Crowd-beater: magical Makuzi Beach Lodge, Lake Malawi

Makuzi Beach Lodge is one of those lesser-known spots situated on Lake Malawi. With a stretch of the lakeshore that’s entirely private and a campsite that’s virtually all yours, here’s why it’s one to look out for the next time you’re looking for some peace and quiet in the Warm Heart of Africa.

We recently passed through Malawi from north to south to explore for ourselves all those alluring locations that everyone sings the praises of. There was just one spot on our list that we hadn’t heard much about and in need of a place to stay to break our journey. So we veered off the highway towards Makuzi Beach Lodge, Lake Malawi. In photos: what’s hiding underneath Lake Malawi

Makuzi Beach Lodge, Lake Malawi

We didn’t have any expectations. What we’d seen in a write-up looked good, but as we’d learned in the six weeks of travelling through Africa prior to this, someone else’s ideas and experiences are often vastly different to your own. Yet, just as we arrived, my husband proclaimed that this may be his best place so far. I battled to disagree (not that I tried) because we found ourselves at a lush, abandoned campsite, overlooking a striking beach, at a very restful and well thought out, garden-style lodge (with a bar) on Lake Malawi (without the threat of bilharzia)!

We had visited many campsites on that trip and this one was possibly one of the best. It is not because of the structure or infrastructure and hence ability to cater effortlessly and comfortably for overlanders, but quite the opposite. It is small, basic and unassuming, relaxed and intimate in an undeniably satisfying setting. All the right things had been considered, but without affecting the ambiance of the lodge or compromising what makes for a great campsite. I liked that premium-paying guests wouldn’t be insulted by the presence of campers and campers find themselves comfortably in a little Garden of Eden with a view rather than being relegated to the back-end of the lodge (as was the case at many places we’d stopped at). Makuzi Beach Lodge is situated right along a private stretch of beach. It consists of a central bar and restaurant and besides the campsite, which is on the far end of the property, the lodge also has a number of standard and superior beachfront chalets. Each chalet is essentially a small rondavel situated in the flourishing lodge gardens. Whether on a budget or with a little cash to spare, Makuzi Beach Lodge is well worth a visit for a little R&R and is perfect for families too.

Contact Makuzi Beach Lodge