Self-drive adventure in Malawi - Exclusive

Nestled in the heart of Malawi, Sunbird Ku Chawe is Malawi’s premier mountain resort and one of the best places to fully take in the vast and beautiful countryside of Malawi. The hotel overlooks the Zomba Plateau, which rises to nearly 2200m above sea level. Surrounding the hotel are some of the most stunning views to be seen in all of Africa.

The hotel's facilities include the Mulunguzi Restaurant and Bastions Bar, as well as conference facilities and Wi-Fi.

The hotel offers a comprehensive range of excursions due to Zomba Plateau being ideal for exploration by foot. Experienced guides escort walking safaris, hiking and horse riding.

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 is a pristine island in Lake Malawi National Park which, with its crystal clear waters and innumerable species of cichlid fish, offers some of the best freshwater scuba diving in the world and the best snorkelling on the Lake.

The island lies 10km north-west of Cape Maclear, where reception and the nearest point of road access is located. The camp comprises five units (two twin tents and three twin reed chalets) perched on rocks high above the water shaded by lush foliage, each with bucket showers, ‘eco-loos’ and wooden deck. A hammock provides a comfortable spot to take in the idyllic Lake view. A twin-tented family unit is tucked into the forest near the main beach. There is a dining area, bar and watersport gazebo of timber and thatch.

Activities here vary from lazing in a hammock to snorkelling, diving, swimming, kayaking, walking and birdwatching. Guests have the option of boating or paddling to explore the granitic islands of the Lake.

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.