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Ryalls Hotel
Ryalls Hotel
Ryalls Hotel

About Ryalls Hotel

Ryalls Hotel (often now known as the Protea Ryalls Hotel, or even the Protea Hotel Ryalls) is located in ...

... the central business district of Blantyre, the capital of Malawi's Southern Region. It is only 15 minutes from the airport, 77km from Zomba Plateau and approximately 220km from the southern shore of Lake Malawi.

Accommodation

120 rooms

Children

Good for any age

Open

All year

Traveller reviews of Ryalls Hotel

9 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


87%
9 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
3
Good
6
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Ms MfromNotts

Arrived 9 Sep 2024, 1 nights

"Ryalls Hotel review"

"Used room service - food was excellent. …" Read Ms M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Ms MfromNotts

Arrived 17 Sep 2024, 1 nights

"Ryalls Hotel review"

"Used as a stopover on my way home. Used room service - food excellent …" Read Ms M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

MRS J fromFROM SCOTLAND

Arrived 28 Aug 2024, 1 nights

"Ryalls Hotel review restful stopover"

"I had a long journey from Scotland - 3 flights! and was exhausted! The staff …" Read MRS J ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr FfromHampshire

Arrived 29 May 2024, 1 nights

"Ryalls Hotel review"

"This was a good one night stay over after a long and tiring journey, allowing …" Read Mr F’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs AfromSurrey

Arrived 29 Sep 2019, 1 nights

"Overnighting in Blantyre"

"Friendly and helpful staff and good food. …" Read Mr & Mrs A’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Ms M & Mr GfromScotland

Arrived 16 May 2015, 2 nights

"Clean, comfortable with friendly staff"

"Very comfortable, spacious town hotel. Staff very helpful. All facilities in …" Read Ms M & Mr G’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs AfromMalaysia

Arrived 9 Jul 2013, 1 nights

"One Night at Ryall's Hotel"

"A fairly standard International hotel but the highlight was the restaurant …" Read Mr & Mrs A’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr E & Mrs VfromKent

Arrived 11 Oct 2011, 1 nights

"Ryalls Hotel review"

"The hotel is what you would expect from a Western hotel, nothing more, nothing less …" Read Mr E & Mrs V’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr RfromTwickenham

Arrived 26 Aug 2007, 1 nights

"A well organised hotel."

"Ryalls Hotel is a good and well organised hotel in an excellent location in …" Read Mr R’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

See all Ryalls Hotel reviews

Ryalls Hotel: Our full report

Ryalls Hotel (often now known as the Protea Ryalls Hotel, or even the Protea Hotel Ryalls) is located in ...

... the central business district of Blantyre, the capital of Malawi's Southern Region. It is only 15 minutes from the airport, 77km from Zomba Plateau and approximately 220km from the southern shore of Lake Malawi.

Protea Hotel Ryalls offers 120 rooms, all of them en-suite with air conditioning, satellite TV, mini-bar fridge and wireless internet access. The lodge has two bars and two restaurants, where local cuisine is served – the '21' Grill and the Coffee Shop.

A swimming pool and a fitness centre are available at this Protea hotel. In addition, the nearby Blantyre Sports Club offers guests the use of various sporting facilities, including golf and tennis. Other nearby facilities include
squash, horseriding, bowls and opportunities for walking.

Ryalls Hotel also provides conference facilities for up to 200 delegates and business centre services, like faxing and emailing, as well as parking.

Geographics

Location
Blantyre, Malawi
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Bed & Breakfast

Children

Attitude towards children
The hotel welcomes children, but has no special facilities for them.

Communications

Communications
There is Wi-Fi in the hotel, and the individual guest rooms all have telephones.
TV & radio
Each room has 5-channel radio, and M-Net satellite television.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Fire safety

Activities

    Extras

    Disabled access
    In Place
    Laundry facilities
    24-hour laundry – extra charge

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    Ryalls Hotel's location

    Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Ryalls Hotel.


    When to go to Blantyre

    Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Ryalls Hotel in Blantyre


    Jan

    Feb

    Mar

    Apr

    May

    Jun

    Jul

    Aug

    Sep

    Oct

    Nov

    Dec

    Malawi in January

    January is the middle of the rainy season in Malawi. You can expect heavy rain for a few hours most days with some occasional flooding. It is generally hot and wet, with temperatures reaching over 30ºC.

    The landscape is green and lush and the air crystal clear. In the game reserves the thick bush can restrict animal sightings, making game viewing more challenging. With the abundance of water available the wildlife disperses and is no longer concentrated around water sources. However, many species give birth at this time of the year and it is a great time for birding.

    Although the majority of the safari camps are open at this time, most of the beach lodges along the lakeshore close in mid January.

