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Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel, Zomba Plateau | Timbuktu Travel
Zomba Plateau

Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel

Travel and Leisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!
Named three years running in Travel+Leisure World's Best, including No.1 in 2024

About Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel

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.
Zomba Plateau , Malawi
From $370 per person/per night
Retreat
32 Rooms
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Property details

The property

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.

The rooms

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.

Activities

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.
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The highlights of southern Malawi
Malawi

The highlights of southern Malawi

12 nights from $4.4K per person

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How to book Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel

How do I book Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel?

Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Malawi trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Malawi trips featuring Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel or get advice and suggestions from one of our Malawi specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel?

Stays at Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel start from around $370 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel

Malawi

Zomba Plateau

High-altitude fun, curious creatures and one-of-a-kind scenery in a dramatic mountain reserve.