About Blue Zebra Island Lodge
Simple and inexpensive, Blue Zebra Island Lodge is located on the tiny Nankoma Island, which is part of a ...
... small archipelago in the middle of Lake Malawi. Since it opened in July 2013, the lodge has become very popular with the expat community living in Lilongwe, and it is now gaining popularity with international visitors as well.
Blue Zebra is a really sleepy beach lodge, with a charming and laidback atmosphere. The rooms are simple but stylish and comfortable, the lodge is easy to get to, and it is really good value for money.
Our view
Blue Zebra is a really sleepy beach lodge, with a charming and laidback atmosphere. The rooms are simple but stylish and comfortable, the lodge is easy to get to, and it is really good value for money.
Country manager: Malawi
Accommodation
13 chalets
Children
Best for 4+
Open
1st March – 31st January
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Fishing
Snorkelling
Watersports
Traveller reviews of Blue Zebra Island Lodge
1 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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View galleryBlue Zebra Island Lodge: Our full report
Simple and inexpensive, Blue Zebra Island Lodge is located on the tiny Nankoma Island, which is part of a ...
... small archipelago in the middle of Lake Malawi. Since it opened in July 2013, the lodge has become very popular with the expat community living in Lilongwe, and it is now gaining popularity with international visitors as well.
Blue Zebra doesn’t offer the luxury that can be found at some of the other properties we feature. It is also far easier to get to than some of the more remote beach options around the lake. The drive from Lilongwe to the lakeshore takes just two hours, then it’s a ten-minute boat transfer from this long stretch of beach to the lodge.
Guests arrive at a long jetty from where you will be given a quick orientation of the lodge. It isn’t large, and most of the communal areas and rooms are within easy reach of each other. At the front of the property is a lovely sandy beach, with loungers for sunbathing, and kayaks to explore the lake.
Alongside, and overlooking the lake, is a large welcoming swimming pool, its deck set with tables and chairs, and more sunloungers. This is where you’ll find the well-stocked bar, lined with stools and with views across the pool to the lake beyond. WiFi is available, though you may need to ask the barman to check that the connection is working properly. Guests at Blue Zebra often gather here to chat before dinner, and we met some interesting people when we stayed in February 2015, including NGO workers, diplomats and conservationists.
From the bar, stone steps lead up to an open-sided dining area, with tables both under thatch and beneath the stars.
Tucked away behind some rocks and reeds along a short board walk, a covered deck extends over the lake. This is a lovely secluded spot, where you can relax with a drink and just take in the views. Equal seclusion is to be found in the Sunset Lounge , where you’ll find sofas and even a TV.
The 13 rooms at Blue Zebra fall into various categories. For our travellers, we recommend the five ‘luxury’ chalets, located above the beach in the terraced garden near the dining area. Spacious and comfortable, each sits on a polished stone floor, its canvas walls suspended from a wooden frame under a thatched roof. To the front, a veranda is furnished with chairs and a coffee table.
Inside, neutral tones result in a simple but stylish safari feel. These chalets have space for a day bed area as well as a four-poster double or twin beds. A canvas partition separates the bedroom from the en-suite bathroom, where you will find a toilet and hot and cold shower.
Tucked around the side of the island, away from the main areas, are three larger suites, which are similar in concept and layout to the ‘luxury’ chalets but much more stylish. The Cormorant and the Fish Eagle are both family chalets, with space for four people, while the Kingfisher suite accommodates just two. All are very private, with polished stone floors, canvas walls and good-quality furniture. Each looks out across the lake, with a nice outside area, but note that none of the suites has direct access to the lake for swimming.
There are also five simple ‘safari’ chalets, but as these are not en suite, we don’t use them for our travellers.
Not surprisingly, most activities at Blue Zebra involve the water. The lodge is located within the vast Lake Malawi National Park, and as fishing is not permitted within 100m of the island, the surrounding waters remain fairly pristine and the snorkelling here is lovely. Included in the rates are kayaking, snorkelling and walks around the island. At additional cost it is also possible to do tubing, wakeboarding, waterskiing and scuba diving, as well as a boat trip to the furthest island in the archipelago.
Geographics
- Location
- Shore of Lake Malawi, Malawi
- Ideal length of stay
- Three nights +
- Directions
- Blue Zebra is about a two-hour drive from Lilongwe, followed by a ten-minute boat transfer.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- The food at Blue Zebra was quite good, though not exceptional. We found it to be hearty, plentiful and full of flavour, but a bit less imaginative, and certainly simpler, than at other beach lodges where we have stayed on Lake Malawi.
Breakfast was a buffet of fruit, cereals, pancakes and fresh bread, with a choice of cooked options available.
We didn’t eat lunch when we were at Blue Zebra but we understood it to be a set menu with two options for each of the three courses.
Our dinner was a three-course meal, with fried garlic mushrooms as a starter, followed by steak with peppercorn sauce and chocolate mousse for dessert. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Drinks included
- Drinks are at extra cost, around US$2 for a beer, US$4 for a glass of wine and US$1 for a soft drink. Expect to pay about US$20 for a bottle of wine.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- All ages are welcome at Blue Zebra.
- Property’s age restrictions
- None.
- Special activities & services
- Blue Zebra has a range of facilities for children, including a badminton set, pool toys, buckets and spades for the beach and a scavenger hunt game.
- Equipment
- They have high chairs in the restaurant and day beds in the chalets that can be turned into cots.
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes. Blue Zebra is popular with expat families and is very welcoming to children. They have lots of equipment to keep children entertained.
- Notes
- Parents need to supervise their children at all times – especially around the swimming pool and lake shore.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Power is on only when the generator is operating in the morning and evening, at 7.00–10.00am and 5.30–10.00pm.
- Communications
- The WiFi in the bar is free for guests to use. There is a cellphone signal around the lodge.
- TV & radio
- There is a satellite TV in the sunset lounge.
- Water supply
- Other
- Water supply notes
- Blue Zebra pumps water from the lake to a drum on the top of a hill, where it is filtered and purified for washing. Drinking water is boiled further to ensure that it is safe.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- TThe manager is first-aid trained and they have a first-aid kit at the lodge and one on the boat. The nearest doctor is in Senga Bay, which is a ten-minute boat ride away.
Blue Zebra has no emergency evacuation procedure. - Dangerous animals
- Security measures
- There are security guards on the island all the time.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in the kitchen and some of the main areas, and a fire break at the back of the lodge.
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Fishing
Snorkelling
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is included. It is a next day service and your clothes are machine washed.
- Money
- Blue Zebra cannot offer currency exchange and people can give their valuables to the managers for safekeeping.
- Accepted payment on location
- It is possible to settle your bill in cash using US dollars, euros and Malawi kwacha. Guests may also use Visa credit cards, with a 3% surcharge
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Blue Zebra Island Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Blue Zebra.
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Chintheche Inn
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Makokola Retreat
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When to go to Shore of Lake Malawi
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Blue Zebra in Shore of Lake Malawi
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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