The Makokola Retreat

Makokola Retreat, in my friend’s words, is the best facility along the stunning beaches of Lake Malawi – with regards to infrastructure and ambience.

Into Mangochi

Mangochi harbours some important history for the nation of Malawi, and the Yao people residents in this region dating back to the pre-colonial era.

The name Mangochi was derived from a nearby mountain. Some Yao chiefs explain that the name Mangochi means Mgoji, a rope, and signifies the place where Yao immigrants were bound together in a strong community.

In October 1891, the colonial government established a fort known as Fort Johnston in the Mangochi area to protect British interests. Following this establishment, Mangochi became a very significant place and was then popularly known as the Fort Johnston District. It was however changed back to Mangochi some years later after independence.

Experience African Design, Culture and Tradition in Mangochi | About The Makokola Retreat

Makokola Retreat, formerly known as Club Makokola, is a favorite among Malawians and international tourists.

It boasts brilliantly green gardens which reveal spacious beach villas, and rooms perched along the shores of Southern Lake Malawi. They provide gracious service in an unmatched experience in Malawi. This showpiece property captures the essence of African design, culture and tradition.

Location

The Retreat is located just north of Mangochi, on the palm fringed southern shore of Lake Malawi. Just a few miles away is Boadzulu Island, the most southern part of Lake Malawi’s National Park and home to many birds, fish and reptiles.

Directions

We were warmly welcomed by the staff, who had been anxiously waiting our arrival.

We checked into our room, and I was nothing short of in awe. I had not intended to share on my social media about this particular trip, but such views could not be kept private. I put up a few stories about how gorgeous my room was, and the questions flooded in, asking where exactly this stunning place is.

ROOMS

Makokola Retreat has 67 rooms, with different designs and offering different types of services. The rooms are just a few steps from the beach, but designed with seclusion in mind.

NEW ROOMS

LUXURY LAKE SUITES

The hotel recently added 22 luxury lake suites and 1 sunset villa to the hotel. I was quite impressed by the privacy of these suites, and that they come off as an extension to the main hotel. You enter through a small gate, which demarcates this side from what most have known to be Club Makokola.

The new side boasts a private quiet pool, resident guests only bar, and a gym that is accessible to all hotel guests.

All rooms will have air conditioners, private terrace/balcony area with spectacular views over Lake Malawi.

Most have not yet experienced the exquisite new lake suites, and many were thoroughly impressed with the design of the new rooms.

SUNSET VILLA

Right next to my room was the Sunset Villa, which has a 2 floors – a spacious living area on the ground floor, and the bedroom in the first floor. It also has a private swimming pool, and you get to watch the sunset over Lake Malawi from your balcony or private poolside. The views are simply to die for.

OTHER ROOMS

I personally have not yet experienced these rooms (hope to in the near future), but I was able to get enough information on what they have to offer.

The hand built villas blend ethno chic with all that is traditional in Malawi. All the comforts you would expect during your getaway are there, accentuated by locally sourced wooden beams and traditional artwork beneath a thatched roof. The Malawian theme is carried through the décor, with handcrafted furniture, typical artifacts and local fabrics in rich, vivid colours.

LAKE VILLAS(/SUITES)

The property offers 22 spacious Lake Villas. Each has the following features:

Lakefront/Beach location and views
Double bed, with oversize mosquito net
Top rooms have showers only and bottom rooms have bathtubs and showers.
Comfortable separate sitting area
Equipped with in-room mini electronic safes and flat screen TV’s
Malawian cotton, locally embroidered bed linens
Tea/coffee making facilities
Airconditioning + Ceiling Fan system
Private veranda with comfortable sun chairs
Maximum occupancy 2 adults. Adult only area- no bookings with kids under 12 years.
Lake Suite residences have exclusive access to the lake suite pool and bar area.

SUPERIOR BEACH, AND BEACH FAMILY ROOMS

There are 8 superior beach rooms, and 5 beach family rooms. Each of the rooms possess the following characteristics:

Located on the reception side of the hotel near the bar and swimming pool area
Family rooms each have two separate bedrooms, one with a double bed and one with twin beds, they have a sharing bathroom.
Superior beach rooms have a double bed, en-suite bathroom and a living room area with a sofa that can be made up for toddlers to sleep on.
Have a beach/ lake view
Only have ceiling fans
Room terrace

STANDARD BEACH, AND STANDARD BEACH FAMILY ROOMS

The Makokola has 14 well-appointed standard Beach rooms, with king sized beds and 6 beach family rooms with twin beds. They are furnished in an African contemporary style and are just steps away from the lake.

These rooms have the following features:

Located near the boat house
Standard beach family rooms have two separate bedrooms with a double bed in one and two twin beds in the other. They have a sharing bathroom.
One Standard room is fully handicap equipped.
Standard beach rooms have a double bed and en-suite bathroom, two of them have twin beds.
Have a beach/lake view.
Only have ceiling fans
Room terrace

GARDEN, AND GARDEN FAMILY ROOMS

The Makokola has 12 Garden rooms, 6 of which are family rooms. These host two separate bedrooms and a sharing bathroom. The main bedroom with a king sized bed and the other one with two twin beds; all walking distance from the Lake. They are furnished in an African contemporary style, surrounded by the tranquillity of lush gardens and are just steps away from the lake.

