Pumulani Lodge (Lake Malawi)

Pumulani Lodge is on the westside of the Nankumba Peninsula in the South end of Lake Malawi. Subtly nestled in the lush hills among the trees and craggy outcrops. The beauty of this lake is indescribable. The beautiful sparkling colours shimmering over the water, the clear blue skies and the panoramic vistas truly make you feel like you are in paradise. David Livingstone named Lake Malawi ‘Lake of Stars’ for good reason. According to experts this lake is home to more native fish species than any other lake in the world.

Though nestled in nature, you’ll have everything you need. From 2 x sparkling infinity pools and private beach to open air dining and evenings by the fire under a sky full of stars.

Guests can relax on the sandy beach with a pool. Or enjoy an elevated view of the lake from the stylish infinity pool. For those seeking some activity, there are plenty of options. From water skiing, sailing, kayaking, walks in the hills, and snorkelling and diving. Under water activities never fail to amaze as the diversity of fish life is very surprising. Experts say that this lake is home to more native fish species than any other in the world.

The lodge is set on a hill, giving the most spectacular views over the Lake Malawi. Please note the many steps and walkways from the main area to the villas and beach area. The lodge is less suitable for people with mobility issues. Although there is a tuk tuk that can take you from the beach to the main lodge area.
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Pumulani offers the perfect mix for a memorable holiday. Enjoy being active or simply relax in the beautiful and tranquil scenery.

Skip to Pumulani Lodge Rates or Specials and Packages

Pumulani Lodge Accommodation

The ten villas provide the ultimate in space, design, comfort and privacy. They have large spacious ensuite rooms with double showers and bath tubs. Each has a lounge area as well as a veranda. There are ceiling fans and air conditioning units in the villas. Also each has tea and coffee making facilities along with a minibar. 5 of the villas have bush views (incl. the family villa). The other 5 have uninterrupted views across Lake Malawi (incl. one honeymoon villa with an outdoor shower).

The family villa is the closest to the beach and all activities are easily organized from this point. Just off the master bedroom is a twin room. A large spacious bathroom has double basins, showers and a bath. The sitting area has plenty of space for the whole family to relax.

There is limited cellphone reception for TNM & Airtel (local network in Malawi).
The lodge runs off mains electricity with a backup generator. Three pin square plugs (adaptors available).

Pumulani Lodge Activities

Lake Malawi has 2,000 species of fish which are mainly endemic. It is the home of more species of fish than any other lake in the world. Including over 1000 species of cichlids. Cichlids are bright and beautifully coloured fish. With the clear fresh water of the Lake, it makes for some truly exceptional snorkelling and diving experiences.

Though not your typical safari setting, because Pumulani is set within Lake Malawi National Park, there is game and birding opportunities. Commonly sighted are rock hyrax, vervet monkeys, and yellow baboon. While bushbuck, duikers and spotted-necked otters are sometimes seen during hikes or boat trips further into the National Park. To date a total of 120 bird species have been seen. The national bird, African Fish Eagle, is a major highlight over the Lake. Though rare, Pel’s fishing owl and Narina Trogon have also been seen here.

Snorkeling and Diving

Discover the amazing cichlid fish of Lake Malawi. An underwater paradise that awaits you when you are on a snorkelling or diving excursion. Guests transfer in one of the speed boats to Cape Maclear, where the best Cichlid fish are found.

Boating

A speedboat can whisk you around the lake with various water activities such as water skiing, wake boarding and tubing. Or an exhilarating drive to secluded spots where you can jump out the boat and snorkel or dive. Taking in the clouds of tropical fish that inhabit the water.

Kayaking

Kayaking is a fantastic way to explore the nearby beaches and coves at your own pace. There are also have double kayaks for those wanting a bit of company.

Paddle Boarding

Once you have mastered the balancing act, paddle boarding is a lot of fun for all ages. They are also great for SUP yoga!

Sailing

For the more experienced sailors there is a dingy which is great fun to nip around the lake in.

Dhow Cruise

Indulge in a sunset cruise on Lake Malawi in the hand crafted dhow, the only one of it’s kind on Lake Malawi.

Land excursions

Take a guided walk from the lodge up into the hills enjoying the views and beauty as well as the wonderful bird life. Coming down from the hills to the lake shore, a kayak will meet you there for a gentle paddle back.

Cycling

Cycle down the hill from the lodge through the village and around the point where the kayaks will meet you for your paddle back.

Village Tours

Take a guided walk through the village seeing and having the local traditions and rituals explained.

Stargazing

Revel in the joys of the night sky with the state of the art telescope for stargazing. It will revolutionize the way you look at the stars.

When to visit Pumulani Lodge?

December and January: Lower rates | Stunning lush scenery | No crowds

A fantastic time for birding with several migratory birds and more.
The rainy season is in full swing with frequent afternoon showers and spectacular thunderstorms. Temperatures remain high and humidity too. Pumulani closes from the 9th January to do some maintenance and deep cleaning.

February:

Pumulani Lodge is closed this time of year so we can do some ‘spring’ cleaning and maintenance.

March: Lower rates | Stunning lush scenery | No crowds

Reopens around the 16th of March.
Birding is prolific and smaller mammals such as rock hyraxes can be seen.
It is still the height of the rainy season so rainfall is frequent and temperatures and humidity are still high.

