Hotels in Malawi | Timbuktu Travel

Kaya Mawa

Lake Malawi

Popular |

10 Rooms

From $610 per person/night

An intriguing and utterly romantic beach hideaway with bucket loads of character.

From the moment you fly onto Likoma Island in your tiny, five-seater Cessna, you’ll be entranced by the laidback rhythm of island life. And then you’ll reach Kaya Mawa, tucked away on a cotton-candy beach overlooking the lake, and life just gets better and better. One of those fabulous lodges that has effortlessly-relaxed, beach-chic style down to a T, Kaya is truly a slice of heaven. Think immaculately decorated rooms built into the granite rocks, chilled-out water activities, and gourmet food, all mixed with incredible views and even better cocktails. In the local Nyanja language, Kaya Mawa actually means ‘Maybe Tomorrow’ – and relaxation is most certainly the order of the day here.

Mvuu Lodge

Liwonde

8 Rooms

A splendid, riverside lodge in Malawi's beautiful Liwonde Park

Mvuu Lodge sits on the eastern bank of the Shire River (pronounced Shi-ree) inside Liwonde National Park in southern Malawi. Mvuu means "hippo" in Chichewa - aptly named since you're bound to see many in the camp lagoon, along the river and around the lodge in the evenings. It's the smaller (16 guests as opposed to 34) and more luxurious sister to Mvuu Camp, which is just upstream. Both are run by Central African Wilderness Safaris - a subsidiary, though now independent, of Wilderness Safaris. The lodge is beautifully curated and offers a well-rounded safari experience in a breathtaking setting.

Mkulumadzi Lodge

Majete Reserve

8 Rooms

From $390 per person/night

Dine under the stars in relaxed seclusion on the banks of the Shire River

Back in 2002, Malawi's Majete Wildlife Reserve wasn't in a good way. But, thanks to joint efforts by the government and African Parks, its 7,000 hectares were re-populated with a variety of species, and robust anti poaching policies put in place. Today, it's one of the outstanding success stories of African conservation, and the only park in Malawi where you can see the Big Five. And now there's even a lodge to accommodate the steady trickle of tourists - effortlessly chic Mkulumadzi, located on the edge of the magnificent Shire River and encased in impressive giant leadwood trees. It just keeps getting better and better.

Chelinda Lodge

Nyika

Popular |

7 Rooms

From $690 per person/night

A cosy pine lodge in the highland hills of Malawi's Nyika Plateau

Chelinda Lodge in northern Malawi's Nyika National Park offers a one-of-a-kind African safari. The lodge sits 2300 metres above sea level (or 7590 feet), backs on to a large pine plantation and overlooks rolling grasslands dotted with herds of zebra, eland and roan. The landscapes are simply breathtaking. The lodge is run by Central African Wilderness Safaris (CAWS), a subsidiary, though now independent, of Wilderness Safaris, focused on high quality ecotourism in Malawi. Because of its altitude, temperatures can get chilly, though there's bound to be a log fire burning to keep you warm.

Zomba Forest Lodge

Zomba Plateau

4 Rooms

From $160 per person/night

Homely Malawian guest house with warm hospitality, great food and enveloped by nature.

Located on twenty acres of a former colonial estate just outside Zomba Nature Reserve in southern Malawi, Zomba Forest Lodge is a small, simple, slightly quirky hotel with a big heart. Originally the forest manager's residence, the charming cottage has been converted by owners Tom and Petal into a peaceful country getaway that feels far more like a friend's home than a lodge for paying guests. Surrounded by lush gardens and woodland, home to monkeys, antelope and tons of birds and butterflies, Zomba is a perfect spot for a quiet weekend or base from which to hike on the plateau.

Protea Hotel Ryalls

Blantyre

120 Rooms

From $190 per person/night

An elegant business and stopover hotel in the heart of Blantyre.

A business hotel that's just as suited to a little bit of pleasure on a Blantyre stopover, the Protea Hotel by Marriott Blantyre Ryalls lies in the heart of Blantyre's business district. Combining functionality with modern luxury –all 117 suites feature complimentary WiFi and satellite TV - the hotel is simple, yet elegant, and the distinctive Malawian influences are fun and quirky. With refreshing dips in the sparkling pool, trips to the spa, and read-athons in the hotel's beautiful garden, it's the perfect spot to recharge and get inspired before a safari - and it's only 30 minutes from the international airport.

