Pumulani Lodge

Pumulani sits on the western side of the Nankumba Peninsula at the southern end of Lake Malawi, with the water directly below the lodge. Ten grass-roofed villas are spread across the hillside: five face the lake, four look into the bush, and one family villa sits closest to the beach, with a master bedroom, an adjoining twin room, and a large bathroom with double basins, a bath, and showers. The grass roofs shade the villas from the afternoon sun. Each has a verandah or deck, air conditioning, a fridge, a minibar, and mosquito nets.

The lake is the centre of most activity here. You can kayak, paddle-board, sail, snorkel, or water-ski from the shore. Snorkelling puts you directly over the cichlid population — freshwater fish researchers place Lake Malawi among the most species-rich lakes on the planet. Scuba diving is available both on site and at locations off the property. On land, mountain bikes go out around the property and into nearby villages, and guides lead walks through the surrounding area.

The lodge has a bar, restaurant, communal dining, a pool, and a library. Stargazing is organised on site. An airport shuttle is available, and route directions exist from Lilongwe, Blantyre, and from Zambia via two different border crossings.