Accommodation - 7 Night South Malawi

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.

Activities: nature trails, birding, kayaking, snorkeling, water-sports, sunset cruise.

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
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Activities and Services
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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)

Credit: Gemma Thomas

Main Bathroom Credit: Gemma Thomas

Credit: Vikki McEwan

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

3 Executive Family Chalets: Malachite, Fisheagle and Weaver. 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.
FISHEAGLE & MALACHITE = 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. Main Bedroom - Queen bed setup, second bedroom - Twin/King setup. Private but closer to lodge facilities.

WEAVER: Our newest room located 170m away from reception. Tucked on the hillside of the Island, this room boasts stunning views over the lake with its very own private plunge pool and mini-bar fridge. Both rooms have king/Twin setup capabilities making it ideal for families and friends travelling together.

Malachite Lounge Credit: Mike Wendel Spacious lounge area for friends or family to gather. Equipped with a Mini-Bar fridge.

Malachite Sitting Room Credit: Mike Wendel

Malachite Main Bedroom sideview Credit: Mike Wendel Main Bedroom in Malachite. Queen bed setup

Malachite Main Bedroom Credit: Mike Wendel Enjoy views over the Lake from Malachite's Main Bedroom.

Malachite Second bedroom Credit: Mike Wendel Malachite's second bedroom. Twin/King setup available making it perfect for friends and family sharing.

Malachite Bathroom Credit: 3WheelsCo Spacious en-suite bathroom in Malachite. Equipped with shower, double basins. Amenities consist of Shower gel, Shampoo, Condition and boy Lotion. Laundry service is available.

Malachite Bathroom Credit: Mike Wendel

View from Weaver Credit: Mike Wendel View from our newest room Weaver. Enjoy the private sitting area or relax in Weaver's own plunge pool.

Weaver outside sitting area Credit: Mike Wendel

Weaver sitting room Credit: Mike Wendel Weaver's Lounge. Equipped with it's very own Mini Bar Fridge. Mosquito repellent and bug spray available.

Weaver Main Bedroom Credit: Mike Wendel Weaver's Main bedroom boasts the most scenic views over Lake Malawi. King/Twin bed setup available.

Weaver Main Bedroom view Credit: Mike Wendel

Weaver Lounge Credit: Mike Wendel

Weaver Second bedroom Credit: Mike Wendel Weaver's second bedroom also boasts stunning views over Lake Malawi. King/Twin bed setup available.

Weaver Bathroom Credit: Mike Wendel Weaver's spacious bathroom. Included amenities - Shower gel, Shampoo, Hair conditioner and body Lotion. Laundry Service available.

Room Facilities

Balcony , Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Dressing Gowns, En Suite Bathroom, Fan, Fridge, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Available), Mosquito Netting, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Queen Bed, Safe, Shower, Twin Bed

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.

Sandpiper Credit: Jenn Wendel

Cormorant View Credit: Michael Wendel

Cormorant Credit: Gemma Thomas

Cormorant Credit: Michael Wendel

View from Cormorant Credit: Mike Wendel

Sandpiper Credit: UMP Festival

Sandpiper Credit: 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 Bedroom Credit: Michael Wendel

Pitta Cottage Lounge Credit: Michael Wendel

Pitta Cottage Outdoor Area Credit: Michael Wendel

Pitta Cottage Entrance/Lounge Credit: Jennifer Wendel

Pitta Cottage Bathroom Credit: BZ

Pitta Cottage Stairway Credit: 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.

Darter Lake Safari Tent Credit: Mike Wendel Darter – Lake Safari Tent Darter enjoys a beautiful lake view, offering a tranquil setting where guests can unwind to the sounds of nature and gentle waters. This Lake Safari Tent features a queen-sized bed along with two sofa beds, making it an excellent choice for couples or small families. The ensuite bathroom includes a shower and toilet, while the tent’s natural tones and open design create a perfect blend of comfort, space, and rustic island charm.

Darter Lake Safari Tent Credit: Anneke Jagau

Heron Lake Safari Tent Credit: PMJ Photography Our Lake Safari Tents offer a cozy retreat with rustic charm, perfectly blending comfort and nature. Each tent is centrally located, providing easy access to the lodge’s main areas while maintaining a sense of privacy and tranquility. Inside, you’ll find a queen-sized bed and an ensuite bathroom with a refreshing shower and toilet—designed for simplicity, serenity, and a genuine connection to the island’s natural beauty.

Bulbul Lake Safari Tent Credit: Anneke Jagau Bulbul – Lake Safari Tent Bulbul is the most private and secluded of our Lake Safari Tents, situated on the western side of the island, approximately 350 m from the main area. Designed for those seeking tranquility and a deeper connection to nature, this tent features a queen-sized bed and an ensuite bathroom with shower and toilet. Its peaceful setting makes it ideal for couples or guests craving complete privacy and uninterrupted lake views.

Lake Safari tent bathroom setup Credit: 3WheelsCo

Bulbul Lake Safari Tent Credit: Jenn Wendel

Bulbul LST Credit: Jenn Wendel

Bulbul Credit: Jenn Wendel

View from Bulbul Credit: Jenn Wendel

Room Facilities

Balcony , Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Dressing Gowns, En Suite Bathroom, Fan, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Available), Mosquito Nets, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee

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.

Kayaking Credit: Artur Cabral

Credit: Stephane Perrier

Credit: Jonathan Ramael

Credit: BZ

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

Credit: BZ

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 Cruise Credit: Gemma Thomas

Credit: tbc

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 Pitta Credit: Ivan Monk

African Pitta Credit: Michael Wendel

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Credit: The Birding Life 2024

African Fisheagle Credit: The Birding Life 2024

Credit: BZ

Credit: Kim Paffen

Credit: BZ

Credit: Kim Paffen

Credit: The Birding Life 2024

Credit: M.Giannakis

Bul-Bul Credit: The. Birding life 2024

Credit: D.Giannakis

Credit: BZ

Credit: M.Giannakis

Credit: BZ

Credit: D.Giannakis

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 View Credit: Michael Wendel

Infinity Pool Credit: Jenn Wendel

Pool view Credit: Jenn Wendel

Poolside Cocktails Credit: PJM Photography

Lunch at the pool Credit: PJM Photography

Miss Ump Credit: UMP Fest

Poolside Fun Credit: Anneke Jagau

Cocktail Credit: Miss UMP - UMP FEST

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!

Your Stay

2 Nights

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included

Fast Facts

Lodge

Spoken Languages: Chichewa, English

No. Rooms: 11

Special Interests: Adventure, Beach / Coastal, Birding, Flora, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Watersports

Mvuu Lodge | Liwonde National Park, Malawi

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.

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Rooms
Facilities

Mvuu Lodge

Your Stay

2 Nights

Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities

Fast Facts

Apartment

Spoken Languages: English

No. Rooms: 8

Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Indigenous Culture / Art, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife

Pumulani Lodge | Cape Maclear

Pumulani is situated on the westside of the Nankumba Peninsula in the South end of Lake Malawi. The beauty of this lake is indescribable. The beautiful sparkling colours shimmering over the water, the clear blue skies and the panoramic vistas truly make you feel like you are in paradise. David Livingstone named Lake Malawi ‘Lake of Stars’ for good reason. According to experts this lake is home to more native fish species than any other lake in the world.

The ten villas are situated in such a way that they blend in completely with the natural surroundings and the cooling grass roofs reflect the African sun.