    • Peak of the rainy season with thundershowers most days
    • Many animals are with young & birdlife is at its most spectacular
    • Bush lush & green; animals dispersed so game viewing more difficult
    • Air is clear & dust-free, which is great for photography
    • Majority of lakeside beach lodges are closed second half of January

    Our view

    This is not a great time to visit

    Weather in January

    Malawi in February

    February is generally the wettest month and still the heart of the rainy season, with dramatic thunderstorms interspersed with sunny spells.

    Expect some flooding and the ground to be waterlogged. The thick bush still affects game viewing on land, and walking safaris are limited, but game viewing by boat on the swollen Shire River, in both Liwonde National Park and Majete Game Reserve, is a highlight. Birdlife is also at its most spectacular at this time of year.

    Visitor numbers and costs at the few open camps are low. Most of the beach lodges remain closed, with only one or two open all year.

    • Peak of the rainy season with thundershowers most days
    • The bush feels alive; birdlife is at its most spectacular
    • Good for photography but poor game viewing
    • Few tourists, so rates usually at their lowest
    • Majority of lakeside beach lodges are still closed

    Our view

    This is not a great time to visit

    Weather in February

    Malawi in March

    The rainy season is nearing the end in Malawi. The thunderstorms become fewer with sunnier days, but you can still expect some rain most days. March is one of the last of the summer months with temperatures still around 25–30ºC most days.

    On safari the thick bush still restricts game viewing and walking safaris are limited too, with the larger animal species being quite elusive. On the plus side, migrant birds make the most of the abundant insect life. This time of the year is also great for keen photographers with the vivid green landscape and clear, dust-free air.

    The beach lodges are also starting to open again around mid-March, following the rainy season.

    • Expect to experience some rain most days
    • The bush feels alive, with birdlife still a highlight
    • Good for photography but game viewing remains poor
    • With few tourists, rates generally at their lowest
    • Beach lodges now open from mid-March

    Our view

    This is not a great time to visit

    Weather in March

    Malawi in April

    April is a month of change in Malawi. The days start to cool down, rainfall decreases, and summer turns into autumn as the dry season approaches. Temperatures drop to around 25 ºC during the day with the evenings becoming cooler.

    This is the tail-end of the green season and, after five months of rain, the landscape remains green and lush, with game viewing still a challenge. However, the birdlife is still great, and the improving weather attracts more visitors to both the bush and the beaches along the Malawi lakeshore.

    • The temperatures are cooling down but still expect the odd rain shower
    • Start of the dry season with mostly clear and sunny days
    • Bush still green & lush: good for photography but not for game viewing
    • Very few visitors, and still one of the cheapest times to visit
    • The lakeshore beach lodges are now all open

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in April

    Malawi in May

    May is the end of summer and the first month of the dry season. There may still be the occasional shower, but clear sunny skies are becoming the norm. As winter approaches, daytime temperatures drop to a comfortable 20–25 ºC, but at night they’re down to around 10ºC, so warm clothing is advisable for early- morning game drives.

    As the rain disappears the landscape starts to dry out. Although the vegetation is still thick, the game viewing starts to improve and walking safaris becoming more reliable. Birding is still excellent, too. Around the lakeshore, temperatures can be significantly warmer, making beach holidays popular at this time of the year. Yet visitor numbers remain low, making May one of the most cost-effective times to visit.

    • Start of the dry season with mostly clear & sunny days
    • Temperatures are mild along the lakeshore so good for a beach stay
    • Bush still green & lush but game viewing improving
    • Good for photography & great birdlife
    • Very few visitors, & still one of the cheapest times to visit

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in May

    Malawi in June

    June is entirely in the dry season, and – along with May – can also be one of the coldest months. With no rain, clear skies and temperatures dropping to around 20–25ºC during the day, the nights can be cold, reaching around 10ºC. Warm clothing is advisable for early-morning and late-afternoon game drives.

    The landscape remains lush, but the bush starts to die back significantly, bringing a marked improvement in wildlife viewing. This, along with cooler temperatures, makes June ideal for walking safaris. Temperatures around the lakeshore tend to be significantly warmer, so June is another popular month for beach holidays with higher visitor numbers.

    • Well into the dry season with sunny days & cool temperatures
    • Thick bush is dying back, & game viewing improves
    • Increased visibility & cool weather perfect for walking safaris
    • Mild temperatures along the lakeshore: good for a beach stay
    • June is still low season : a popular time before high season starts

    Our view

    A very good time to visit

    Weather in June

    Malawi in July

    July is the middle of the dry season in Malawi, with temperatures starting to pick up towards the end of the month. This makes July a good time for both safaris and beach holidays. Expect it to be pleasant during the day but still cold at night, especially at high altitude such as Nyika Plateau; blankets and hot water bottles are often provided on safari.

