The Best Accommodations in Nkhotakota
Nkhotokota, formerly known as Kota Kota (derived from the Chichewa for “Corner Corner” is one of the main ports on Lake Malawi.
Nkhotakota is also home to the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve.
500 elephants were moved from Liwonde National Park and Majete Wildlife Reserve to Nkhotakota between 2016 and 2017.
The reserve is also home to several antelope species, buffalo and leopards.
Nkhotakota Pottery offers a range of pottery workshops and courses that can last from three days to three weeks.
If you don’t have time for a long course, there is also a workshop where you can make your own pots or decorate some that are already made.
Sungu Island which is made of sand and rocks is another fascinating place to visit in Nkhotakota.
Nkhotakota offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels with great security and service, to clean, affordable guesthouses.
Here is a selection of lodges in Nkhotakota by budget.
Luxury Accommodations Above USD100
1. Tongole Wilderness Retreat
| Name | Tongole Wilderness Retreat |
|---|---|
| Location | Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve |
| Phone | +265 (0) 998 724 466 |
| reservations@tongole.com |
Tongole Wilderness Retreat is the only luxury lodge in the region, located four hours’ drive from Lilongwe, deep in the beautiful miombo forests of the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve.
Situated on the banks of the Bua River and surrounded by vibrant forest, it is a retreat where you can truly enjoy the tranquillity that the ultimate wilderness has to offer.
The open-air river-view suite features a large bath with great views and a spectacular wooden deck overlooking the Bua River.
After a picnic on the Bua River, toast with champagne in a large bubble bath under the stars. You can also watch the night sky from the cosy large double bed.
Tongole is the perfect getaway with wilderness, breathtaking views, stunning sunrises and sunsets on the Bua River, special kayaking, bush walks, delicious food, friendly hosts and guides and a large bath tub.
You can also spot elephants and a diverse range of wildlife including sable, waterbuck, kudu and impala.
You are free to choose how you want to spend your stay.
Get away from the hectic pace of life and relax in the natural surroundings as they are.
Popular Accommodations for USD30-100
2. Rafiki Safari Lodge
| Name | Rafiki Safari Lodge |
|---|---|
| Location | Next to the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, NKhotakota |
| Phone | +265 (0) 999 978 503, +265 (0) 999 978 504 |
| info@rafikicamp.com |
Adjacent to the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, Rafiki Safari Lodge is an eco lodge that offers an authentic wilderness experience.
The lodge sits on a small hill overlooking the bush, with idyllic views below and the babbling Bua River, and sometimes you can even spot African wildlife.
There is a campsite with self-catering facilities and six comfortable tented chalets, well spaced and very comfortable.
You can also relax by the pool or on the peaceful, quiet trails in the forest or by the waters of the Bua River.
Nkhotakota is also home to more than 230 bird species, making it an ideal place for birdwatching enthusiasts.
3. Bua River Lodge
| Name | Bua River Lodge |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, NKhotakota |
| Phone | +265 (0) 885 756 992, +265 (0) 886 582 127 |
| buariverlodge@gmail.com |
Bua River Lodge is located on the bank of the beautiful Bua River, just 2 km from the eastern boundary of Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve.
The six safari tent rooms have en-suite bathrooms and each tent is well secured and private.
Meals are based on fresh, seasonal produce sourced from the surrounding area, creating a fusion of Malawian, African and European regional cuisine.
A set lunch menu is also available for day visitors.
Grab your binoculars, a book and a cool drink and snooze in the shade, while you listen to the sounds of the babbling river and forest.
You can also enjoy a walking safari with a guide and trained game rangers.
In the evening, why not dine under the stars or sit by the campfire and gaze up at the star-filled sky?
4. Nkhotakota Safari Lodge
| Name | Nkhotakota Safari Lodge |
|---|---|
| Location | 12km south of Nkhotakota Town, Nkhotakota |
| Phone | +265 (0) 884 170 682 |
| nkhotakotasafarilodge@gmail.com |
Nkhotakota Safari Lodge is a charming, secluded hotel located on a lakeside 12 km south of Nkhotakota Town.
All rooms have beach views, air conditioning and digital satellite TV.
Deluxe rooms have a balcony with a stylish bathtub where you can relax under the trees.
Overlooking the beautiful beach, the bar and restaurant serves traditional Malawian cuisine with seasonal fish and vegetables, as well as international dishes created by the head chef.
On request, the restaurant staff can also organise braai (BBQs).
Set in tranquil surroundings, Nkhotakota Safari Lodge is ideal for a relaxing holiday.
5. Nkhotakota Pottery Lodge
| Name | Nkhotakota Pottery Lodge |
|---|---|
| Location | 15km south of Nkhotakota Town, Nkhotakota |
| Phone | +265 (0) 884 581 098, +265 (0) 997 189 064 |
| info@nkhotakota-pottery-lodge.com |
Nkhotakota Pottery Lodge is located on the lake shore, 15 km south of Nkhotakota town.
The lodge has a beautiful beach stretching for more than 200 metres, clean rooms, a lush campsite and a conference hall that can accommodate up to 200 people.
There is also one dormitory, where shared facilities are available for a reasonable fee.
The spacious garden can accommodate up to 100 people for meetings, garden parties, weddings and other special events.
It also has a popular Pottery, which opened in 1998, where interested parties can try their hand at pottery making.
The restaurant, located on the beach, offers both indoor and outdoor dining, serving both international and Malawian cuisine.
The menu is constantly evolving and focuses on using fresh, local ingredients to create simple, tasty dishes.
6. Fish Eagle Bay Lodge
| Name | Fish Eagle Bay Lodge |
|---|---|
| Location | Mbalame Village, Nkhotakota |
| Phone | +265 (0) 888 853 962 |
| fisheaglebay@gmail.com |
Fish Eagle Bay Lodge is located on a spectacular sandy beach in Mbalame village, Nkhotakota.
The lodge comprises four B&B chalets and two self-catering chalets.
The beautiful whitewashed and thatched chalets have lake views and en-suite bathrooms.
The lodge has a restaurant and bar, where lunch and dinner of fresh fish from the lake are popular.
It is ideal for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy Nkhotakota’s spacious beaches, or for those who want to spend a relaxing holiday.
Cheap Accommodations Under USD30
7. Rafiki Safari Camp
| Name | Rafiki Safari Camp |
|---|---|
| Location | Next to Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, Nkhotakota |
| Phone | +265 (0) 999 978 503/4 |
| info@rafikicamp.com | |
| Website | www.rafikicamp.com |
Situated next to the Nkhotakota wildlife reserve, Rafiki Safari Camp offers an ideal setting to immerse yourself in Malawi’s wilderness.
For seeking a nature retreat within the Miombo Woodlands, Rafiki Safari Camp provides comprehensive camping facilities.
Campsites are set up in natural bush, amongst indigenous trees.
Each campsite has its own braii/barbeque area and a shaded/waterproof section.
All sites are conveniently located within a short walkable distance to the ablution block.
Hot and cold water is also available along with flushing toilets and dishwashing facilities which are shared amenities.
Additionally, Power points are available for recharging phones, computers and fridges/freezers as needed.
The camps water supply, heating and toilet facilities are powered by solar energy.
Guests are therefore reminded to be mindful of electricity and water usage.
Please note, camper’s need to bring their own camping equipment and food supplies.