Latitude 13

Lilongwe

29 Rooms

From $260 per person/night

A supremely stylish and modern boutique hotel, well placed for a Lilongwe stopover.

On the northern edge of bustling Lilongwe, tucked into the leafy ambassadorial district, is the super-stylish Latitude 13. Originally built as a private house, it's now a sleek design hotel and totally different to anything else on offer in Lilongwe - or Malawi for that matter! From the cutting edge design, to the monochrome interiors and the fabulous facilities (including the bistro-style restaurant, funky bar, and outdoor pool), no detail has been overlooked. And at only 30 minutes drive from the airport and 10 from the markets and shops of Lilongwe's old town, it really is a pretty perfect stopover.

Huntingdon House

Thyolo

5 Rooms

From $480 per person/night

Soak up the charm of this 1940s country house on a fragrant tea estate in Malawi.

In the early '20s, a young Scotsman called Maclean Kay bought his first piece of land in Malawi. And it was here, in the temperate Shire Highlands in the country's south, that he planted his first tea plantation, and called it Satemwa. In 1936 he built Huntingdon House for his family, and the original home has now been turned into a beautiful boutique guesthouse. Surrounded by emerald lawns, elegant trees and lily-filled ponds (and hectares of tea), the house is tranquil and relaxed – the perfect setting in which to appreciate the timeless magic of this stunning corner of Malawi.

Ndomo House

Lake Malawi

4 Rooms

From $1.1K per person/night

Soak up the magic of the lake in this private house with exceptional views.

Located in the southwest corner of beautiful Likoma Island in Lake Malawi, Ndomo House is a bright, breezy and very funky four-bedroom family house. It's part of nearby boutique hotel, Kaya Mawa, but remains perfectly private, and you'll find everything you could possibly need (including a chef, nanny, guide, and gardener!) at the house itself. Stretched over three levels, the house is tucked into the rocks and indigenous trees, metres away from a private beach and the lapping waves of the lake. When you're not lounging in the swimming pool or reading in the hammock, head to the lake for a spot of fishing, sailing or snorkelling. Whatever takes your fancy, you'll probably find it here.

Mvuu Camp

Liwonde

12 Rooms

From $550 per person/night

Affordable, family-friendly camp in one of Malawi's best wildlife destinations.

Mvuu Camp overlooks the magnificent Shire River (pronounced Shi-ree) inside southern Malawi's Liwonde National Park. The camp's name means "hippo", which you're bound to see many of along this broad stretch of river and around the camp in the evenings. It's the big (slightly simpler and more affordable) sister to Mvuu Lodge, which is just down the road. Both are run by Central African Wilderness Safaris - a subsidiary, though now independent, of Wilderness Safaris. The camp is a superb option for budget-minded travellers, especially those driving themselves. It offers a well-rounded safari at a relaxed pace.

Thawale Lodge

Majete Reserve

6 Rooms

From $270 per person/night

Experience Malawi's finest reserve and conservation success story, in style

Ten years ago, Majete Wildlife Reserve in southern Malawi was eerily void of wildlife. Thanks to the African Parks Network, this is no longer the case – they've reintroduced 2500-plus large mammals, including all of the Big Five. Thawale Lodge, which is operated by Sunbird Safaris, is one of only two lodges in the sanctuary. It offers comfortable accommodation and a variety of ways in which to make the most of your wilderness experience (including no fences, so the wildlife wanders freely). Notably, Thawale also donates all profits to the management and operation of the reserve.

Chelinda Camp

Nyika

10 Rooms

From $650 per person/night

Basic, cosy lodging in the remote highlands of Malawi's Nyika Plateau.

Chelinda Camp in northern Malawi's Nyika National Park offers a safari with a difference. The camp sits 2300 metres above sea level, next to a large pine plantation and a trout dam with rolling grasslands beyond. The old, colonial Chelinda Camp is about a half a mile down the road from Chelinda Lodge, and is the substantially more basic of the two, with self-catering options available. Enjoy the plateau's enchanting landscapes, reminiscent in many ways of the Scottish Highlands. Temperatures can get chilly, though the log fires and friendly hospitality are bound to keep you warm.

Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel

Zomba Plateau

32 Rooms

From $370 per person/night

Hiking, views, and home-style comfort on Malawi's heavenly Zomba Plateau

Zomba, once the capital of Malawi, is a bustling mix of colonial architecture, dusty markets and some rather dazzling natural surroundings. Rising to the north of the city is the Zomba Plateau, with its pristine mountain vegetation, biodiverse forests and tall peaks surrounding the plateau's saucer-shaped interior. The views from up there are simply breathtaking, and Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel on the rim offers some of the best – all the way to distant Mount Mulanje. Access is via a steep, winding road (luckily tarred), but the crisp, high-altitude air, birdsong-filled surroundings and extraordinary views are ample reward, and more.

Villa 33

Blantyre

9 Rooms

From $80 per person/night

A well priced B&B in lush and peaceful surrounds.

Blantyre is one of the largest urban areas in Malawi, but despite it being the commercial trade centre, it still retains a peaceful, laid-back feeling, helped by the lush, green environs. Set in two acres of beautiful tropical gardens in the quiet suburb of Namiwawa, Villa 33 is a simple B&B without frills and fuss, and well worth the price. Take your time to find the hidden little nooks in the gardens and kick back, cool drink in hand, to watch the troupes of monkeys frolicking in the trees. A peaceful way to start or end any safari in Malawi.

Kumbali Country Lodge

Lilongwe

16 Rooms

From $330 per person/night

A lush, bird-filled private paradise a short distance from busy Lilongwe

Looking for some peace outside thronging Lilongwe? We've found it – at a blissful lodge tucked away on a 650-hectare farm a mere 25 minutes from Lilongwe's International Airport. Accessed via a bumpy dirt road, the Kumbali estate lies between the Capital Hill Dairy Farm and the Nkhoma mountain range. This upmarket country lodge is valued for its privacy, and is just the place to relax and unwind. We appreciated the friendly staff, who do a great job of combining smiling service with discretion (as is the norm in Malawi, a country known for the warmth of its welcome).

Chawani Bungalow

Thyolo

5 Rooms

From $40 per person/night

A traditional Malawian tea plantation on the slopes of Thyolo Mountain.

Though Malawi is best known for its enormous, freshwater lake, the lush southern region has a wealth of beauty and adventure, ready to be explored. Chawani Bungalow is a self-catering family farmhouse that sits on the Satemwa Tea Estate, dating back to 1874. The house sleeps ten comfortably, and comes with willing staff if you'd like the help. It's full of character and rustic charm, and the large verandah and gorgeous gardens are a tranquil spot to put your feet up. All in all, the house is relaxed getaway for a family or large group, and a fabulous base from which to explore the forested highlands, on foot or by mountain bike.

Mumbo Island Camp

Lake Malawi

Popular |

6 Rooms

From $510 per person/night

An eco-retreat with picture-perfect views over the boulder-strewn tropical waters.

Situated on a rocky outcrop on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Malawi, guests can get away from it all and live off the grid for a few nights in this watery retreat. The lodge is private and quiet, situated on an exclusive island concession within Lake Malawi National Park. Six eco-friendly thatch bungalows are perched over the freshwater paradise. Enjoy freshly prepared meals, the breathtaking view from your hammock or getting closer to the myriad of fish who dart about on a snorkelling expedition.

Kuthengo Camp

Liwonde

4 Rooms

From $420 per person/night

Wake to the haunting calls of fish-eagles in Malawi's wild Liwonde Park

This camp in southern Malawi's Liwonde National Park has just four modern, eco-friendly tents that shelter beneath fever trees and baobabs on a large open plain that reaches towards the Shire (pronounced "Shiree") River. The tents are just perfect, with en-suite bathrooms and private decks that open to lush views. Liwonde is popular with birdwatchers, and its 380-odd species include Pel’s fishing-owl, Lilian's meadowlark, purple-crested turaco, Böhm’s bee-eater and colourful Nyasa lovebird. There's plenty for mammal lovers too – elephant, buffalo, black rhino, antelope (herds of waterbuck mill around the campsite), and recently reintroduced cheetah. It's 360-degree safari satisfaction!

