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Just a two hour journey from Lilongwe, Blue Zebra Island Lodge is situated on a private island in Lake Malawi National Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. The 3 islands are home to a vast array of fresh water fish, including some of the most rare and colorful in the world. The islands support diverse flora and fauna and are a bird watcher's paradise. We offer eight exclusive tented en-suite chalets each overlooking the lake with some of the chalets boasting private lake access. The chalets are set in an unspoiled environment where our guests are surrounded by nature and luxury. Activities available: kayak, snorkeling, wake boarding, water skiing, scuba diving (private club settled in the lodge), tubing and massage.
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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.
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.
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
4 Large and spacious ensuite tented chalets, the executive chalets are right on the lake and are very spaced out from one another, offering the perfect hide away for honey mooners or guest looking for peacefulness and relaxation. 2 of the executive chalets are family chalets with 2 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 6 persons.
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.
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.
Room Facilities
Balcony , Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Dressing Gowns, En Suite Bathroom, Fan, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Available), Mosquito Nets, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee
Property Facilities
Accept Credit Cards, Bar, Conference Centre, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Library, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Detached Private Bathroom, Dressing Gowns, Fan, Laundry Service (Available), Mosquito Nets, Plunge Pool, Safe, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Room Service
Activities on Site
Beach Drop Off, Bird Watching, Boating, Boules, Canoeing, Fishing, Kayaking, Massages, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Water Skiing
Activities Nearby
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.
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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!
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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!
Welcome to the Fig Tree Bar – Your Front Row Seat to the Lake
Unwind with a chilled cocktail or a zesty mocktail in hand as you take in panoramic views of Lake Malawi from our infinity poolside bar. The Fig Tree Bar is the perfect spot to relax, recharge, and soak up the island atmosphere. From crisp wines to refreshing mixers, there’s something for every taste — especially when paired with a legendary Blue Zebra sunset.
Cheers to good vibes and even better views!
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.