April: Lower rates | Stunning lush scenery | No crowds

The decrease in rain means clearer days for snorkelling, getting up close to the underwater treasures of Lake Malawi – cichlids.
The rainy season is coming to an end and humidity starts to fall. Temperatures are pleasant throughout the day.

May: Lower rates | Beautiful scenery

Birding is fantastic with fish eagles in particular being a very common sight.
The end of summer is approaching, the temperatures are cooler particularly at night. The humidity decreases but there are still some sporadic showers.

June: Lower rates | Beautiful scenery

The birding continues to impress with a huge variety of birds as well as rock hyraxes.
Winter has arrived but the days continue to be sunny and clear. Temperatures are also pleasant.

July: Beautiful scenery | Pleasant Weather

Despite the cooler temperatures, it is still warm enough to snorkel and scuba dive to see the 100s of species of fish in Lake Malawi.
This is one of the coldest months of the year but the days are sunny with the occasional drizzle (chiperoni).

August: Beautiful scenery | Pleasant Weather

There are several different species of birds that can be seen. Such as wading birds, kingfishers, hornbills, nightjars, kestrels, swallow-tailed bee-eaters, and many other species of birds.
Winter is coming to an end and the temperatures slowly rise and the days are sunny and clear.

September: Beautiful scenery | Pleasant Weather

Though the water levels of the Lake continue to fall, cichlids, catfish and many other freshwater fish can be seen.
Temperatures begin to rise this time of the year and there can be the occasional shower.

October: Beautiful scenery | Great beach weather

Pied kingfishers are prolific on the beach as are cormorants and fish eagles.
The hottest time of the year with temperatures high and humidity starting to rise.

November: Beautiful scenery | Great beach weather

November signifies the arrival of migratory birds.
Temperatures are still very high in November and humidity begins to rise. There is often showers towards the end of the month.

Getting to Pumulani Lodge

From Lilongwe it is a 4.5-5 hour road transfer to the lodge. Alternatively there is a 50 min flight from Lilongwe to Club Makokola Airstrip followed by a 45-minute road transfer to the lodge.

From Blantyre, it is about a 5 – 6 hour drive.

If you are traveling from South Luangwa in Zambia, it is a 1-hour charter flight to Lilongwe where you will clear immigration and chose your preferred method of travel.

Pumulani Lodge Accommodation Rates

Pumulani Lodge is open from March – January.

Please note Robin Pope issue rates ‘until further notice’. These rates were issued in January 2025. As much as we try to keep on top of updating rates, please check with us to see if there are any changes.

Children of all ages are welcome at Pumulani Lodge. Children of 1 – 6 years, pay 20%, 7-11 years pay 45% and 12-16 years, pay 65% of the above rates.

The rates are per person sharing (no single supplement unless more than 3 rooms booked). For 4+ rooms single supplement is 30% of the per person sharing rate.

Rates include:
All meals, and local drinks*,
Laundry,
Meet & greet at Lilongwe airport,
Non-motorized activities (fishing, sailing, nature/village walks, sunset cruises, kayaking).
4 and more nights also includes a snorkeling excursion.

*A connoisseurs’ wine & spirits list is also available at an extra cost.

Rates exclude:
Visas,
Flights, airport taxes and landing fees,
Scuba diving, motorized water sports (snorkeling, water skiing, fun tube).

Tourism Levy, Conservation & Community Fund* & park costs

*This levy ensures the survival of the areas/parks that the camps are in.

Pumulani Lodge Special Offers

Long Stay Discount

Stay 7 nights at Robin Pope Safaris properties, and get a 10% discount. Or stay 10 nights and get a 20% discount.

The Robin Pope Safaris camps in Malawi are:
Mkulumadzi Lodge in the Majete Wildlife Reserve.
Kuthengo Camp in Liwonde National Park
Pumulani Lodge in Lake Malawi National Park

The Robin Pope Safaris camps in South Luangwa, Zambia are:
Nkwali Camp  (and Robin’s House), Nsefu Camp, Tena Tena, Luangwa River Camp, Luangwa Bush Camp*, or Luangwa Safari House. Please note we are still adding some of the camps.

*Many guests staying at Nsefu or Nkwali will walk to Luangwa Bush Camp. It lies between the two camps and only sleeps 4 people. The 2 Meru tents have bucket showers & long drop loos. It is about a 3 hour walk. Unlike set departure trips, this experience is arranged to fit within your safari itinerary. Offering a seamless extension into South Luangwa’s remote wilderness. Entirely on foot and guided by experts, you’ll explore untouched terrain by day and sleep under the stars by night. With no vehicles, just the sounds of nature around you. This is a walking safari at its most raw and exhilarating. Luangwa Bush Camp is open from around the 22nd May – 20th October every year.

The Robin Pope Safaris camps in Zimbabwe are:
John’s Camp in Mana Pools National Park

Last Minute Safari

If you book Robin Pope Safaris camps within 30 days of travel, receive these excellent discounted rates (per person per night):
Malawi camps: $350 (Peak), $300 (Shoulder) & $275 (Emerald)
South Luangwa camps (excludes Houses, Bush Camping & Mobile Walking): $595 (Peak), $475 (Shoulder) & $425 (Emerald)
John’s Camp: $600 (Peak) & $525 (Emerald & Shoulder)

Family Safari

Complimentary stay for a second child 12 years to under 16 years.

Group Safari

10% discount on groups of 10 or more people.