Pumulani – Robin Pope Safaris

Pumulani Lodge, 10 Villas

Malawi is dominated by Lake Malawi, Africa’s third largest lake, which runs along part of the Great Rift Valley. Described by David Livingstone as the Lake of Stars, Lake Malawi is almost 600km long and home to more than a thousand species of fish.

Pumulani is an exclusive beach lodge within Lake Malawi National Park.
The name Pumulani means “rest well” in the local Chichewa language and that’s exactly what the lodge offers – the chance to unwind in a beautiful and tranquil setting. It is the perfect African beach lodge offering luxury accommodation, friendly personal service and stunning views over Lake Malawi.

  

Accommodation and Facilities
The lodge has ten individually-designed villas spread out along a lush hillside overlooking the lake.
Individually designed by the Dutch architect, G. Hooft Graafland, the ten villas are modern and spacious, their clean lines blending harmoniously with the surrounding nature.
Each of the villas is different, varying in size from a generous 125 square metres up to 175 square metres. Each has a large bedroom, a comfortable, spacious living area and a well equipped bathroom with bathtub, double shower and twin sinks. Each villa boasts and a private deck with a lake view.

Pumulani is supplied by 220V mains electricity. Malawi uses UK-style three-pin plugs, so if you are visiting from mainland Europe or the US, you may wish to bring your own adapters.

Activities
Guests can relax on the sandy beach or at their stylish infinity pool.
For those seeking activity, there is waterskiing, sailing, diving, wakeboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, diving, fishing and bird-watching.

At sunset the lodge offers scenic cruises on its traditional wooden dhow. It’s the perfect way to experience the beauty of Lake Malawi, described by the explorer David Livingstone as The Lake of Stars.
With high standards and friendly service guaranteed, Pumulani is the perfect location for a relaxing beach holiday, or a magical place to unwind after a wildlife safari.

  

  

Experienced travellers to Africa may be familiar with the luxury bush lodges run by Robin Pope Safaris in Zambia’s South Luangwa Valley. As a part of the Robin Pope Safaris group, Pumulani offers service to the same extremely high level.

  

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Mvuu Camp

Camp with 12 units
Mvuu Camp is situated just south of Mvuu Lodge on the banks of the iconic Shire River in Malawi's Liwonde National Park - the country's premier wildlife haven. The Shire River forms the western boundary of the Liwonde National Park and, as a source of water; it draws all manner of fauna to its banks.
Mvuu Camp overlooks a broad stretch of the Shire River (pronounced Shiree), with a profusion of hippos, crocodiles and the amazing birdlife of the Liwonde National Park.

Accommodation and Facilities
Mvuu Camp is a clever mix of stone and canvas chalets and specially-designed family tents, which total 12 units or 48 beds. An impressive thatched dining and lounge area is situated nearby, offering a magnificent vista of the Shire River. Dinners are sometimes held under the stars in a specially constructed boma.

Mvuu Camp also features a new custom-built education and conference centre with facilities for up to 40 delegates or smaller corporate and team building functions.

Activities
Mvuu Camp offers a wide range of options including camping, self-catering and full board rates, as well as a range of activities.
A particularly rewarding way of arriving at Mvuu Camp is via the boat trip from Liwonde town. This river trip takes guests 30 km along the Shire River, offering an excellent chance to see both game and birds amongst the ever-changing vegetation.

The activities on offer are the same as those offered at Mvuu Wilderness Lodge, but this camp is better suited to families or those on a budget, as the rates are more reasonable.

Activities at Mvuu Camp revolve around boating trips on the Shire River and game drives (morning and afternoon/evening). Nature walks and bike rides are also incredibly popular.
Enthusiasts will be able to participate in virtually non-stop birding around Mvuu Camp.

  

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Tongole Wilderness Lodge

Tongole Wilderness Lodge is an exciting new eco-tourism venture deep within the rugged and breathtakingly beautiful miombo woodland of the 1,800 sq km Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve.

4 River Cottages, 1 Deluxe River Tent                  

A mere 30 km west of the Lake of Stars, and hugging the forest-clad banks of the lovely Bua River, Tongole will be the only high-end facility of its kind in the region, drawing those who seek an exceptional wilderness experience in one of Africa’s – and possibly Malawi’s last – truly unspoilt wildlife areas.

Tongole Wilderness Lodge has been built from the red earth upon which it stands, whilst its rock, wood and thatch has also been sourced, wherever possible, from the Lodge’s immediate environment.

Accommodation and Facilities
The four River Cottages can be used as doubles or twins.
Tongole Wilderness Lodge offers luxurious, open-fronted, riverside suites on the banks of the lovely Bua River, which blend in perfectly with their unique natural setting.

The River Cottages are built from the same red earth, rock, wood and thatch upon which Tongole stands and incorporate the very best of local Malawian culture.
Each spacious room possesses panoramic views over the river and forest and are a cool and breezy haven during the heat of the day.
All the rooms have sumptuous, super-king sized double beds (6ft x 6ft 6in) or twin beds; which can also be joined seamlessly together to form a super king.
Each cottage is supplied with 240v power and hot running water at all times, with shower, twin marble basins, flush lavatory and large hand-built sunken baths - doubling as a plunge-pools, ‘with a view’ during the day.
Spectacular raised wooden decks afford a tranquil and private space to relax and watch the river and forest wildlife go by.

