About Pumulani
Pumulani is a luxury beach lodge located high on a hill on the west side of Nankumba Peninsula, towards the ...
... southern end of Lake Malawi. It is within the Lake Malawi National Park so is a great spot for walking, snorkeling or simply relaxing.
Pumulani is a relaxed, comfortable beach lodge and is a great spot to end a trip after a safari in either Zambia or Malawi. The staff here are friendly and the service and food good. It appeals to guests who wish to just relax and unwind, or those who prefer to be kept more active. Please note, however, that with all the steps here it is not suitable for the elderly or guests with walking disabilities.
Our view
Pumulani is a relaxed, comfortable beach lodge and is a great spot to end a trip after a safari in either Zambia or Malawi. The staff here are friendly and the service and food good. It appeals to guests who wish to just relax and unwind, or those who prefer to be kept more active. Please note, however, that with all the steps here it is not suitable for the elderly or guests with walking disabilities.
Country manager: Malawi
Accommodation
9 rooms
Children
Suitable for 6+
Open
mid-March to mid-January
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Fishing
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Traveller reviews of Pumulani
31 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you
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Explore two of Malawi's highlights, with a safari in rugged, remote Majete Wildlife Reserve before some beach time: relaxing, snorkelling and sailing in Lake Malawi National Park.
Visiting Lakeshore, Majete
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Utaka Cichlid Safari
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Pumulani: Our full report
Pumulani is a luxury beach lodge located high on a hill on the west side of Nankumba Peninsula, towards the ...
... southern end of Lake Malawi. It is within the Lake Malawi National Park so is a great spot for walking, snorkeling or simply relaxing.
Pumulani’s pedigree is excellent, as it's owned by Robin Pope Safaris, who run some of Zambia’s, Zimbabwe's and Malawi's best camps.
Pumulani’s has a central bar and dining area set high above the lake, with great west-facing views from an expansive deck – perfect for enjoying one of those amazing African sunsets. Individual dining tables are laid out both inside and under cream-coloured umbrellas.
Down a few wooden steps, to a lower deck, is one of Pumulani’s swimming pools, surrounded by comfortable sunloungers and striped sun umbrellas.
More steps and wooden walkways lead down to a lovely quiet beach, complete with another swimming pool with sunloungers and umbrellas, and a hammock strung between the trees. A beach bar offers drinks and light snacks during the day. There is a floating platform just off the beach: a lovely spot to swim out to and sunbathe – and a popular spot for the pied kingfishers, too!
The nine villas at Pumulani are very spacious and stylish without being glitzy. Built on different levels along the hillside, some are higher up, closer to the main area, and others are nearer the beach. All have turfed roofs, so that they blend into the hillside.
In addition to three twin-bedded (or double) villas, and four with a king-size bed, there is a honeymoon villa with an outside shower; and a family villa, which has two interconecting bedrooms and a shared bathroom, which can sleep four people in comfort (or five if there are small children).
Each of the villas has a large, air-conditioned bedroom with capacious mosquito nets surrounding the beds, a ceiling fan overhead, and – behind a solid wood headboard (with reading lights) – an area for storing luggage. A dressing table, with mirror above, has a hairdryer and plug points.
The en-suite bathroom boasts a free-standing bath, double basins, double showers and a flush toilet. Dressing gowns and toiletries are provided.
A separate lounge features comfortable cane chairs and a sofa, while on a low table is a selection of bird and nature books and magazines. Each villa has a minibar with soft drinks and water, with other drinks stocked on request. Sliding doors lead out onto a wooden deck where two canvas directors’ chairs and a sun umbrella afford a great spot to enjoy the views over the lake.
Most people come to Pumulani to relax for four to five days after a safari in Zambia or Malawi, although some come for the activities – which include snorkelling, kayaking, waterskiing, wakeboarding, fishing, tubing and scuba diving – and the birdwatching is good here, too. Pumulani offerd sunset cruises too. Experienced sailors may use the lodge’s two sailing boats, though you are requested to remain in sight of the lodge for safety reasons. Back on land, Pumulani also has a state-of-the-art telescope which the manager can use to explain the stars.
Guided walks are possible along the lakeshore to visit nearby villages, and mountain bikes are available to explore the surrounding area. We took an early morning guided walk along the hillside above the lakeshore to a small cove, where kayaks had been left for us to paddle back to the lodge in time for a hearty breakfast. Out on the hillside, rock hyrax, vervet monkeys, whilst spotted-necked otters frequent the lakeshore.
The rates at Pumulani include all non-motorised activities (eg: snorkelling, fishing, sailing, mountain biking, nature and village walks, sunset cruises and kayaking). Motorised watersports, however, such as waterskiing, wakeboarding and scuba diving (from a boat), cost extra, and can be paid for locally.
Geographics
- Location
- Shore of Lake Malawi, Malawi
- Ideal length of stay
- Four to five nights here would be ideal after a safari in Zambia or Malawi. We would often suggest combining Pumulani with one of its sister camps such as Nkwali Camp, Tena Tena and Nsefu Camp in Zimbabwe's South Luangwa National Park. In Malawi, they also have Mkulumadzi and in April 2018 plan to open Kuthengo Camp.
