Kumbali Country Lodge | Lilongwe, Malawi
Kumbali Country Lodge boasts everything you could expect from a nature reserve lodge and much more besides. It is one of the most tranquil alternatives to a Malawi hotel that you will find anywhere.
Plump pillows and refined decor await you. Should you require anything our Room Service will deliver it straight up, allowing you time for rest and relaxation.
Instead of the concrete jungle, you can gaze out at a forest reserve idyll, sipping on a gin and tonic whilst watching the African sun set in the distance.
- Images
- Rooms
- Facilities
With a queen bed and optional twin or extra beds, private khonde, fridge, satellite television, en-suite bath & shower, coffee table and chairs, tea & coffee facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi access.
With a queen bed and optional twin or extra beds, private khonde, fridge, satellite television, en-suite bath & shower, tea & coffee facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi access, dining table & chairs, lounge suite seating area.
With a queen bed, private khonde, satellite television, en-suite shower, working desk & chair, tea & coffee facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi access.
With two twin beds and optional third, private khonde, fridge, satellite television, en-suite bath & shower, coffee table and chairs, tea & coffee facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi access.
With a queen bed, large khonde shared between 2 rooms, satellite television, en-suite shower, coffee table and seating area, tea & coffee facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi access. Room on a higher level not suitabe for those who have difficulty with stairs.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Conference Centre, Gym, Internet Access (Complimentary), Internet Access (Paid), Laundry Service (Available), Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking
Room Facilities
Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Detached Private Bathroom, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Internet Access (Paid), Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Verandah
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Foreign Exchange
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Boules, Cycling, Fine Dining, Game Viewing, Garden Tours, High Tea, Massages, Night Drives, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided)
Activities Nearby
Beach, Boat Cruises, Cultural Tours, Fine Dining, Fishing, General Sightseeing, Health and Fitness Centre, Hiking, Kayaking / Paddling, Massages, Mini Golf, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Squash Court, Tennis Court, Wildlife Tours
Your Stay
1 Night
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Fast Facts
Lodge
Kafunta River Lodge | South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Kafunta River Lodge is owned and operated by Anke & Ron Cowan who have made the Luangwa Valley their home for the past 20 years. The 10-room lodge is located on the floodplains of the Luangwa River, away from the busier area near the park's Mfuwe gate. During the peak season the lodge accesses the national park via its own pontoon. Central to the lodge is a spacious bar and dining area. Built around a semi-evergreen wild mango tree and thatched in the traditional style, it offers superb panoramic views over the Luangwa River and the South Luangwa National Park. Great game viewing and bird watching from the lodge is guaranteed. Adjacent to the bar is a refreshing infinity pool and the only natural hot spring tub in the Luangwa Valley. This unique hot tub is fed from a source on Kafunta’s grounds, offering a constant temperature of 38 degrees. Here you can enjoy pure relaxation while being presented with magnificent views over the flood plains and the Luangwa River. Activities on offer include game drives (morning, afternoon and night), bush walks, village & cultural tours as well as a wellness spa.
- Images
- Video
- Rooms
- Units
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
- Restaurants
The lodge features 8 standard chalets. The chalets consist of a twin-bedded bedroom with ensuite bathroom, minibar fridge, ceiling fan and private verandah overlooking the floodplains.
The lodge features two luxury suites, set further away from the main dining area. The suites offer a double bed on the ground floor and the possibility to make 2 extra single beds on the upstairs mezzanine. The suites have a large bathroom with shower and separate stand alone bath. There is a viewing deck as well as an upstair deck both overlooking the floodplains.
The suites come with a small supplement, and can accommodate a family of up to 4 people.
The Sunset House
Opened in late 2023, The Sunset House at Kafunta River Lodge is a 3-bedroom canvas-roofed safari house with a private pool and private services (butter, chef, safari guide). The unit is split into a two-bedroom tent with a large dining area and outdoor lounge. Each bedroom is en-suite and completed with a sitting area. The second tent is adjacent to the central unit and features the third en-suite bedroom with a sitting area. The villa has spacious multi-level decks, an infinity pool, lounging chairs, and a fireplace.
