Pumulani Lodge

CEDARBERG RATING

Luxury

Overview

  • The only luxury beach lodge within Lake Malawi National Park
  • Great sandy private beach
  • Motorized water sports such as diving, water skiing, wakeboarding, Kayaking, fun tubing, scuba diving, snorkeling excursions, are available at an additional cost.
  • Fishing and birdwatching,walks in the hills,
  • Sunset cruises on a hand built dhow.
  • Mountain bike tours, and village tours.

Pumulani Lodge, meaning ‘the place of rest’, Pumulani is situated on the westside of the Nankumba Peninsula in the South end of Lake Malawi. 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.
The ten villas are situated in such a way that they blend in completely with the natural surroundings and the cooling grass roofs reflect the African sun.

The contemporary lodge building has a great sense of space with dining area overlooking the lake, bar, sitting area and a large wooden deck. A small campfire area is close by. The infinity swimming pool is on a terraced deck, one level down.

Accommodation

Accommodation consists of ten villas between the main lodge and the beach below. Each has a bedroom, bathroom and sitting area, with large sliding doors leading out to the elevated wooden deck. Space and privacy are key at Pumulani. The villas are 120 mΒ², which is massive. They are spaced far apart and all with grass roofs. So they blend unobtrusively into the bush. Each has a view of Lake Malawi, some uninterrupted, some with forest and lake views. The bathroom is luxurious with double sinks, vast open shower and standalone bath. There are 10 villas including a honeymoon villa and a family villa. The family villa (175mΒ²) has two bedrooms accommodating a family of four or five. Though the villas are so large that one or two extra beds can added, without compromising the sense of space.

Pumulani Lodge has a private beach with a beach bar offering drinks and light snacks. Behind the beach, there are beautiful shaded gardens for those not wanting too much sun! Β Lunch alternates between the restaurant at the lodge or at the pool bar down on the beach.

Activities

The complimentary activities at Pumulani are snorkelling, fishing, sailing, nature and village walks and kayaking. There is great snorkelling from the nearby rocks only a short swim or kayak away. Pumulani Lodge has its own traditional wooden dhow sailing boat for sunset cruises. Motorized water sports (water-skiing, fun tube, picnic tours) are available at an additional cost, as is scuba diving, at nearby Cape Maclear.

Note: Pumulani has a lot of steps. Golf buggies are available to transport you from the lodge down to the beach and vice versa but if you are on one of the middle levels, then it’s quite a few steps either up to the lodge or down to the beach. Good exercise to walk off lunch or dinner!

At A Glance

  • Beach within easy walking distance
  • Off the beaten track
  • Mountain biking
  • Birding hotspot
  • Recommended for families
  • Good Food & Wine
  • Golf
  • Mountain Biking
  • Swimming pool
  • Rural location
  • Sea views
  • Beach
  • Diving & Snorkeling
  • Star gazing
  • Tropical Beach
  • Walking Trail
  • Water Sports
  • Wifi on premises

Pumulani Lodge on the map

Rooms

Villa (4 Villas with Bush Views)

Villa (4 Villas with Bush Views)

Each Villa (including a family villa) has a large bedroom, which opens out onto a private deck perfect for watching the sunrise. The bathrooms also offer splendid views and are well equipped with a bathtub, double shower and double sink, and the spacious lounge area offers further comfort for those wishing to relax in the room. Each has a lounge area as well as a verandah. Also each has a kitchenette with tea and coffee making facilities along with a minibar.

Family Villa

Family Villa

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

Villa (5 Villas with Lake View)

Villa (5 Villas with Lake View)

Each Villa has a large bedroom, which opens out onto a private deck perfect for watching the sunrise. The bathrooms also offer splendid views and are well equipped with a bathtub, double shower and double sink, and the spacious lounge area offers further comfort for those wishing to relax in the room. Each has a lounge area as well as a verandah. Also each has a kitchenette with tea and coffee making facilities along with a minibar.

Visit & Review of Pumulani

The idea of setting up Pumulani was to offer a really good beach option post-Zambia safari without the need to go to Mozambique/ East Africa. The link between the two areas is straightforward and swift, as I would find out for myself the next day: when I flewΒ from Pumulani to Nkwali in South Luangwa (I was reversing the normal sequence) the TOTAL travel time door to door was 5 hours, including a bit of waiting time at Lilongwe while the pilot filled out his new flight plan and refuelled the plane. In Africa terms, that is a doddle.

Peter Bates
Africa Travel Specialist

Exclusive Offers

Family Offer

Second child free – for children under 16 years; youngest child goes free.

Second child free for children under 16 years, youngest child goes free. Park costs and levies still payable

Excludes: Park fees and levies are still payable on the free night

Terms & Conditions: Park costs and levies still payable.

VALID FROM 01/01/2026
VALID UNTIL 31/12/2026

Long Stay Special Rates

Stay 7 night stays, get 10% off and stay 10 nights, get 20% off at any combination of Robin Pope Safaris properties

VALID FROM 01/01/2026
VALID UNTIL 31/12/2026