Leslie Lodge

Blantyre

12 Rooms

From $120 per person/night

Upmarket B&B in the heart of one of Blantyre's quiet neighbourhoods

Named after the birthplace of David Livingstone, busy Blantyre is an appealing city that's one of the oldest in East Africa. If you're looking for a place to stay here, book your space at Leslie Lodge, a charming home-from-home base in the leafy suburb of Mount Pleasant, near the city centre. A really good option for people travelling through the city for work or holidays, Leslie Lodge has developed a reputation as a very comfortable, clean guesthouse. The power is reliable, the water is hot, the beer is cold, the grounds are immaculate, and the owners and staff are caring.

Dzalanyama House

Lilongwe

6 Rooms

From $120 per person/night

A self-catering retreat in a verdant Malawian forest and birding hotspot

Dzalanyama Forest Lodge is a rustic, wooden cabin tucked away in Miombo woodlands on the Makata River, in Malawi's central region. In a country which has seen half its indigenous forest turned into charcoal in the last 35 years, Dzalanyama is an important reserve for wildlife and people alike. It is home to a wide variety of birds and butterflies, baboons and several species of antelope. Even the occasional leopard or hyena gets spotted, but the real drawcard here is the hiking and the serenity of the forest. The lodge is a peaceful getaway for those traveling Malawi's backroads, keen to explore its lesser-known regions.

Pumulani Lodge

Lake Malawi

10 Rooms

From $360 per person/night

A clifftop retreat with epic views of the lake and fabulous water activities.

Mother Nature may have given Lake Malawi turquoise sparkling waters, rolling green hills and crescents of powder-white sand, but it was owners Jo & Robin Pope who gave Pumulani an infinity pool, 10 stunning eco-friendly villas and a host of water based activities to keep you busy. Find this chic retreat at the top of a winding track in the forested hills of the Nankumba Peninsula on the southern shore of Lake Malawi and visit for a spot of post-safari indulgence, interspersed with a little snorkelling or kayaking should it take your fancy.

Africa House

Lilongwe

10 Rooms

From $110 per person/night

Restful retreat in the heart of Malawi's capital city.

This tranquil converted home set in a northern suburb of Lilongwe has several grand touches that elevate it above other bed-and-breakfast options. Its contemporary architecture and carefully collected African artworks create a fresh atmosphere. And it's peaceful too – access to and from the city centre is easy, but the house is well away from the fray, making it a perfect stopover for visitors heading to or from Lake Malawi. With extremely helpful staff, loads of easy charm, natural light, spacious common rooms and even a small gym, Africa House has a laid-back feel that's irresistible.

The Crafted Residence

Lilongwe

7 Rooms

From $250 per person/night

he Crafted Residence offers the rare balance of tranquillity and convenience.

The Crafted Residence is a peaceful sanctuary tucked away in the leafy surrounds of Area 12, Lilongwe, where lush gardens, wide open space and extraordinary birdlife create an atmosphere of calm from the moment you arrive. The gardens are alive with a stunning variety of birds, filling the space with colour and birdsong and offering a daily reminder of nature, even while staying in the city.

Lukwe Eco Camp

Lake Malawi

4 Rooms

From $10 per person/night

Located between the lake and the highlands, this is a gem in the forests.

In the northern reaches of Malawi, sandwiched between the lake and the Nyika Plateau, Lukwe Eco Camp sits perched on the edge of the Great Rift Valley. Meaning "a place of natural beauty", it certainly lives up to its name. And not only that - it really is an eco camp, built with sustainably sourced local timber, solar energy and water-free toilets that provide fertiliser for the on-site veggie garden. The idyllic spot boasts an 80-metre waterfall that plunges into an untamed, forested gorge and simply begs to be explored. Between the hiking and swimming, Lukwe provides the perfect spot to relax, soak up some extraordinary views and watch nature unfold around you.

Heuglin’s Lodge

Lilongwe

9 Rooms

From $310 per person/night

The ideal interlude just outside Malawi's capital city.

