Butterfly Space set on the rocky shores of Lake Malawi, surrounded by the stunning mountain backdrop of Nkhata Bay. We offer a range of accommodations to suit all preferences, from spacious, private en-suite rooms to budget-friendly chalets, dormitories, and lakeside camping shaded by nature. Guests can enjoy use of snorkels and paddleboards, relax in our hot open-air shower, or support our eco-tourism experiences initiatives by unwinding with a soothing massage, or enjoying the beautiful scenery and rich local culture through a variety of activities organized by our local community.
Njaya Lodge is a beautifully designed boutique lodge, the rocky shores. where comfort, culture, and community come together. Tucked into the hills of Nkhata Bay, this locally rooted lodge supports community-based tourism and provides a relaxed, friendly space where travellers can connect with locals while enjoying spacious, comfortable rooms, excellent service, room service, and stunning lake views. Njaya is also a hub for celebrating Malawian music, art, and culture, and supports solar projects in local schools and communities.
Usisya Beach Eco-Lodge is perfect for nature lovers, bird watchers, divers, families or honeymoon couples, the ideal spot for people who enjoy relaxing, swimming, snorkeling, hiking or simply reading a book in one of our hammocks overlooking azure Lake Malawi. The lodge is designed to fulfill all requirements of sustainable living. It is solar powered and offers a beautiful solar heated open-air shower and a composting toilet with a stunning view of the lake. Our permaculture garden is the source of our fresh produce for the restaurant
Located on the edge of a cliff overlooking Lake Malawi, the Mushroom Farm Eco-Lodge offers the perfect setting to relax + soak in the surrounding nature. Our little oasis nestled in among the trees, is a gathering space for anyone looking to find peace + community.
When you stay with us you are supporting a community based eco-lodge that believes in responsible tourism, sustainable community development + local empowerment.
Nestled between lush jungle, towering boulders, and cascading waterfalls, our eco-lodge offers a peaceful retreat on the northern shores of Lake Malawi, just outside Ruarwe village and alongside the Zulunkhuni River. As a locally run establishment, we are embraced by the surrounding community, creating an authentic and welcoming atmosphere for our guests.
Ntchisi Forest Lodge offers you the best way to experience one of the last rainforests of Malawi. Choose from you a variety of different types of accommodation. The Commonage is located on the edge of Ntchisi Forest, the last indigenous rainforest in Malawi and one of the last in Southern Africa. Come and enjoy to pureness of nature with one of our local tour guides or take the freedom to wander around by yourself.
The Lodge is ideally situated in the beautiful and tranquil Luwawa Valley, a stone’s throw away from Luwawa Dam which is well stocked with fish including wide mouthed bream.
We offer a variety of accommodation including family chalets, self catering cottages, budget rooms, a hostel and a campsite. An à la carte menu is served at the Lodge with delicious home cooked meals accompanied by vegetables from our own permaculture garden. Our bread is also freshly home baked. Vegetarian food is also one of our specialities.
The Cove is a social enterprise venture in Chitende, Malawi. Our mission is to utilize money from tourism revenue to support community-driven development projects. We believe in fostering sustainable solutions through building relationships, working and learning together, and valuing our interactions with each other and the environment.
Phillip’s Homestay
Just outside Nkhata Bay, Philip’s Homestay offers a truly authentic experience where you can get a real feel for everyday village life. Guests are welcomed into Philip’s home and have the chance to learn how to cook traditional Malawian meals, explore the surrounding area on foot, and gain insight into local family life and Tonga culture. With years of experience hosting travellers, thanks to his time managing a popular backpackers’, Philip knows how to make visitors feel comfortable and at home. It’s a great opportunity to connect, learn, and experience village life in a warm and respectful way.
Macondo Camp is a peaceful eco-lodge nestled in Chimaliro, Mzuzu, offering a variety of comfortable accommodations including tented chalets, single and double rooms, and scenic camping spots. Surrounded by nature, it’s an ideal base for travelers looking to unwind or explore northern Malawi. The on-site restaurant and bar serve delicious homemade Italian dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and local favorites, all in a warm and relaxed garden setting.
Eco-lodges in Malawi offer environmentally conscious accommodation that combines comfort with sustainability. Whether simple or stylish, these lodges are often built with local materials, use renewable energy, and operate in ways that reduce their environmental impact. Many are community-run or empower local staff, ensuring that your stay supports nearby livelihoods. Guests can enjoy fresh, locally sourced meals, explore the natural surroundings through low-impact activities, and gain insight into local culture and conservation efforts. Choosing an eco-lodge is a responsible travel choice, helping to protect Malawi’s landscapes and communities while offering a meaningful and often memorable experience.
What to expect?
Eco-lodges in Malawi often use sustainable systems like composting toilets and solar energy to reduce their environmental impact. Compost toilets are clean, odour-free, and help conserve water—an important resource in many areas. Most lodges are powered by solar, which means lights and charging are available, but power may be limited at night or during cloudy weather. Hot water may come from solar or bucket showers, and while facilities vary, they are thoughtfully designed to be both functional and eco-friendly. These systems are part of what makes eco-lodge stays unique: you’ll be treading lightly, experiencing off-grid living, and directly supporting communities and conservation. It’s a small adjustment for a big impact—offering comfort with a conscience in some of Malawi’s most beautiful settings.
Community at Heart
We believe that sustainable tourism is most impactful when it directly benefits the local people and environment. Our lodges are deeply integrated with the surrounding communities, providing jobs, supporting local businesses, and promoting cultural exchange. Through partnerships, associated NGOs, and our community projects, support permaculture and agroecology initiatives that promote sustainable farming practices, to improve food security and eco-systems. We also support education-based, for children of all ages, to adults and women’s groups. By staying with us, you’re helping to fund vital community projects and conservation efforts that will have a lasting, positive impact for generations to come. Every visit helps empower the people and places that make this region truly special.
National Parks and Wildlife Reserves
Nyika Plateau Camping & Accommodation
Nyika Plateau– Accommodation at Nyika has been run by Central African Wilderness Safaris since 2010. Chelinda Lodge offers stunning, upmarket log cabins and the nearby Chelinda Camp has cheaper cottages and rooms. Community Campsites: Stay at basic campsites managed by local communities, where fees contribute to local development projects.
You can book an adventure with Colby, a trusted Malawian Tour Guide who can give you the best experiences while supporting local communities, or contact ‘Travel with Mervis‘ who can help you plan your trip independently, or with her guiding you!
Kasungu National Park Although not fully operational, you can still pitch up a tent at Lifupa Conservation Lodge where you will be welcomed by friendly staff. Kasungu National Park, the 2nd largest in Malawi, is a hidden gem!
Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve Kachenga Bush Camp is a budget friendly option and working in partnership with The Tongole Foundation! Read more about Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, its amazing regeneration progress, and check out different accommodation options here.
Home Stays
Homestays in Malawi offer a simple and personal way to experience local life. Run by families or community members, these accommodations give guests the chance to stay in a real home, often with access to a kitchen and living space. Some are fully independent, like a small house or cottage, while others are shared with hosts. Staying in a homestay means you’re contributing directly to local livelihoods and getting a closer look at everyday routines—whether that’s shopping at the market, cooking meals, or enjoying the quiet rhythm of village life.
QUESTIONS?
Whether you’re curious about itineraries, accommodation, or even transportation, we’re here to answer any questions!