The garden rooms have the following facilities:

Located near the conference centre
Rooms have a king- sized bed, en-suite bathroom and a balcony area that overlooks the gardens
Garden Family Rooms have a king-sized bed, four kids bunk beds, en-suite bathroom and a terrace area that overlooks the gardens
A 5-minute walk to the main restaurant and facilities
Only have ceiling fans.

LEISURE ACTIVITIES

Whether your vacation dream is action packed or absolutely relaxed, The Makokola Retreat includes temptations for any interest, all year-round.

The hotel offers plenty leisure activities for your downtime – Spa escapes, golfing, active pursuits from waterskiing to sailing, walking to a local village or reading a book.

Water based activities

Most of the water activities are focused around the Lake. You can snorkel the waters which are abundant in fresh water life or watch the sunset as you sail on their boats, or maybe cruise to the island nearby or water-ski close to the beach. The Makokola Retreat is a water lover’s paradise and we can provide equipment and guides for:

Snorkelling
Sailing
Waterskiing
Speedboats rentals
Wake snake
Kayaks
Round tubes
Island Excursions

I am a water lover. Because of the weather this time of the year however, I was only able to do the Island excursion using the speedboat. We had a lovely speedboat operator, who took us safely to and from the Bird (Boadzulu) Island.

Bird (Boadzulu) Island

Boadzulu Island or Bird Island is the most southern part of Lake Malawi’s National Park, and part of the World Heritage Site host to the biggest breading colony of White Breasted Cormorants in Southern Africa.

Its waters are crystal clear and the presence of the multi coloured Mbuna fish provides a surpassing beauty that makes the island an excellent spot for snorkelling and swimming.

We took a morning cruise, but alternatively, you can explore the island on a sunset cruise which can offer you a peaceful and romantic setting for sundowners. We managed to watch the fish eagles feed.

Along the shores you’ll see the fishing villages overlooking the lake and marvel as the sun sinks on the horizons casting the unquestionable beauty of an African sunset on the calm waters of Lake Malawi. Either trips can be done by the M.V. Sunbird or a speedboat.

Land based activities

For people who prefer activities on land, an exciting array of land activities awaits you at The Makokola Retreat.

Venture on a village excursion rich in culture or discover the local flora and fauna.

If you are in the mood for a more challenging activity, golfing or a beach volleyball match can be an exceptionally memorable experience in this amazing setting. At the Retreat you can enjoy:

The Lake Spa
Golf
Bowls
Tennis (flood lit tennis court)
Squash
Five a side soccer (flood lit field)
Beach volleyball
Cultural and historical encounters
Bird watching
Day trips

I did get the chance to experience the lake spa, as at the time of my visit, it was undergoing refurbishment.

SWIMMING POOLS

The retreat now has three swimming pools, much to my pleasant surprise. I had seen photos of and by one of the new swimming pool, and had for a good while been asking myself if they had renovated their other pool by the restaurant side.

The Sunset Villa has its own private infinity pool, while the lake suite section has an exclusive lake suite resident pool only.

The main pool is frequented by both residents and day visitors.

RESTAURANTS (Food)

The main restaurant that newly re-opened in December 2019 Il Lago. We then also have the El Chiringuito Beach Bar at the lake suite section that serves a tapas menu exclusively to lake suite residents only from 10:00 – 21:00.

I was also surprised to find out that the El Chiringuito Beach Bar at the lake suite section with the stunning beach view, serves a tapas menu exclusively to lake suite residents only from 10:00 – 21:00.

The food was absolutely amazing. I enjoyed the chicken khwasukhwasu, and the grilled fish was equally amazing.

On our arrival, we had used the buffet at the main restaurant, and were served some Malawian cuisines by the waiters dressed in Malawian traditional attire. It was a lovely experience.

This restaurant is much prettier in the day time, because it faces the main pool area, which is directly overlooking the beach.

The breakfast menu has some cold foods and waffles at the buffet, and you have the option to order hot foods from the kitchen through a waiter.

BARS

The Makokola also has a bar at the luxury side, and both bars in my opinion had some amazing cocktails.

They both offered alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

The service was brilliant on both sides, particularly the new rooms’ side.

Drinks room service for lake suite guests are complimentary, however not food service. They do not offer room service as a hotel, but merely do terrace service for drinks to guests on lake suite side at no charge.

HOSPITALITY

We had enthusiastic Malawian hosts to look after us during our stay. They took care of all our needs, including serving our meals, arranging activities and guiding us on excursions.

They are part of The Makokola Retreat’s commitment to the local community and upliftment of the country’s people. Many of them have very little in the way of formal education, but they have a genuine warmth and friendliness, and were evidently delighted to receive us.

We truly enjoyed out stay, and hope you have a lovelier time than we did.

All my love,

Ntha