10 Lodges in Malawi: Best hotel deals for 2023

May 3, 2023 Franklyn Hardiman

Safari on horseback, in a 4 x 4, on foot or by boat to take in Malawi's nine national parks and wildlife reserves, encompassing highlands and marshes. Lake Malawi attracts boaters, fishing enthusiasts, water skiers and snorkelers to its clear, fresh waters that house more than 400 fish species.
Things to do in Malawi

1. Game Haven Lodge

Chimwenya Game Park Bvumbwe, Blantyre Malawi
Excellent
50%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 143 reviews

Game Haven Lodge

This serene, beautiful 500 acre Chimwenya game park and lodge is set in the indigenous forests and grasslands of the Shire Highlands of Southern Malawi approximately 20 km from Blantyre. Experience exceptional viewing of wildlife which include Giraffe, Zebra, and several antelopes, Eland, Sable, Nyala, Waterbuck and for birdwatchers, prolific birdlife.

Weekend

Reviewed By 916shed

Our family loved the weekend away! The energy at that place is peaceful and serene. The activities are very fun. The animals are amazing! Rooms are spacious. Staff is very friendly and the food is delicious! We loved it!!

2. Mgoza Lodge

Chembe Village Road, Cape Maclear, Lake Malawi National Park Malawi
Excellent
59%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 188 reviews

Mgoza Lodge

Mgoza Lodge is a small lodge located on the beach at Cape Maclear, the rooms are all en-suite and facing the lake. There is a large area shaded by trees in front of the rooms for you to relax and enjoy the views of the islands and the sunset.We also have a Bar and restaurant, serving a great variety of dishes from around the world.

Great place to relax

Reviewed By producerkoof1

I spent three nights at Mgoza Lodge in April 2022. It was the perfect place to relax along the shore of Lake Malawi. The food was fantastic, the views spectacular and the owner takes great pride in making sure his guests are well taken care of. I highly recommend this place at Cape Maclear.

3. Safari Beach Lodge

Senga Bay Forest Reserve Shore of Lake Malawi, Salima Malawi
Excellent
37%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
8%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 152 reviews

Safari Beach Lodge

Fantastic :)

Reviewed By rachelrobson

II couldn't recommend staying at the Safari Beach lodge more. The setting is idyllic and the staff are super friendly- going out of their way to ensure you have a good stay. The rooms are basic, however, you are not going there to stay inside your room- but instead you will be enjoying the stunning views from the property and the wildlife surrounding them (especially the monkeys!). There are a number of activities available too, we got a boat to lizard Island and you can do a guided hike. I thought the food was great too- one evening the staff organised a meal on the terrace for us overlooking the lake- such a special evening. I will remember this trip for years to come- thanks for such a memorable stay!

4. Woodlands Lilongwe

Youth Drive City Centre, Lilongwe Malawi
Excellent
39%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
8%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 72 reviews

Woodlands Lilongwe

The Woodlands Lilongwe previously known as the Sanctuary Lodge is a boutique hotel built in a river fronted nature reserve in the heart of Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi, 'the Warm Heart of Africa' and land of the 'Lake of Stars! Under New Management, the hotel offers luxurious accommodation in lilongwe in a pristine indigenous natural woodland of miombo trees spread over 9 hectares. Individual chalets offer secluded and exclusive accomodation each with its own private veranda set in a protected wildlife park with a prolific birdlife as well as monkeys, bush pig, buck, porcupines, bush babies and crocodiles. The Woodlands Lilongwe hotel is the perfect place to work or play for guests and visitors alike. It's an idyllic location for business meetings, lunches, dinners, wedding receptions, birthday parties, or simply meet for a casual drink after work. A fabulous campsite set apart from the main buildings and the chalets is equipped with excellent ablution, washing and cooking facilities with banks, restaurants, supermarkets and shops located within walking distance making this an ideal location for campers, overlanders and backpackers.

The best prawns ?

Reviewed By ndifanjin

Probably the best prawns in Lilongwe. I have never been disappointed; Peri-Peri prawns always hits … highly priced but that’s prawns ?. I love sea food. The service on this particular day was also on point considering that we got there 9pm??

5. N'gona Lodge

Chikwawa Road, Chikwawa Malawi
Excellent
74%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 38 reviews

N'gona Lodge

"Ng'ona" Crocodile in Chichewa (the national language of Malawi) Ngona Lodge is an oasis in the African bush.We offer accommodation of a high standard, a campsite with braai facilities, and can arrange game drives and other activities in Majete Game Reserve. Situated on the banks of the Shire River, it is common to see crocs sunbathing on the sand banks and rocks below the rapids.These are the same rapids where David Livingstone had to dismantle his boat to continue his exploration of the African interior.

Outstanding Lodge next to Beautiful Majete Game Reserve

Reviewed By awrc1989

Beautiful lodge, stunning location delicious food and lovely rooms. Well worth staying in. Monika couldn't have been more welcoming, helpful or done any more of us. Very sad to leave and would love to go back.

6. Chinyonga Guest House

4 Chisasa , Yayola Street, Chinyonga Off Kenyatta Drive, Blantyre Malawi
Excellent
55%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
9%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11 reviews

Chinyonga Guest House

Chinyonga Guesthouse is a family run business founded on family values. We would like to make our guests to feel at home during their stay. The guesthouse is located in a neighborhood close to the two towns of Blantyre and Limbe and it is a walking distance to Chichiri shopping Mall and approximately 5kms to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital. The guesthouse is very quite yet within the city and it gives a good city view of Blantyre City. We have hosted guests from all over the world ranging from students, business people and tourists. Our staff will make you feel at home during your stay. The Guesthouse is also an ideal stop over on your way from to most interesting sites in southern part of Malawi such as, Mulanje Mountain, Zomba Plateau, Thyolo Tea Estates, Lake Malawi Cape maclear, Liwonde National Park, Majete Game Reserve, Nchalo Sugar Plantations as well as Blantyre and Limbe town tours.