Each bedroom has a king-size bed and an additional 3/4 double day bed which can be turned into an additional bed. The unit can therefore accommodate up to 9 people.
It is perfect for a multi-generation family or a group of friends travelling together and seeking more privacy. The view towards the floodplains of the Luangwa is magnificent.
Property Facilities
Accept Credit Cards, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Children Friendly, Communal Dining, Credit Card Facilities, Disabled Friendly , Drivers Cabin, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service, Licensed, Mobile Connectivity, Outdoor Pool / Pool Deck, Parking, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, Vegetarian, Wheelchair Access
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Driver's cabin, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Family Safari Tent, Fan, Fridge, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Smoke Alarm, Tea / Coffee, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities, Disability, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing Hide, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Massages, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Bird Watching, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Safaris
Twice daily guests have the option to join the game drives into South Luangwa National Park. Safari vehicles are equipped with a shade roof and have 3 rows with a maximum of 6 guests per vehicle. During the peak season (April to October) game drives access the park directly at Kafunta's pontoon.
The afternoon game drive stops for sundowners and continue into a night drive using spotlights, to find smaller nocturnal animals or predators on the hunt.
South Luangwa is the birthplace of walking safaris. Bush walks bring another dimension to a safari, focusing on smaller things, birds and flora while observing animals in the distance. Bush walks are not strenuous, but can take place over rugged terrain, lasting usually 3 to 4 hours.
Qualified walking guides and escort scout are a must. Unfortunately children under the age of 12 are not authorised to participate.
The hide is set up right under the dining deck and is facing the floodplains and lagoon where many waterbirds including fish eagles and saddle-billed storks are often seen, along with elephants and giraffes.
Kafunta Safaris highly recommend a visit to the village of Mfuwe where Project Luangwa has a visitor center where one can learn about the many projects benefiting local education and communities, there is also a café and a craftshop . It is also possible to organise a side trip to the Mulberry Mongoose jewellery workshop and to the iconic Tribal Textiles factory and shop and its Artisan market. In Central Mfuwe there is also the Conservation South Luangwa visitor center to learn more about conservation efforts.
Great for younger visitors is the Chipembele Wildlife Educational Center only 20 minutes away from Kafunta River Lodge.
Kafunta River Lodge features a small, intimate spa with an array of relaxing treatments performed by an on-site therapist. Enjoying the infinity pool and the natural hot tub and booking a massage at the spa is the perfect way to spend the midday hours between game-viewing activities.
Kafunta River Lodge
Kafunta serves a light breakfast before the morning activity, or cooked breakfast for those staying in camp, followed by a buffet lunch later in the day. Dinner is a four-course affair served on the main deck with direct view of the flood plains!
Dining is generally hosted but private tables can be arranged as well. Kafunta caters for special diets.
Your Stay
5 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Fast Facts
4 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 10
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Flora, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Tongole Wilderness Lodge | Nkhotakota
Tongole Wilderness Lodge is an exciting new eco-tourism venture deep within the pristine woodlands of the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve. Our vision was to create a stunning luxury wilderness lodge with first-class accommodation, food, service and safari activities that will delight our guests. The long-term aim is to benefit the local communities and the conservation of the abundant wildlife through sustainable tourism. The lodge has created significant training and employment opportunities in a deprived part of the country and with it has brought hope and pride in the area. Built with a vision of sustainability, the luxury safari lodge is fully eco-friendly. Both electricity and hot water are produced by solar energy.
- Images
- Video
- Rooms
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
The riverside suites are perfectly designed to comfortably accommodate two adults. Two of the riverside suites are equipped with super king sized double bed and the other two feature twin beds, which can be easily joined to create a super king if required.
All rooms are en-suite with a spacious shower, twin marble basins, flushable lavatory and a large hand-built sunken bath, doubling as a plunge-pool ‘with a view’!
Every room has a fantastic wooden deck area offering stunning views over the river and forest; the perfect spot to enjoy a peaceful moment with nature.
