The 16 Best Accommodations in Mangochi, Cape Maclear and Monkey Bay
Located at the southern end of Lake Malawi, Mangochi is one of Malawi’s leading beach resort areas.
Lake Malawi National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cape Maclear and Monkey Bay are located in the area.
Mangochi is also a unique historic area, with a clock tower built to commemorate Queen Victoria, a Hotchkiss gun taken from the British gunboat Gwendolen, which was used in the first British naval victory in the World War I, and gunships that patrolled Lake Malawi from 1889 to 1940.
Next to the clock tower is a simple stone memorial to the 145 lives lost on the Viphya, which sank in 1946.
Mangochi offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury beach resort hotels to clean, affordable guesthouses.
Here are some of the best hotels in Mangochi by budget.
Luxury Accommodations Above USD100
1. The Makokola Retreat
| Name | The Makokola Retreat |
|---|---|
| Location | Nkopola, Mangochi |
| Phone | +265 (0) 888 796 424 |
| reservations@makokola.com |
Located on the southern shore of Lake Malawi and set in green gardens surrounded by palm trees, the Makokola Retreat offers elegant service and an unparalleled experience in Malawi.
The tranquility of the lake, its golden sands and the surrounding lush vegetation will immediately make you feel connected to nature.
There are many options during your stay: relax by the pool, try one of the many water activities, have a spa treatment, work out in the state-of-the-art gym, play golf on the adjacent golf course, enjoy a meal with stunning views of the lake, or take a walk to a local village.
All 69 spacious rooms overlook the golden beaches and sparkling blue water.
Most of the rooms are designed to be secluded, yet they are only a few steps from the beach.
For those flying in, Makokola has an international airport.
2. Pumulani Lodge
| Name | Pumulani Lodge |
|---|---|
| Location | Nankumba, Mangochi |
| Phone | +265 (0) 993 504 600, +260 (0) 765 023 939 |
| info@robinpopesafaris.net |
Pumulani Lodge is the ultimate luxury hotel, located on the western side of the Nankumba Peninsula at the southern end of Lake Malawi.
The 10 stylishly modern villas are dotted amongst the rocks and trees on the hillside, high off the ground, offering spectacular views and privacy.
The spacious villas have a bedroom, bathroom and living area with a private balcony.
The lodge has two beautiful swimming pools: one on the beach and the other is an infinity pool on a hilltop overlooking the bay.
With an adjoining bar this makes it the perfect setting to enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine while taking in the stunning views of the lake.
A trip around the lake in a dhow (sailing boat) made from local wood is a great way to enjoy a memorable breakfast or a sundowner.
For those who enjoy being more active, water skiing, sailing, kayaking, snorkelling and diving are available.
3. Sunbird Nkopola
| Name | Sunbird Nkopola |
|---|---|
| Location | Nkopola, Mangochi |
| Phone | +265 (0) 1 580 444 |
| nkopola@sunbirdmalawi.com |
Located 24km north of Mangochi, south of Lake Malawi, Sunbird Nkopola is a premier beachside resort offering 55 superb accommodation rooms and a variety of modern water sports.
The resort which offers an exquisite setting surrounded by tropical vegetation, baobab tree-lined bays and the sparkling waters of Lake Malawi can be reached via a 1.3km paved side road.
As the last colours of the setting sun fade, look up at the sky and you will see why Lake Malawi is called the ‘Lake of Stars’.
Enjoy a refreshing drink at the bar overlooking the palm-fringed beach and watch fish eagles flit over the clear water, or try one of the many water activities including jet skiing, water skiing, kayaking, banana boating, aqua quads, windsurfing and power boating.
Scuba diving, tennis courts and a 9-hole golf course are also nearby.
4. Sun ‘n’ Sand Holiday Resort
| Name | Sun ‘n’ Sand Holiday Resort |
|---|---|
| Location | Monkey Bay road, Mangochi, Malawi |
| Phone | +265 (0) 996 492 399, +265 (0) 999 220 786 |
| gm@sunnsandmw.com |
Sun ‘n’ Sand Holiday Resort is one of Malawi’s largest beach resorts, located on the southern shore of Lake Malawi, with a private 700m golden sandy beach.
With a variety of activities available, you will never be bored during your stay.
You can explore Fifi Water world with its Olympic-sized swimming pool, speedboats, jet skis, rubber boats, kayaks, snorkelling, parasailing, camel rides, massages and more.