    As the vegetation dies back, animals start to congregate around perennial water sources, making this one of the best times of year for game viewing.

    July is also the start of high season and all the camps increase their rates to make the most of the improving game and the start of the international holiday period.

    • Warm dry days with crisp cold nights
    • Significantly improved game viewing
    • No limit on walking safaris, with pleasant temperatures a plus
    • Temperatures along the lakeshore ideal for beach and watersports
    • Approaching peak season, so significant increase in costs

    Our view

    A very good time to visit

    Weather in July

    Malawi in August

    August is well into the dry season with game concentrated around water sources and the safari season approaching its best. The landscape is changing from green to brown and the air is becoming drier and dustier. There is also a lot of smoke in the air as burning of trees and vegetation is prevalent in Malawi, so this isn’t the best time for photography.

    Later in August the temperatures start to pick up, but early mornings and late evenings are still cooler – particularly out on open game drives where warm jackets, gloves and scarves are recommended. August is one of the most popular months. Pleasant weather and good game viewing attracts lots of visitors, and costs are correspondingly high.

    • Warm dry days with crisp cold nights still the norm
    • Game viewing at its best
    • No limits on walking safaris, with pleasant temperatures a bonus
    • Lakeshore temperatures remain good for beach and water sports
    • Still peak season, with attendant high costs

    Our view

    Fantastic: the very best time to visit

    Weather in August

    Malawi in September

    This is the most popular time of the year for a safari. There has been no rain for months and temperatures are starting to increase, making morning and evening game drives more comfortable. Daytime temperatures are now above 30ºC and evening temperatures relatively mild.

    Game viewing is at its best with the animals concentrating around the reducing water sources, making wildlife interactions more common. With the increasing heat the air becomes more hazy, reducing photographic opportunities and distant views.

    This is a good time to finish a safari with some relaxing time along the Malawi lakeshore. Costs, though, are high, and camps can be booked up months in advance.

    • Dry & hot during the day with clear skies & warm nights
    • One of the best months for wildlife viewing
    • Dust & smoke creates a haze; not great for photography
    • Temperatures along the lakeshore perfect for beach and watersports
    • Peak season; camps are expensive & often full well in advance

    Our view

    Fantastic: the very best time to visit

    Weather in September

    Malawi in October

    This is the last month of the dry season: the start of summer with temperatures peaking over 40ºC during the day and hardly less than 20ºC at night. This makes early-morning and late-evening game drives more comfortable but can be terribly hot during the day and makes walking safaris very challenging.

    The landscape is very dry and brown, so not ideal for photography, but game viewing remains at its best. With the lack of water the animals are all vying for the best spot to drink without being preyed upon.

    October is the perfect time to finish a safari with some relaxing time along the Malawi lakeshore. It is still peak season, though, and costs remain high.

    • Dry, hot days with clear skies; warm nights
    • One of the best months for wildlife viewing
    • The haze from dust & smoke is not great for photography
    • Warm lakeshore temperatures still good for beach & watersports
    • Peak season; camps are expensive & often full well in advance

    Our view

    A very good time to visit

    Weather in October

    Malawi in November

    November marks the end of the dry season and the start of the rainy season. Temperatures continue to increase with humidity building as the rains approach, which can be any time during the month. Be prepared for spectacular thunderstorms and short sharp showers.

    After the first rains the bush springs back to life and wildlife disperses, making game viewing harder. Birding, though, is on the up – and with the air washed clean, photographic opportunities improve.

    The first week or two are a good time to travel as the camps have reduced their rates and rains may not have started in earnest. However, while all the camps and beach lodges remain open some of the airstrips may become waterlogged, making road transfers more practical.

    • Typically the start of the wet season; very hot & humid
    • Increased chance of heavy rain as the month progresses
    • Greatly diminished game viewing once the rains arrive
    • A good time for photographers & keen birders
    • Lower rates at camps and beach lodges, with fewer visitors

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in November

    Malawi in December

    December is the first full month of the rainy season, with daily thundershowers expected, interspersed with sunny spells. Temperatures are around 30ºC with high humidity.

    After a few weeks of rain, the abundance of standing water causes animals to disperse and the bush becomes thicker and greener, reducing visibility for game viewing. Conversely, this is when many animals produce their young, and is a great time for birdwatching. The rain also clears the air of dust and smoke, making it much more favourable for keen photographers.

    December is still a good month to be along the lakeshore provided you don’t mind the afternoon rain showers.

    • Very hot & humid
    • Increased chance of heavy rain as the month progresses
    • Opportunities for game viewing decrease with the arrival of the rains
    • A great time for photographers & keen birders
    • Rates at camps & beach lodges fall, as do visitor numbers

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in December

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