The Deluxe River Tent – twin/double is elegant and spacious, with its ‘canvas under thatch’ accommodation situated on the banks of the lovely Bua River.
The specially designed living space has stone floors and a high ceiling which, along with its large windows, allow it to remain pleasantly cool and breezy even during the hottest time of day. The double-doors open out onto a raised wooden deck with wonderful vistas over the river below.
The Tent’s luxurious twin beds can also be joined seamlessly together to form a sumptuous, super king sized double bed (6ft wide x 6ft 6in long).
The large en-suite bathroom is built from stone (in keeping with the River Cottage structures) and consists of a sunken bath ‘with a view’; twin marble basins and a flush lavatory. From the bathroom a raised walkway leads a short distance to a secluded open-air shower overlooking the river and hills.
The room is supplied with 240v power and hot running water at all times.

Activities
The breathtakingly beautiful Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve is one of Africa’s last truly un-discovered wildlife areas. Nkhotakota supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Large mammals found here include elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and sable antelope and there are plans to re-introduce species such as giraffe and even black rhino.
One of the best ways to view the wildlife in Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve is on a game drive. An informative guide will take you in an open vehicle through the beautiful miombo woodland, or along the river bank viewing the wide variety of game, birds, plants and trees.

Another great way to view the stunning diversity of Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve is on foot. You will be accompanied by a highly trained guide whose knowledge of local flora, fauna, cultural and history is unmatched. Visitors learn to read animal tracks, explore the medicinal properties of indigenous plant life, and immerse themselves in the vast world of insects and bird life that sustains the vast African forest.

Fishing also takes place in the Bua River which is famous for hosting the spawning run of the Mpasa (Lake Salmon).
Canoeing is also offered, subject to the seasonal level of the water.

‘Fly camping’ is the term used for luxury walking safaris where visitors sleep out in the open with only a mosquito net between them and the African sky. Guests often embark on day hikes through the bush with their private guide, and camp is set up each evening in a new location. For many visitors, fly camping will be the height of their Tongole experience - the sheer vastness of their surroundings, the peaceful rhythms of nature, and the opportunity to be alone in the African bush is a stunning and memorable experience.

For a unique cultural experience, spend an afternoon at a traditional local village - a great opportunity to learn more about Malawi’s rich culture. See how the local communities live and view some of their craftwork.

  

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Kaya Mawa - Likoma Island

7 Rooms, 4 Houses

Kaya Mawa (meaning ‘maybe tomorrow in the local dialect) is located at the south of the island next to a crescent beach on the outskirts of Nkwhazi Village.
Likoma Island is approximately two thirds the way up the Lake and is 12km from Mozambique. It is covered in Baobabs and Mango trees, surrounded by the clearest waters in the lake.
With a total of eleven very individual rooms and a capacity of 27 people Kaya Mawa still manages to remain intimate. Each room has decks and access to the lake or their own private plunge pools, which makes it very hard to leave. But the draw of the ultimate sunset bar and beach lounge is just irresistible!
Voted in the top 10 most romantic places in the world by Conde Nast Traveller Magazine, amongst a number of other accolades, Kaya Mawa is utterly unique. From the construction and the staff to the community integration there is nowhere else like it.

Accommodation and Facilities
Kaya Mawa’ accommodation is built from stone and teak-framed thatch and includes two family houses and luxurious houses, ideal for honeymooners. Each room has decks and access to the lake or their own private plunge pools, which makes it very hard to leave. But the draw of the ultimate sunset bar and beach lounge is also just as irresistible!

Four of the standard rooms are situated at the bottom of the rocky knoll with private decks and in direct view of the lake.
The two family houses are also at the back of the main beach under the shade of a baobab or mango tree. Both family houses have a double and a twin/triple room, an interconnecting bathroom and outside chill out areas.
The three premium rooms offer lake views from sleeping areas and verandas. Either a private island or one of two rooms perched high up a rocky knoll with a private pool.
The other two houses are two bed-roomed, with sitting rooms. One has a rock plunge pool, the other with an infinity pool with views across the lake.

A third house - Ndomo Point House - will open in March 2011 - Four bedrooms, 3 en-suites, sitting room, family kitchen, 5 terraces, study, pool, private beach, and full use of Kaya Mawa facilities. This house will be approximately1 km from the lodge.

Activities
Whilst relaxing is high on the agenda there is plenty to do, including mountain biking, quad biking, waterskiing and diving from the resorts PADI recognised dive centre.

Walking or biking around the island is a must and mountain bikes are available for use.

The local population is legendary both for its friendliness and thus a simple unescorted stroll around the island perhaps with a few cold drinks and snacks is a wonderful experience where one can stop off to swim en route, engage the locals in conversation and visit the cathedral, local school and the lively market nearby.
Take a stroll to the local textile project, Katundu - www.katundu.net.

The waters around the lodge are both safe and clear (free of hippos) and swimming and snorkeling are on offer - some of the best fresh water snorkeling in the world is right here! Snorkels and masks are provided.
Kayaking, windsurfing and sailing (3 lasers and a laser 2) are also on offer.

The above activities are certainly enough to fill a few days.

  

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