There is also an on-site restaurant that serves delicious Indian and Western cuisine.
5. EKHAYA LUXURY RESORT
| Name | EKHAYA LUXURY RESORT |
|---|---|
| Location | Chimatilo Village, Namiasi, Mangochi |
| Phone | +265 (0) 881 104 986 |
It is one of the lakeside retreats along the Lake Malawi, in Mangochi.
EKHAYA LUXURY RESORT has 26 elegant rooms; each with a balcony, electric kettle and air conditioning.
Guests can choose from chalet rooms, double or twin-bed rooms and family en-suite rooms with three double beds ideal for larger group or those traveling with children.
While enjoying the waterfront view, you can re-energize from the delicious continental menu of the resort’s restaurant.
Guests can also enjoy a refreshing drink at the bar, which offers a wide range of soft and alcoholic sips.
In addition to its leisure amenities, the luxury center has a swimming pool and fitness center, ensuring guests are active and fresh during the vacation.
EKHAYA LUXURY RESORT has also kids playground where children can cheer the day with fun activities and games.
The luxury center is also a venue for conferences.
Whether you want to refresh, dine or host a conference, EKHAYA LUXURY RESORT offers you an option.
6. Mumbo Island
| Name | Mumbo Island |
|---|---|
| Location | Lake Malawi National Park, Mangochi |
| Phone | +27 (0) 827 854 294 |
| letsgo@kayakafrica.co.za |
Located 10km northwest of Cape Maclear, in Lake Malawi National Park, Mumbo Island is an uninhabited island just 1 km in diameter, surrounded by crystal clear fresh water that offers tranquility and natural beauty.
A 40-minute boat ride from the mainland, Mumbo Island has no signal, Wi-Fi or electricity.
You can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the lake as it is.
Mumbo Island has everything you need.
The chalets are built entirely from reeds, timber, thatch and canvas on high rocks overlooking the lake, with private decks offering stunning views of the lake.
The rooms are furnished with a comfortable twin bed, a hammock, chairs, a side table and a lamp.
As well as water activities such as diving, snorkelling, island hopping and kayaking, you can stroll along the white sand beaches, watch a variety of birds, nap in a hammock, watch the sunset while enjoying a glass of wine or have dinner under the bright stars and candlelight – a stay on this desert island is the ultimate in relaxation and how you spend it is up to you.
7. Norman Carr Cottage
| Name | Norman Carr Cottage |
|---|---|
| Location | 15km South of Monkey Bay, Mangochi |
| Phone | +265 (0) 888 355 357 |
Norman Carr Cottage is a clean and neat lodge located in Mangochi, on the southern shore of Lake Malawi.
The cottage has a total of seven rooms, including two courtyard rooms and five executive suites with lake views.
They also offer a variety of fun activities such as snorkelling and canoeing.
Nature lovers can take a hiking tour, observe the diverse birdlife and visit the villages to get an insight into local village life.
Those who want to spend a relaxing day can read a book, play golf or unwind on a sunday cruise.
Ideal for those seeking relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Advance booking is essential due to limited accommodation space.
Popular Accommodations for USD30-100
8. Kingfisher Inn
| Name | Kingfisher Inn |
|---|---|
| Location | Monkey Bay road, Mangochi, Malawi |
| Phone | +265 (0) 998 951 295 |
| kingfisher.inn2019@gmail.com |
The Kingfisher Inn is a safe and loving family resort with 11 chalets, a restaurant, a bar, a pool and barbecue facilities with stunning views along the shore of Lake Malawi in Mangochi.
The lodge, formerly known as Palm Beach Leisure Resort, was taken over in 2019 and has been improved, upgraded and a range of new additions.
Mangochi is well known for its many exclusive beach resorts, but the Kingfisher Inn offers not only reasonable prices compared to the surrounding hotels and lodges, but also excellent food and great hospitality.
The chalets are clean and tidy with a fan to keep you cool in the summer.
The views over Lake Malawi from the beach bar are idyllic.
9. Monkey Bay Beach Lodge
| Name | Monkey Bay Beach Lodge |
|---|---|
| Location | Monkey Bay, Mangochi |
| Phone | +265 (0) 992 045 483 |
| warren@monkeybaybeachlodge.com |
Monkey Bay Beach Lodge is a comfortable accommodation located on the shores of the lake in Monkey Bay.