Crafted by locals using the same distinctive red earth and rock upon which Tongole stands, the riverside family cottage has two bedrooms and a spacious lounge and deck area.
In addition to a second bedroom, the cottage provides plenty of extra communal space and is therefore ideal for a family or two couples travelling together.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Paid), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Fine Dining, Fishing, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Kayaking, Walks (Guided)
The Nkhotakota Wildife Reserve is home to over 280 species of bird. Classified as an ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International, the region is filled with a spectacular variety.
Take a gentle stroll through the woodlands or embark on a more strenuous mountain hike!
Meet the local Malawian community.
For a different kind of experience take a guided excursion to the meet the local community.
Camp under a star-lit sky.
Tongole offers its guests one-night or two-night fly camping trips within the Nkhotakota reserve.
Relax by the river...
Enjoy superb fly fishing and freshwater fishing the whole year round on the banks of the beautiful Bua River.
Explore by river.
The Tongole eco-lodge sits on the picturesque banks of the Bua River. Drift along the river on a relaxing canoe safari and enjoy a true wilderness.
Explore the reserve on foot, on water or on a relaxing drive.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Fast Facts
4 Star
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 6
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Fishing, Gourmet, Hiking, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
Chelinda Lodge | Nyika National Park
Chelinda Lodge offers spacious log cabins, which have sweeping views over Nyika’s rolling grasslands, which are often dotted with large herds of roan, eland and zebra. A pocket of hagenia woodland and forest, perfectly shelters this idyllic upland camp.
Accommodation comprises eight warm log cabins made of pine with fireplace, en-suite bathroom and an upstairs viewing area, or room for accompanying children. Two chalets are joined to form an interconnected family unit. Elevated wooden walkways link the cabins to the inviting main building, complete with outside deck for sundowners, convivial dining around a fireplace and lounge area for quiet reflection or conversation.
Activities include game drives to discover the wonders of the park, informative walks, birding, and mountain biking. Visiting Chelinda Lodge is an exciting component to any visit to Malawi and, indeed, to the subregion.
- Images
- Rooms
- Facilities
Chelinda Lodge - Standard Chalet
There are eight twin bedded chalets. The beds can be moved together to create a double bed.
Property Facilities
Bar, Conference Centre, Eco Friendly, Internet Access, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Dressing Gowns, Fireplace, Lounge Area
Available Services
Room Service
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Catch-and-release Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Safaris
Activities Nearby
Cultural Tours, Cycling
Your Stay
3 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Fast Facts
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 8
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Cycling, Fishing, Flora, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
Kaya Mawa | Likoma Island, Lake Malawi
Sprawled along the white sandy beaches of Likoma Island, in the heart of Lake Malawi, is Kaya Mawa. This boutique lodge welcomes honeymooners, families and friends for an indulgently carefree getaway.
Meaning ‘maybe tomorrow’ in Chichewa/Nyanja, the ethos of Kaya Mawa is in its name. Relaxed lakeside living is woven into the style, luxury and comfort of its Houses and Rooms. Each of Kaya's eleven rooms and private villa is unique and offers something extraordinary. Serene and secret decks for sunbathing or romantic dinners; secluded lakeside chalets with private lounges. You may find yourself showering under the stars, taking a midnight dip in your private pool, or simply walking hand-in-hand after a moonlit supper on the beach.
If all the relaxation is too much, your days can be filled with everything from stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, kitesurfing, waterskiing, sailing and quad-biking, plus a full PADI dive school. And as the sun goes down on another perfect day, enjoy a massage at the spa, nestled in the rocks on the lake, and have the last of your cares soothed away as you wonder, "Shouldn't I be leaving?...maybe tomorrow."
- Images
- Video
- Units
- Villas
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
A favourite to many, nestled right on the edge of the lake, Msekwa is a picturesque chalet. Enter through an arched doorway, making your way down the steps passing the outdoor bath and shower, you arrive to your private deck. The outdoor living area leads you to a wooden walkway, giving direct access to the lake. Jump and snorkel right into the crystal clear waters and watch the abundance of fish that the lake has to offer. Msekwa is a Standard Room.
