Pumulani: Our full report

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 opened on 1 July 2008.

Initial reports from clients we have sent there are encouraging, rating it as 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.

The lodge at Pumulani has 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 on some lower terraced decks, and a beach-bar near the shore 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.

The ten villas at Pumulani are built up the hillside, and are stylish without being glitzy. Each will has 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, 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 sleep 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. Not 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 is 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.

Geographics

Location: Shore of Lake Malawi, Malawi

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

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Drinks included: Yes – all drinks are included.

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.