- Directions
- Pumualni is three and a half hours from Lilongwe by car and four from Blantyre. Or it is a 45 minute flight from Lilongwe to Makokola Airstrip followed by an hour by road.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- On our recent visit here we found the food to be good, with a wide choice on offer.
Breakfast is a self-service buffet of cereals, fresh fruit, yoghurt, fresh muffins and fruit juice. A hot breakfast is cooked to order.
Lunch is usually a choice of a meat or fish dish. We were offered a choice of beef schnitzel or chambo fillet (local fish from the lake), served with chips and salad, and rounded off by delicious banana and apricot parcels.
Dinner is usually a three-course meal. Our starter of tomato tart served with tomato dressing was followed by a choice of either beef fillet on a bed of mushroom risotto served with fresh vegetables, or chicken or vegetable Thai green curry, served with basmati rice and naan bread. Dessert was a very tasty crème brulée.
On our second evening we had a lovely beach barbecue lit by lanterns with a local band to entertain us. Food included boerewors (a traditional South African sausage), pork chops, steak and chicken, with a selection of at least five salads, all finished off with a delicious chocolate tart and fruit salad. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is not possible - although a a private dinner on the deck of your room can be requested.
- Drinks included
- Local drinks (beers, wines and spirits) as well as soft drinks are included. Pumulani also has a small cocktails menu and these are included as well. Premium drinks and champagne are extra and charged for locally.
Special interests
- Beach holidays
- To make your stay one of your best beach holidays, Pumulani offers a range of activities. Enjoy the sheer feeling of remoteness by the infinity pool, race around the lake on water-skis, or join a stately dhow for sundowners out on the lake.
- See ideas for Beach holidays in Malawi
- Walking
- Walking at Pumulani is best with a guide, who can take you along the lake shore, near the hillside and into the nearby villages. For some variety, try the option of kayaking back along the lake after your walk.
- See ideas for Walking in Malawi
- Luxury
- Each air-conditioned villa at Pumulani is vast: a massive bathroom with twin showers and elegant freestanding bath leads to a spacious bedroom, a separate lounge and a veranda. If space is your ultimate luxury, Pumulani is a great choice – complete with some great views.
- See ideas for Luxury in Malawi
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of all ages are welcome at Pumulani.
- Property’s age restrictions
- No age restriction
- Special activities & services
- There are no special activities specifically geared towards children however there are two swimming pools and the beach, which can keep children entertained.
A children's menu is available and special meal times can be arranged. - Equipment
- Pumulani has one baby cot and a few highchairs.
- Generally recommended for children
- We recommend no under 6 years at Pumulani as there are many stairs and high drops from the walkways.
- Notes
- We recommend Pumulani for children 6 years and over due to the uneven wooden walkways and the number of steps. Children will need to be sensible, and closely supervised by their parents at all times.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Pumulani has a back-up generator.
- Communications
- There is WiFi in Pumulani's main area and limited cellphone reception.
- TV & radio
- There are no TVs at Pumulani.
- Water supply
- Other
- Water supply notes
- Lake water is pumped through a water filtration system. This water is fine for washing but not for drinking. Bottled water is provided for drinking.
Sustainability
Green technologies to protect the environment
Pumulani Lodges offers the perfect setting to unwind in a beautiful and tranquil location on the Southern end of Lake Malawi, camouflaged with lavish hills amongst the trees and rugged crags. The luxurious villas were especially designed to blend into their different surroundings and use green technologies to operate. This includes solar energy systems for providing power and solar water heaters for guest showers which reduce carbon footprint and contribution to deforestation.
Water is carefully monitored to reduce leakages and flow restrictors on showerheads and taps were fitted where possible, as well as implementing a guest towel re-use programme. Gardens are watered at cooler times of the day and only drought-resistant native species are harvested.
In terms of waste management, all wastewater is treated biologically before being discarded and all waste is either recycled, re-used of disposed of responsibly. The team at Pumulani is advised to avoid buying glass bottled or tin canned goods and guests are offered refillable steel water bottles instead of plastic water bottles.
Paper is re-used as draft paper and cardboard is sent to local recycling units operated by neighbouring communities. Any non-degradable waste is separated and burnt or transported to Lusaka and Lilongwe for responsible disposal.
See more great sustainability projects in Malawi
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is a clinic available in Cape Maclear as well as Monkey Bay, about 45 minutes drive away. For more serious cases a flight can be arranged to the hospital in Lilongwe.
Some of Pumulani's staff are trained in first aid. - Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- There are staff on duty during the day, and at night there are two night-watchmen around Pumulani Lodge.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers at each villa and in the main areas.There is a fire-break around the lodge.
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Fishing
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A full laundry service is included at Pumulani.
- Money
- Each room at Pumulani has a digital safe. No currency exchange is provided.
- Accepted payment on location
- Payments for any extras at Pumulani are best made in cash; US dollars, SA Rands, Pounds sterling, Euro or Malawi Kwacha are all accepted.
Visa credit cards are also accepted, upon which there is a 4.5% surcharge. Other credit cards are not accepted at Pumulani.
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Pumulani's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Pumulani.
Other lodges in Shore of Lake Malawi
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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 Pumulani 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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