Kumbali Country Lodge

A lush, bird-filled private paradise a short distance from busy Lilongwe

Birdwatchers will be in heaven with the sheer number of species. The lodge is a beauty, with every aspect designed to maximise the views – and we're big fans of views!

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Jonty

Eve

Kristin

4.9 out of 5 stars Average guest rating

About Kumbali Country Lodge

Looking for some peace outside thronging Lilongwe? We've found it – at a blissful lodge tucked away on a 650-hectare farm a mere 25 minutes from Lilongwe's International Airport. Accessed via a bumpy dirt road, the Kumbali estate lies between the Capital Hill Dairy Farm and the Nkhoma mountain range. This upmarket country lodge is valued for its privacy, and is just the place to relax and unwind. We appreciated the friendly staff, who do a great job of combining smiling service with discretion (as is the norm in Malawi, a country known for the warmth of its welcome).

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From $140 person/night

Lodge

16 Rooms

Lilongwe, Malawi

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Highlights

Birdwatching the estate's natural forest. There are plenty of species to look out for, from African harrier-hawk, green wood-hoopoe and yellow-fronted tinkerbird to long-tailed paradise-whydah and numerous owls. Bird tours with experienced guides can be arranged at the Permaculture Centre near the lodge.

Sipping your morning cup of steaming coffee (deliciously roasted on the estate) on the spacious terrace in front of your room, with the grounds spread beneath you – a lovely way to start the day.

Kumbali Lodge is the perfect place to relax and catch your breath before or after a Malawi tour. The rooms are big and very comfortable, the food is simple but delicious, and ample, and the large pool beckons.

The property

With its gorgeous double-volume thatch roof and flooring of light hardwood, the main dining and lounge areas are the perfect place to relax and enjoy the great meals (the homemade breakfast yoghurt is creamily delicious!). The lounge area is furnished with plump couches in burnt orange and creams, with Persian rugs and sparkling candelabra completing the picture. Downstairs, the simply furnished dining and bar area has a covered veranda with comfortable chairs set to make most of the view.

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The rooms

Paths through the manicured gardens lead to 14 executive and two deluxe stand-alone thatched suites. Each is incredibly spacious with quietly stylish furnishings and all the home comforts – TV, coffee facilities, fridge (in the deluxe suites), a table and rattan chairs for lounging, and a well-sized bathroom with tub and shower. Beautifully large beds with crisp linen and mosquito netting face out over a private terrace furnished with comfy armchairs intended for birdwatching, lazing or simply kicking back.

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One more thing...

The Kumbali experience is sheer peaceful pleasure. Small wonder it's a place that is apparently favoured by visiting stars such as Madonna.

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Activities

Cultural

If you feel like exploring beyond the property and its resident wildlife, enquire about the other activities that can be arranged through the lodge. Take a stroll to Kumbali Cultural Village to experience local food, have a drink at the bar, browse the arts and crafts stalls, and get an insight into the rich tradition and culture of the Malawian people. Visit a working dairy farm and a permaculture centre, and take guided tours of the town and countryside.

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About Lilongwe

Lilongwe

Lively yet laidback, modern yet traditional, Lilongwe is a classic capital city of two halves.

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