Malawi - Tea estates, Mountains, Wildlife and the Lake

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 Malawi's 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 Huntingdon?s 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 it?s own from the original children?s nursery to the resident priests quarters and private Chapel. Guests are encouraged to share the colourful history of one of Malawi's oldest homes while being spoilt by our team of professional staff.

Thawale Lodge is African Parks' own tourism operation and places emphasis on responsible tourism by applying 100% of the camp's revenue back into conserving and protecting Majete. Situated within Majete around a serene floodlit waterhole that attracts a variety of wildlife, Thawale Lodge is a peaceful haven from which to experience Majete. Completely unfenced, the camp is regularly visited by wildlife.

Thawale Lodge offers six double- and twin-tented chalets, all en-suite and each with its own private veranda overlooking the waterhole. The more luxurious chalet has a unique open-air bathroom built among the rocks with a shower and a sunken bath and views of the floodlit waterhole. The chalets are spaced out to offer visitors privacy and an individual bush experience.

Adjacent to the park entrance of the lodge is a self-catering community campsite powered by solar energy and with a thatched bar and dining area, barbeque facilities, toilets, and hot-water showers. A communal lapa and traditional lounge area with a fully staffed kitchen is available in the centre of the camp. Meals are served in the thatched bamboo restaurant and bar with a birding veranda. Dinner can be combined with an 'under the stars boma night' with entertainment from the local Gule wa Mkulu dancers.

Zomba Forest Lodge is a cosy, intimate guest house nestled in 20 acres of beautiful mixed woodland and secret gardens. A perfect retreat where relaxation is guaranteed.

There are 3.5km of nature trails around the property and a huge variety of birds, including sunbirds feeding from flowers mere inches from the veranda.

Completely off-grid, ZFL is an ideal place to hide away, to sit back and relax, away from the pressures of ‘real life’! Enjoy the luxury of switching off in a day in age when being connected is seemed to be so important – Come and try it out.

Alternatively, why not step it up and go walking on one of the many trails around the lodge, or Plateau; or simply lie in the hammock, enjoy the bird song, butterflies and a good book.

However, it isn’t all about relaxing and hiking, it is also about enjoying great food. Here you will enjoy some of the best home-cooked food in Malawi.

ZFL is more than a lodge, more than a hotel; as guests you are welcomed and treated like friends by the owners Tom and Petal. Their home is beautiful and humble, and yet promises a warm and enriching experience.

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.

Mumbo Island is an ecotourist’s dream. Measuring just one square kilometre across, this remote islet is virtually uninhabited and covered with pristine miombo forests interspersed with ancient fig and baobab trees. It is surrounded by the calm, crystal clear waters of Lake Malawi, where you can swim and snorkel amidst schools of vividly coloured tropical fish. You may also encounter the island’s sole mammal inhabitant - playful and curious Spotted-necked Otters. The only resort on the island is built from sustainable natural materials that blend beautifully into the pristine surrounds.