Hidden away within the western tip of a rocky knoll, Khuyu commands sweeping views of Lake Malawi. It is the first room on the water, with easiest access to the beach and restaurant and all the peace and privacy needed for a relaxing retreat. The lantern-lit bathtub is where you’ll want to be when the sun goes down.
The second chalet from the beach, Mbungu is built higher up in the rocks giving you stunning views across the lake to the neighbouring island Chizimulu and the Kaya Mawa beach. A secluded chalet with an outdoor living area perfect for sundowners. Follow the stone stairway to the private deck with access straight into the lake. The bed has been built snuggly into the original beach boulders and there is space in the bedroom for a baby cot. Mbungu is a Standard Room.
Want to stay on your own island? Make your way across the wooden bridge and find yourself at Makungulu. Perched on its own private rocky isle and draped in pink bougainvillea, Makungulu makes quite an impression before stepping foot inside. The shaded stone terrace has a cosy corner seat and dining table for two and extends to a wooden deck with loungers and a jetty over the lake with striking views to Mozambique.
Meaning ‘fish eagle’ in Nyanja, Nkhwazi gives you a near bird’s eye view out to Nkhwazi Island and the south of Lake Malawi from the top of a rocky knoll. There is an understated elegance to Nkhwazi. The white-washed bedroom area steps down onto wooden decked floors that flow outside to three private decks at the front of your room. Here, the warm sun beckons you to unwind in the infinity pool and seating area with a panoramic vista that is all yours.
The fish eagle’s call is fondly referred to as ‘The soundtrack of Africa’. Not a day goes by on Likoma Island without hearing it and yet you never grow tired of the sound. It has become part of the natural rhythm at Kaya Mawa. Nkhwazi sleeps 3 people.
Whether from the comfort of the luxurious bed or plunge pool under the ficus tree canopy, Mbamba commands stunning panoramic views of the lake and surrounds.
The large bed with driftwood headboard and canopy of draped mosquito netting takes centre-place in Mbamba. Then, out to one side of the room is a large deck with lounging area and plunge pool, and on the other, an intimate dining area.
Even though it sits at the top of a rocky knoll, Mbamba blends effortlessly into its natural surrounds, with bougainvillea bushes adding a touch of pink and purple to the greenery. This attracts some feathered visitors, like bee-eaters and weaver birds, which always provide colourful and chatty entertainment as they flit between the branches. Mamba is a Premium room and sleeps 3 people.
Yofu is an ideal chalet with two separate rooms enough for a family of four. Nestled into the back of the beach partially hidden by a large mango tree, perfect for families wanting to spend as much time as possible on the beach and in the lake. he bright, airy main bedroom has double doors leading out onto a secluded section of the beach where your own dhow-lounge space awaits. The shared full bathroom has an open-air bathtub and shower on the second level, which makes for magical stargazing while soaking. The second bedroom sleeps two children.
Our second family beach chalet. Ulisa is a large two-roomed house with a full bathroom between the bedrooms. Double doors in the master bedroom open to a spectacular view across the white sand to the lake. The second room sleeps three children in single beds, one of them hung from the roof! The house also has it's own outdoor lounging and dining area.
Designed with love and luxury in mind, Madimba is well-deserving of its title as the ‘Honeymoon House’. This grand house lies at the far west end of the Kaya Mawa beach. Opening out in front of the large, split-level bedroom is your own infinity pool with magical views across Lake Malawi to Mozambique. Indulge in romantic, starlit dinners and relax on sun loungers under the African sky from the comfort of your private deck.
To one side of the bedroom is a huge en-suite bathroom with double vanities, shower and double-ended sunken bath that looks over the deck to the lake. On the other side of the room, the sitting room with bar beckons you to relax in the cool, stone-walled interior.
Whether indoors or outdoors, Mainja immerses you in its beautiful natural setting for an unforgettable lakeside experience spent with friends and family. A long wooden walkway and concrete causeway leads you to where this majestic house sits on a rocky outcrop on the northern side of Kaya Mawa’s beach. In usual Kaya Mawa style, Mainja is tastefully decorated with statement art pieces and splashes of colour amidst white linens, natural furnishings, stone walls and polished floors.
