Pumulani is an exclusive beach lodge with ten individually designed villas built on a slope overlooking Lake Malawi. Eight of the ten villas are equipped with a double bed; one is a honeymoon chalet and one a family villa (for four or five people) located on the beach. Each villa has a spacious bedroom with en-suite facilities, a living area and one or two terraces with views onto the lake. The architecture is sleek and simple with the emphasis almost entirely on the lush green surroundings into which the villas seamlessly blend. Pumulani means ‘rest well' in the local Chichewa language, and this with good reason: Relaxation and a harmonic, tranquil environment are guaranteed.

Pumulani is built on a very steep slope with spectacular views over Lake Malawi. The rooms and the beach are only accessible via very steep stairs - but what are a few stairs in paradise? The main building with its large veranda and swimming pool is situated at the very top. Below on the beach sits a beach house with kitchen. The large grass meadow that spreads before it is often the venue for meals taken under shadow-giving trees. The beach here is not huge, but it is beautiful. Loungers invite visitors to relax, and water sports equipment await those in search of something more active

Pumulani is located on the idyllic southern coast of Lake Malawi, within the Lake Malawi National Park. Steep mountain slopes dominate the landscape; covered with dense forest, they extend down to meet the lake's deep blue water. Islands, bays and granite blocks interrupt the shoreline, and isolated beaches sit distributed between. The villas are situated on the Nankumba Peninsula's western slope.

Pumulani is accessed by aircraft from Lilongwe to Monkey Bay (a grass runway in the middle of the village), followed by a 40-minute drive through villages and rural countryside. Alternatively, Pumulani can be reached by car in approximately 4 hours. The camp is tucked away behind a hill, and the access road is very bumpy.

Lake Malawi is considered to be one of the best freshwater lake destinations for diving and snorkelling.

In addition to numerous (water-based) activities, such as sailing, diving, snorkelling, water skiing, wakeboarding kayaking and fishing, guests can also explore the local villages on foot, watch the myriad of birdlife, or enjoy the beautiful panoramic views over the lake while relaxing on the beach or in the spacious infinity pool. Sunset trips on a traditional dhow sailing boat are also on offer.

Lake Malawi cannot be mentioned without also mentioning bilharzia / schistosomiasis, a worm infection transmitted in freshwaters. In order to reproduce, the worm requires a type of freshwater snail, which lives in reedy areas close to the shore. An infection is impossible on the lake at a distance of more than 120 m from the shore. The lodge carries out regular water tests. Those who wish to avoid any risk whatsoever of infection are advised to use only the swimming pool. If guests exhibit symptoms of the so-called Katayama fever after returning home, taking a medication such as Praziquantal will ensure swift recovery.

SwissAfrican Travel Service
Dammstrasse 27
8702 Zollikon
Zurich, Switzerland


Telephone: +41 (0)44 451 40 51