non-stop birding. Trips to community projects in nearby villages and Nanthomba School are also popular.
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Mvuu CampMvuu Camp On Shire River
Mvuu Camp Main Building
Mvuu Camp
Mvuu CampGame Drive
Mvuu CampShire River
Mvuu Camp
There are five family units with two beds per room. The bathroom is shared by both rooms.
There are seven twin bedded chalets. The twin beds can be moved together to make a double bed.
Property Facilities
Bar, Eco Friendly, Pool, Restaurant
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, En-Suite
Services
Credit Card
Your Stay
2 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Domwe Island Adventure Camp | Cape Maclear
Domwe Island Adventure Camp is basic yet exclusive. It lies behind a small beach on the island's west side. The camp is run on a self-catered basis, with guests making use of the kitchen facilities to prepare their own meals. The kitchen has two full-time staff members, and is fully stocked with fridges, pots and pans, crockery and cutlery.
Accommodation consists of three fully-furnished safari tents and two tent sites, complemented by a dining area with bar and a water sport gazebo.
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Credit: Domwe Island Adventure Camp
Credit: Domwe Island Adventure Camp
Credit: Domwe Island Adventure Camp
Credit: Domwe Island Adventure Camp
Your Stay
2 Nights
Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
The Funky Cichlid | Cape Maclear
The Funky Cichlid is named after the awesome little multi-coloured fish found in Lake Malawi called Cichlids ('sick-lids'). A cheap & cheerful Backpacker & Beach Bar with basic but comfortable accommodation and a popular restaurant. The perfect place for adventurers to unwind, explore & have fun! Check for special events/party weekends and contact them for Malawi travel advice, reservation assistance, camping & group bookings.
The sunset deck is an ideal sundowner spot, attracting diverse crowds of travelers & locals who exchange stories, smiles & laughs over a cold Carlsberg Green or Gin &Tonic before dancing the night away. Great Hammock & Chill area; Sports Bar & Lounge (all DSTV channels); & non-motorized watersports. Ideal location to explore Lake Malawi National Park.
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Welcome to The Funky Cichlid! Credit: Claudia BartschView of The Funky Cichlid from the lake
Morning ViewsCredit: Mike VarndellSunrise hike with a stunning view across Cape Maclear
Otter PointCredit: Gareth Earl Roberts (www.rabidrabbit.co.za)Explore Lake Malawi National Park
Hammock & ChillRelax & unwind with a book and G&T
Kayak to Thumbi Island2.4km round trip to Thumbi Beach
Evening PaddleKayak & Paddle Lake Malawi
Two single beds, Pedestal-Fan, Mosquito Net, Clothes shelf.
Small room with single bed, Pedestal-Fan, Mosquito Net, Clothes shelf.
Basic en-suite double room: double bed with mosquito net; pedestal fan; clothing shelf; bathroom with toilet, basin and shower (no hot water).
A small private room with double bed, fan and mosquito net. Shared bathroom facilities.
A private room with a double bed and single bed, suitable for 3 guests. Fan and mosquito nets. Shared bathroom facilities.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Paid), Laundry Service (Available), Mobile Connectivity, Restaurant, Secure Parking, TV Room