Blue Zebra Island Lodge

Blue Zebra Island Lodge sits on Nankoma Island, one of three islands — with Maleri and Nakantenga — that make up the Marelli group inside Lake Malawi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lodge runs entirely on solar power and works with Malawi's wildlife authority to manage conservation across all three islands. The nearest city is Lilongwe, roughly two hours by road.

Eleven rooms spread across the island in different configurations: nine canvas-and-thatch tented chalets with private bathrooms, a thatched Pitta Cottage set in the forest above the main accommodation, and a Superior Family Cottage with two bedrooms, a lounge, and a bathtub. The executive chalets occupy the quieter side of the island with private lake-facing balconies; the five Lake Safari Tents sit closer to the restaurant and bar, with the largest balcony on the property belonging to the Darter tent.

The water just off the shore holds cichlids found only on these islands — snorkelling requires nothing more than walking in a few metres. The main trail around Nankoma is two-point-three kilometres and passes stands of baobab and an ancient fig tree. Kayaking the full circuit of all three islands takes between two-and-a-half and three hours. The lodge also runs a boat for sunset cruises, water-skiing, and wakeboarding, with motorised watersports at an additional charge.

The Bee-Eater Restaurant serves meals prepared by Malawian chefs, with a menu built around seasonal produce. The Fig Tree Bar sits beside the infinity pool with an open view across the lake.