Malawi
Romantically reached by a suspension bridge over a croc-infested river, this extraordinary lodge is a fusion of African tradition and boutique chic. The…
Must-see hotels in Zambia, Malawi & Mozambique
Northern Mozambique
For setting, service, romance, proximity to nature and integration with the local community, Nkwichi Lodge can rival anywhere in Africa. Gracing the…
Malawi
Remember Scaramanga's pad in The Man with the Golden Gun? Kaya Mawa, set on an amber-coloured beach lapped by turquoise water, is the ultimate location to…
Northern Mozambique
If they gave out six stars for hotels, Coral Lodge might just qualify. Everything gets top marks, from the setting (an idyllic beach with its own natural…
Bazaruto Archipelago
This is perhaps the most intimate of the archipelago lodges, with lovely, well-spaced beach chalets ('cabanas') and villas ('casinhas'), fine beachside…
Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort
Northern Mozambique
At Medjumbe you're essentially on your own private island. You and a dozen other lucky devils are accommodated in detached villas, each with its own…
Malawi
Built with local materials, this eco-conscious lodge sits at elevation above the Bua River, a well-worn elephant crossing. Its thatched, near-church-high…
Malawi
Set at 1585m, homey Luwawa sits in a clearing of pine trees, its manicured gardens spilling with colourful flowers and morning mist. There are seven…
Zambia
Set on a pretty beach just outside Nsumbu National Park, this family-owned lodge has several spacious chalets dotted around the grounds, all made from…
Malawi
Situated around a watering hole frequented by antelopes and warthogs, this upmarket bush camp is about 3km inside the reserve from the main entrance. The…
Zambia
Set on a magical stretch of the Kafue River, this lodge overlooks a primordial stretch of lush islands among the rapids, with delightful birdwatching. The…
Malawi
Cleverly shaped around the rocky topography of a cliff, boutique-style Mayoka cascades down in a series of beautiful bamboo-and-stone chalets. There are…
Livingstone
The clued-in owner here knows exactly what backpackers want, making Jollyboys popular for good reason. From its friendly staff, social bar and restaurant…
Malawi
Situated exclusively on Mumbo Island, this eco-boutique camp has chalets and a walk-in tent on wooden platforms (with en-suite bucket showers and eco-loos…
Zambia
In a spectacular position at the confluence of the Chiawa and Zambezi Rivers, this luxurious lodge inside the park was the first in the Lower Zambezi. As…
Malawi
This serene, tasteful permaculture camp is about being part of the environment and the community: helping local farmers and being completely self…
Malawi
The former Chinguni Hills Lodge is a fun place to experience a night in the bush and a safari. In an accessible location in the south of the park, Bushman…
Zambia
Overlooking the Zambezi, deep inside the national park, Sausage Tree is wonderfully unconventional. Traditional safari decor is rejected in favour of cool…
Malawi
Perched on the edge of the Livingstonia escarpment (aka an abyss!), this permaculture ecolodge and campsite is worth the arduous journey for the warm…
Zambia
The epitome of luxury bush mixed with a colonial-era vibe, Royal is only a short drive to the eponymous airstrip as well as Chongwe Gate. Despite its…
Malawi
Sitting on a hillside in a clearing of pine trees, upmarket Chelinda is a traveller's dream. The main building crackles with fires at every turn,…
Zambia
This rustic bush camp, small and personal, is in a gorgeous spot on the river with a well-landscaped camping area and four tastefully furnished thatch…
Malawi
Hidden up a dirt track right beneath Mt Mulanje, this delightful eyrie cloaked in lush vegetation has a swimming pool (fed by fresh water from a small…
Malawi
Run by the excellent Central African Wilderness Safaris, Malawi's premier safari operator, Mvuu sits on the river in the realm of myriad hippos and crocs…
Malawi
Domwe is the smaller and more rustic of Kayak Africa's two neighbouring island lodges, run on solar power and romantically lit by paraffin lamps. It’s…
Malawi
Set in elevated botanical gardens dripping with honeysuckle and bluegums, Ku Chawe boasts amazing views of the distant plain. Inside its red-brick…
Zambia
The approach to this bucolic oasis, basically an island just 7km from the park's northern border, is made all the more dramatic by the wooden walkway over…
Zambia
Run by Jackalberry Safaris, Nkonzi is a bush camp within the national park that offers a wonderful (and relatively more affordable) wilderness experience;…
Zambia
Featuring a scenic river location, with nearby hot springs and lush rainforest, this lodge is popular for good reason. The chalets are light and spacious,…
Malawi
Beautifully finished Danforth has seven stylish, mint-fresh rooms set in lush beachside gardens. There's also a top-notch restaurant (guests only) with a…
Malawi
Book at least a day ahead to stay at this four-room guesthouse owned by British-Malawian couple Tom and Petal. Woodcarvings and Tom's artwork decorate the…
Lilongwe
Lilongwe's first world-class boutique hotel, this gated, nine-suite retreat raises the bar for Malawian accommodation. From the moment you step into its…
Zambia
Built into the hillside are Mayense's individually designed chalets, each with outstanding views. All are beautiful in their simplicity and blend in…
Zambia
With its stunning white sands, palm trees and thatched bungalows, Luke's Beach resembles some secluded Southeast Asian beach paradise. The stilted…
Zambia
Occupying a stretch of riverfront with plenty of lawn, Marula offers one of the best choices in the park for budget travellers. Options include waterfront…
Montebelo Gorongosa Lodge & Safari
Mozambique
Located at Chitengo park headquarters, Montebelo has lovely comfortable rooms in rondavels or standard blocks. Count on hot water, soap, mosquito nets and…
Northern Mozambique
This nine-room luxury boutique hotel – the most upmarket accommodation on Ibo – is housed in three restored 19th-century mansions in a prime setting…
Northern Mozambique
Ibo is an idyll wherever you stay, but Cinco Portas could well offer the best deal when you factor in price, friendly ambience and flawless, nothing-is…
Malawi
This intimate, upscale Central African Wilderness Safaris lodge is full of romantic atmosphere. The sumptuous chalets, seven twin and one honeymoon double…
Malawi
Nestled into the lee of a valley beside a small lake, this Central African Wilderness Safaris lodge is insanely picturesque. Its bungalows have an unfussy…
