On the west side of Nankumba Peninsula, towards the southern end of Lake Malawi and within the Lake Malawi National Park, you find the new beach lodge of Pumulani – which opens on 1 July 2008.

The expert Africa team haven't been to inspect the lodge yet, but we're confidently expecting it to be a very high-quality place. Its pedigree is excellent, as it's owned by Robin Pope Safaris, who run some of Zambia best camps – including Nkwali Camp, Tena Tena and Nsefu Camp in South Luangwa National Park.

We're expecting the lodge at Pumulani to have a central bar and dining area that's high above the lake, with great views from an expansive wooden deck.
Then there's an infinity swimming pool planned on some lower terraced decks, and a beach-bar near the shore is planned to offer drinks and light snacks.

Because Pumulani is within Lake Malawi National Park, the beach here is basically a private one – without any other people nearby. So Pumulani has great promise as one of the most exclusive spots on Lake Malawi.

We expect the ten villas at Pumulani to be built up the hillside, and we're expecting them to be stylish without being glitzy. Each will have a large bedroom, an en-suite bathroom (with a bathtub, double basins, double showers and a toilet) and a substantial sitting area – with sliding doors which open onto a wooden deck, high above the lake with good views.

Of Pumulani's ten villas, we understand there are four twin-bedded villas; four villas which each have a king-size bed; one honeymoon villa with an outside shower; and one family villa which can sleeps four people in comfort (or five if there are small children!).

Most people will probably come to Pumulani to relax for 4-5 days after a safari in Zambia, although some will come for the activities offered – which include snorkelling, kayaking, waterskiing, wake boarding, sailing, fishing and scuba diving. Now to mention walks to visit local villages, and for bird-watching.

For these activities, and for sunset cruises, Pumulani has its own, traditionally-built 12m wooden dhow. This has been hand-built on Likoma Island, and will be used for sunset cruises as well as other boat trips.

The rates at Pumulani include all non-motorized activities (eg: snorkelling, fishing, sailing, mountain biking, nature/ village walks, sunset cruises on the dhow and kayaking). Note that motorized water sports (eg: scuba diving, waterskiing and wakeboarding) cost extra, payable locally.

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Beach

No. of bedrooms: 10 villas

Season: 11 April to 3 January

Ideal length of stay: 4-5 nights after a safari in Zambia

Geographics

Location: Shore of Lake Malawi, Malawi

Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Dining style: Inidividual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Room service: Room service is not possible - although a a private dinner on the deck of your room can be requested.

Drinks included: Yes – all drinks are included.

Children

Age restrictions: Children are welcome, though in July, August and September there is a minimum age limit of 7 years old.

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: A full laundry service is included.

Accepted payment: Payments for any extras at Pumulani are best made in cash; USD, Euro or Malawi Kwacha are all accepted. The only alternative is to use a Visa credit card, upon which there is a 5% surcharge. Other credit cards are not accepted at Pumulani.

^ Top of page