Malawi is known as "the warm heart of Africa" for it's charming, gentle people and ready hospitality. Located in a quiet suburb on the edge of Lilongwe, Heuglins embodies all of these characteristics within its distinct family-run atmosphere. With its friendly staff, comfortable accommodation, good food, and spacious grounds with mature, tranquil gardens, this is the ideal spot for smooth transitions for anyone aiming to explore the country's wilder regions. It's pretty good too if you're a business traveller in need of some home comforts after a day of meetings in the city.

Ngala Beach Lodge

Lake Malawi

10 Rooms

From $230 per person/night

Beach-side bliss.

Be mesmerised by Lake Malawi at this chilled out spot on the lake shore. Book a bungalow on the beach and spend your days with your toes in the sand, soaking up the sun and enjoying languid swims in the cool turquoise water. Step off the beach into a tropical garden paradise with a vibrant birdlife. There’s an infinity swimming pool and restaurant serving unfussy fresh seafood, some of the best ribs south of the Sahara and they do pizza nights – we like!

Blue Zebra Island Lodge

Lake Malawi

10 Rooms

From $320 per person/night

A sleepy, charming lodge on a wild island paradise in Lake Malawi National Park.

It takes a twenty-minute boat ride across the lake to get to this remote and beautiful island paradise. Forested Nankoma Island, part of Lake Malawi National Park, offers spacious and secluded tented chalets amongst the trees or on the beach. It will be hard to leave the infinity pool with its uninterrupted view over the lake, or the welcoming Fig Tree Bar but there’s an underwater oasis to explore, indigenous forests and unique wildlife to distract you.

Danforth Lodge

Lake Malawi

8 Rooms

Malawi’s water-sporting hotspot.

(This property has been privatised and no longer takes bookings ) Life at this pretty guesthouse in Cape Maclear on the shore of Lake Malawi is all about watersports, and once you’re gliding across the shimmering lake atop a pair of water-skis (or better still, on a private yacht), we guarantee that the troubles of life will be forgotten and you’ll never want to leave. And of course, if a bit of R&R is what you’re after, hosts Michelle and Howard will ensure a sun-lounger is always waiting and an exquisite 5-star culinary creation is never far away. Malawi is, after all, famous for its remarkable hospitality.

Tongole Wilderness Lodge

Lake Malawi

6 Rooms

From $710 per person/night

Luxury eco retreat in unspoilt Malawian wilderness

With no other lodges around for miles, Tongole Wilderness Lodge occupies a sensational place in the Miombo woodland of the 1,800 sqare km Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve. Based around eco principles of conservation and respect for the environment and community guests can expect to be enthralled by the wilderness of the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, the oldest and least-developed protected area from the Great Rift Valley in the west to Lake Malawi in the east. The setting along the Bau river, a view from every aspect of a lodge that blends effortlessly into its natural surrounds of rock, wood and forest.

Domwe Island Camp

Lake Malawi

5 Rooms

From $80 per person/night

A little slice of simple island tranquility, surrounded by beautiful tropical waters.

A small private beach cozied between granite rocks at the bottom of a wall of dense indigenous forest welcomes you to one of Lake Malawi's largest unpopulated islands. Domwe, just a mere 11km, is in the spectacular water wonderland of the Lake Malawi National Park. Hike up to take advantage of the mountains views with a picnic, lounge along the shore or in a hammock or get into the water and explore. With such a pristine part of the world you are hard pressed not to kick off your shoes and give in to the natural beauty in this refreshingly remote retreat.

Malawi

Best hotels in Malawi

Kaya Mawa

Mvuu Lodge

Mkulumadzi Lodge

Chelinda Lodge

Zomba Forest Lodge

Protea Hotel Ryalls

Latitude 13

Huntingdon House

Ndomo House

Mvuu Camp

Thawale Lodge

Chelinda Camp

Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel

Villa 33

Kumbali Country Lodge

Chawani Bungalow

Mumbo Island Camp

Kuthengo Camp

Leslie Lodge

Dzalanyama House

Pumulani Lodge

Africa House

The Crafted Residence

Lukwe Eco Camp

Heuglin’s Lodge

Ngala Beach Lodge

Blue Zebra Island Lodge

Danforth Lodge

Tongole Wilderness Lodge

Domwe Island Camp

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