Excellent value, very friendly and helpful

Reviewed By Lynn W

I stayed at Chinyonga for 2 weeks with a friend while we were working with an NGO. We each had an en-suite room in the main house and had a large living room and kitchen to use as well. The site is well maintained although on a hillside so there are steps to some accommodation. The swimming pool was well maintained and a pleasure to use after a hot day. Breakfast and dinner if ordered is served in your accommodation. The staff were always a very polite and helpful. WiFi is included and there is a generator for power cuts. The rates are very reasonable and we would certainly use again.

7. AfricaWildTruck Camp and Lodge

Thyolo Road, Mulanje Malawi
Excellent
89%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
5%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 37 reviews

AfricaWildTruck Camp and Lodge

AfricaWildTruck camp and lodge in Mulanje is an eco friendy lodge and camp in Malawi, in Mulanje district, at about 1 hour driving from Blantyre International Airport. It offers a pause before, after or during a travel or a safari in Malawi. AWT lodge and camp is the perfect place to start your hiking journey on Mulanje Mountain and cross the mountain. Spacious rooms, organized camping, an exclusive restaurant and bar reserved for internal guests. Secular and giant trees, a secluded garden overlooking tea hills, on the background Mulanje Mountain: AfricaWildTruck camp and lodge rises in an old colonial red brick building dated back to 1912. Respect for the environment, the communities that live there and therefore responsible tourism are the inspirational concepts of Africa Wild Truck. From AfricaWildTruck camp and lodge we organize day activities for you to explore the surroundings including multiple days hiking. Note that pre-book is essential for both accomodation and restaurant.

Lovely Camping Spot

Reviewed By woodnutngala

We stayed for 2 nights at the camp site. Lovely campsite under very big trees for shade. The staff were helpful and very friendly. The campsite is located quite close to the main road to Mozambique so did find it a bit noisy. Sadly they were experiencing water issues but this did not dampen our relaxed time or experience.

8. Nkhudzi Lodge

Nkudzi Bay, Mangochi Malawi
Excellent
48%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
5%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 21 reviews

Nkhudzi Lodge

Nkhudzi Bay which is in the Southern Region of Lake Malawi which lends itself to quieter, warmer water. We have an excellent beach and very clear water. Currently we can accommodate 10 people sharing and also have some tents for hire. We are surrounded by the Malawi National Park so it's possible to see some wildlife on the mountain and rocks behind the lodge. We also have a variety of birds in our trees so there's also something for the birdwatchers! So, if you want to have a peaceful holiday in a beautiful garden setting, this is the place for you!!

Average

Reviewed By Malume

So the best thing about this place is the food. The rooms are very poor, power evry inconsistent, riddled with mosquitoes, pool is tiny....but still swimmable....But the food is nice (at least what i had)

9. Manja Lodge

2 McLeod Road, Zomba Malawi
Excellent
50%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
50%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 2 reviews

Manja Lodge

Manja Lodge offers executive accommodation at the foot of Zomba Plateau. The Lodge is within walking distance to important services in Zomba Town. Our restaurant is historic; built in 1933. Modern rooms with stylish showers, luxurious king size beds and lounge and a serene garden environment make your stay memorable. Enjoy excellent services, accommodation and dining experience at a bargain price

Nice & Clean

Reviewed By ttdread

A 6 room lodge in a beautiful garden location. No 5 star, but great restaurant. Menu breakfast included with room. Lacked basic amenities like ac, phones, cable, micorwave, & ice machine. Wooden bed frame with too thin pad was really uncomfortable for my 11 days. Room service was good although you had to got tell them since there was phone in the room. Watch out for housekeeping leaving your windows & doors open when they clean so you won't have a mosquitoe party & lizards at night even with the net over your bed. Staff was friendly & helpful. Food was delicious.

10. Annie's Executive Lodge

Area 10, Lilongwe Malawi
Excellent
28%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
17%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 46 reviews

Annie's Executive Lodge

Our Area 10 Guest House is situated in one of the safest and most prestigious residential areas of Lilongwe. The guest house is set in a large evergreen garden and offers a tranquil environment for our guests, traveling either on business or pleasure to relax in.All the rooms have en-suite bathroom facilities with bath and shower, DSTV, full internet access and air conditioning. At our Area 10 Lodge we are also able to guarantee a constant supply of electricity and water.All rates include a full English breakfast on our beautiful outdoor terrace.We have 3 different kinds of rooms:Superior rooms, executive rooms and 2 self-catering flats.Having been established for more than a decade, our Area 10 Guest House has earned an excellent reputation with a number of embassies and foreign aid agencies.

Overnight ahead of Flight

Reviewed By Jonathan L

A last minute emergency mean I had to cut a visit to Malawi short, and make the long drive from Karonga in the north all the way to Lilongwe (about 10 hours) with a 4 hour stop in Mzuzu. When we arrived at about 7pm, our rooms were ready and waiting for us. We were welcomed by Maria, a very friendly and hospitable host. Rooms are spacious and clean, beds were comfortable. Air conditioning in the room was a nice treat after two weeks in the hot north. The shower was hot (almost too hot) but it was also nice to have after two weeks of cold bathing. The restaurant was not functioning, we were told, but it was fine, as the area has many restaurant close by offering take away and even delivery. Staff brought coffee to my room in the morning and offered to cook me breakfast. The grounds are beautiful and calming. The price for this stay ($90 overnight booking through expedia) was some $40 lower than other hotels available in the area based on my quick online search. I will certainly use Annie's again in my travel to and from Lilongwe.

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