Malawi is fast becoming the most complete destination in Africa. In order to offer guests an unforgettable experience in Malawi, the country’s lodges and tour companies are constantly developing and improving their services. Take a look at the list below to see what has been happening over the past year, with an insight of what’s to come in 2020.
Central African Wilderness Safaris
The biggest developments from Central African Wilderness Safaris (CAWS) this year have been the 4 stunning new luxury rooms built at Chintheche Inn on the northern lakeshore. A conference room is now under construction at Chintheche, and CAWS have introduced a new biking trail there as well as one at Chelinda in Nyika National Park. 2020 will also see a host of special offers and the introduction of a new community and conservation levy.
Rafiki Safari Camp
As well as new rooms and swimming pool, Rafiki have created a network of mapped pathways to and along the magnificent Bua River and are now offering game walks and game drives in a fully refurbished Land Rover. In 2020 they will arrange for their guests to use a secluded beach area at Lake Malawi (5 km from the lodge) as well as developing a secluded natural pool from a nearby spring.
Blue Zebra Island Lodge
Blue Zebra celebrated a number of successes at the Safari Awards this year, including wins in the best location, best marine safari experience and best family experience categories for Malawi. But, not content to sit on their laurels, they have also continued with a range of developments and conservation initiatives, which will soon see the completion of a Park Rangers base on Nankoma Island to improve the protection of the islands and lake waters. Solarisation of the lodge is planned for 2020 along with new hiking trails, more reforestation and expanded community programmes. And, no doubt, more awards!
Game Haven
As well as a wide programme of tree planting in 2019, Game Haven relocated wildebeest to a conservancy in the Lower Shire Valley and have plans to plant even more trees and relocate even more animals in 2020, this time to Kuti Reserve. The animals are doing so well at Game Haven that they have surpluses they are happy to send on elsewhere. A room refurbishing programme begun in 2019 will continue in 2020 and a cultural tour is being developed with the surrounding villages.
Malawian Style
Malawian Style are continuously developing new tours and new systems to help agents market and sell Malawi more and more easily. 2019 saw new extensions to neighbouring countries as add-ons to their Malawi and Zambia itineraries, plus a shiny new brochure and a nett price book for all agents. 2020 will see more extensions and the development of an amazing back end system that allows all agents to cost itineraries online with all nett rates implemented so that quotes can be generated at all time instantly.
Nkwichi Lodge
Nkwichi welcomed new managers in 2019 and have completed a variety of developments across the lodge. The beach bar has been extended and a new outdoor kitchen area added whilst the 5 custom-built chalets have had interior revamps, and wifi is now available in the central area. A yoga area and massage hut are new additions in 2019 and 2020 will see a revamp of Makolo house, yoga and wellness retreats and more bush activities including short camping trips into the wilderness area.
AfricaWildTruck Camp & Lodge
In 2019, AfricaWildTruck opened 2 new self-contained rooms and inaugurated a new campsite as well as refurbishing its restaurant area and developing more local activities. In 2020 some rooms are to be converted into apartments and new destinations and itineraries will be added to their tour operator arm. They will also develop more voluntourism experiences after their first successful voluntourism camp in 2019.
Mafumu Hotel
Mafumu have begun work on new conference facilities which can already accommodate 60 people, with a final total of 180 when completed in 2020. Meanwhile a new 100 seater restaurant will open in 2020 alongside 4 new twin rooms.
SS Rent a Car
SS may be Malawi’s longest established car hire company but they remain committed to a continuous programme of fleet expansion and renewal. New Hiluxes, Fortuners, saloons and mini-buses were added in 2019 with more to come in 2020. And their fully equipped Landcruisers with roof tents and camping gear have proved so popular that more conversions are planned on their double-cab vehicles.
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