Rooms are available in a variety of settings, including lakefront, garden and family rooms, all tastefully decorated with African fabrics and arts.
The on-site restaurant, Monkey Bay Beach Café, with its own veranda, serves an excellent breakfast, lunch menu and a daily specials menu for dinner.
There is also a bar serving a selection of local drinks, imported and South African wines.
10. Annie’s Lodge
| Name | Annie’s Lodge |
|---|---|
| Location | Chembe Village, Cape Maclear |
| Phone | +265 (0) 997 364 959 |
| Check in | 14:00 |
| Check out | 10:30 |
The lodge has spacious rooms with hot water, fully equipped kitchen with a fridge, onsite bar, massage site and a beautiful pool.
11. Cape Mac Lodge & Froggies Restaurant
| Name | Cape Mac Lodge & Froggies Restaurant |
|---|---|
| Location | Chembe Village, Cape Maclear |
| Phone | +265 (0) 999 412 266 |
| Check in | by 21:30 |
If you are looking for lots of activities and innovative French food, Cape Mac Lodge is the place for you.
Some say the French food at Froggies Restaurant is one of the best in Malawi.
They have a valley ball coat, a table tennis, a swimming pool, canoes and pedal boats.
12. Cape Maclear Ecolodge & Scuba Shack
| Name | Cape Maclear Ecolodge & Scuba Shack |
|---|---|
| Location | Chembe Village, Cape Maclear |
| Phone | +265 (0) 999 140 905 / +265 (0) 882 124 308 |
| Check in | 10:00 |
| Check out | 10:00 |
The lodge consists 14 standard rooms, a garden and minibar. Ecolodge is the commercial branch of the locally run charity HEEED.
13. Fat Monkeys Lodge
| Name | Fat Monkeys Lodge |
|---|---|
| Location | Chembe Village, Cape Maclear |
| Phone | +265 (0) 999 948 501 |
| Check in | Anytime |
| Check out | 9:00 |
The lodge has 2 en-suite family chalets, 6 en-suite double rooms, 2 dorms and camping space situated on the beachfront.
14. Chembe Eagles Nest
| Name | Chembe Eagles Nest |
|---|---|
| Location | Cape Maclear, Mangochi |
| Phone | +265 (0) 999 966 507 |
Chembe Eagles Nest is a stylish lodge with 12 en-suite chalets located on Cape Maclear in Mangochi.
All of the lodge’s chalets have overhead fans and air conditioning, six cottages have double beds, five cottages have twin beds and there is a family unit sleeping up to six people.
For those looking for a campsite, there is a campsite with stunning views of the hills and tranquil lake.
While enjoying views of Lake Malawi, you can take a swim in the pool, enjoy a delicious meal in the restaurant or a cold drink in the bar.
A variety of activities are available, including guided tour of the surrounding attractive hills, guided tour of nearby cultural sites, fish eagle feeding, island cruises and village walks to discover Malawi’s rich culture.
With comfortable accommodation, thrilling outdoor activities, delicious food and Malawi’s rich culture, Chembe Eagles Nest offers something for everyone.
15. Mgoza Lodge
| Name | Mgoza Lodge |
|---|---|
| Location | Cape Maclear, Mangochi |
| Phone | +265 (0) 995 632 105 |
Mgoza Lodge is a beach lodge in Cape Maclear, Mangochi.
The lodge offers a variety of accommodation options including thatched-frame dormitories and en-suite chalets.
Private huts and self-catering cottages are also available for guests who prefer privacy.
The restaurant offers an ample menu including vegetarian and vegan meals, and is equipped with a bar and swimming pool.
There is also a bicycle and car hire service at the lodge, allowing guests to explore the surrounding area.
If you are looking for a unique lodge in Cape Maclear, you should also consider Mgoza Lodge.
Cheap Accommodations Under USD30
16. Gateway Guest House
| Name | Gateway Guest House |
|---|---|
| Location | Chilombo Village, Monkey Bay |
| Phone | +265 (0) 997 217 125 |
| bookings@gatewaycampusguesthouse.co.za | |
| Check in | 15:00 |
| Check Out | 10:00 |
Gateway Guest House is clean, safe and affordable accommodation situated on Chilombo village in Monkey Bay.
It’s about a 30 minute drive to Cape Maclare, but if you’re looking for a more reasonably priced place to stay with friends or family, this is the place for you.