Ndomo Private House
Located on the south west corner of Likoma island, Ndomo Private House is completely exclusive and secluded from the outside world. Built around boulders around the rocky hill. Inspired by the architecture of Zanzibar, Zambia and Kenya, Ndomo interior style has been imaginatively paired with African antiques and contemporary bespoke pieces created largely at Katundu Workshop.
There is a large living room with deck, kitchen and dining area, study and media room. Outside you will find three large terraces and a courtyard, dining and barbeque area, and plunge pool, all with panoramic views of the lake and beyond. You have the private beach in front of the House all to yourself.
Ndomo is fully staffed with a nanny, cook, housekeeper, ground staff and watchmen. You also enjoy all the facilities and activities that Kaya Mawa has to offer and are welcome to spend as much time as you wish at the lodge.
Ndomo house has 4 bedrooms, three of which have their own bathrooms. The other has a bathroom located just outside the door. The house accommodates 8 people.
Property Facilities
Activity Desk, Bar, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Spa, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath, Detached Private Bathroom, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Fridge, Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Pure Cotton Linen, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities, Disability, Foreign Exchange, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available), Room Service, Travel Desk
Activities on Site
Beach Drop Off, Bird Watching, Boating, Canoeing, Cycling, Fine Dining, Fishing, Kayaking, Kite Surfing, Massages, Quad Biking, Sailing, Scuba Diving, Walks (Self Guided), Water Skiing
Activities Nearby
Animal Encounters, Big 5, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Gorilla Tracking, Marine Adventures, Safaris, Wildlife Tours
Kaya Mawa is partnered with Likoma Island Divers, a recognised PADI Resort. We have two in-house dive instructors who can cater for any skill levels and teach a full range of PADI courses, ensuring everybody can enjoy an underwater adventure during your stay. The centre is
able to teach courses all the way from a 3-hour discovery dive to Dive Master.
Likoma Island, surrounded by the pristine waters of Lake Malawi, is widely regarded as having the best diving on the Lake, both in terms of the diversity of fish species and their sheer abundance. With some of the best fresh water diving in the world and some 11 recognised dive sites nearby.
.jpg)
For the adventurous, why not experience the stunning Lake Malawi by boat and try your hand at water skiing and wake boarding, or for the younger ones, knee boarding and ringo.
We have skis that fit ages 5+ and a trained instructor on hand to give handy tips and pointers to ensure you will be on your feet (or knees) in no time.
Enjoy the island from the water, taking a local dhow boat to visit some of the best snorkelling spots and into town to visit the cathedral built in 1905. Make a day of it with a packed picnic and your favourite drinks, or set off for a sunset fishing cruise.
Explore Likoma Island by E Bike making the excursion around the island not only silent but eco friendly as well. Visit the cathedral built in 1905, Katundu textiles workshop, the majestic valley of the baobabs and some of the eleven local villages. The warmth of the locals will make you feel right at home on Likoma.
A much more leisurely way to take the island, led by a guide you will be shown all the sights of Likoma without working up a sweat.
.png)
.png)
.png)
Single and double sailing boats are available for both the experienced and novice. Kaya Mawa offers three Lasers and one Laser 2 for our guests to enjoy, either sailing solo or with our instructor. Take a quick lesson with our expert instructors before sailing off into the majestic waters of Lake Malawi.
Explore the tranquility of Lake Malawi by kayak or stand up paddle board. Paddle to the neighbouring beaches or one of the smaller islands and admire the Mozambican coastline. Pack your snorkelling gear and enjoy some of Lake Malawi's 1000 species of fish, many endemic to the lake, more than all the freshwater species in Europe and North America combined.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Your Stay
3 Nights
Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Fast Facts
5 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 11
Special Interests: Adventure, Beach / Coastal, Birding, Cycling, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Sports, Star Gazing, Watersports, Wine
