Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel

The lodge has a strikingly grand exterior, with Italianate brick arches linking the interior to the terraced gardens and sunny patio facing the plateau – perfect for settling back after a day spent hiking and taking inn the views. Indoors, Mulunguzi Restaurant offers local and international cuisine (try the locally grown strawberries), and a good wine list; and Bastions Bar is well-stocked. Be there on a Sunday for the weekly garden barbecue with a view. Conference facilities and free wi-fi.

Clean and well-appointed, the 37 rooms range in size from doubles to the large Hillside Suite. All have an en-suite bathroom, a fireplace for cold evenings, and a small balcony on which to chill out. The rooms are simply but adequately decorated in shades of green and cream – echoing just a few of the shades of green visible beyond the window. There's no bling, but we're sure you won't be disappointed by this lovely lodge.

There is plenty to do in the Zomba area. Spend a few hours hiking the cloud-swirled plateau with a guide, taking in entrancing waterfalls and lakes. Or take the path down to Zomba village, admiring the plantlife (there are plenty of orchids and disa species), butterflies and birds on the way. Mountain bikes and horses are available, and you can arrange a day trip to Liwonde National Park. There's something for everyone here, from leisure lovers to adventure junkies.