Fish Eagle Bay Lodge
Mbalame Village Sani, Nkhotakota Malawi
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Pool & Beach (20)
Room & Suite (6)
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#1 of 1 B&B in Nkhotakota
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Fish Eagle Bay is a tranquil lodge situated on the magnificent Lake Malawi in the central region near the historic town of Nkhotakota. Kayak on the lake and experience the friendly people of the warm heart of Africa.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free breakfast
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Beach
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Non-smoking hotel
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Location
Mbalame Village Sani, Nkhotakota Malawi
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61Reviews1Q+A9Room tips
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+1
The place was not in good condition. Totally neglected. It's a nice lake front property. But needs more caring. Nothing was available 😭 My advice is to refurbish the rooms with new mattresses, pillows & furniture. It will be nice then. Even if you do not have guests
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: The family room near the water. It's bigger & nice for a group. It's a private area near the...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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+1
Wonderful lodge right on Lake Malawi! Authentic cottages with thatched roofs on a beautiful white sandy beach. Every day a lovely breakfast and choice of dinner and lunch for very reasonable prices. Lovely staff, everyone was so kind and helpful. Best place to stay in Nkhotakota!!!
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Fish Eagle Bay Lodge Lake Malawi, Owner at Fish Eagle Bay Lodge
Responded 29 Nov 2022
Gitta, thank you so much for your review. We love the fact that you enjoyed your stay. We are very proud of Fish Eagle Bay. Hope to see you again soon..
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Having come from Senga Bay where the accommodation was not optimal and the beach was very dirty, it was a pleasure to discover Fish Eagle Bay lodge as a 'walk in' tourist with no reservation or recommendation. The manager Trevor was especially kind and helpful, and I spent two nights in a cottage right on the beach, able to look out the window and see the pink sunrise over the lake in the early morning. I particularly enjoyed being able to walk out of the cottage and down to the lakeshore, walking along the shore in the early morning and meeting the locals, watching the fishermen bringing in their catch, seeing the dugout canoes with their batteries and lights used for attracting the shoals of tiny fish. The lake is delightful to swim in, safe and calm and a lovely temperature. I and my companion hung out in the thatched lapa, drinking cold beer and eating tchambo (tilapia) from the lake and cassava, cooked beautifully by the resident cook. From the lodge we drove to the Nkhotakota Reserve and to the old town of Nkhotakota to see the David Livingstone Tree and the remains of the mosque from where the slave traders operated, taking the captured slaves through the forests of the reserve in chains, to the lake shore, from where they were transported in boats up to Kisumu or Zanzibar. I enjoyed the openness of Fish Eage Bay Lodge; it has no fences and felt very safe. I also enjoyed the dark and the quiet, no noisy sports bars or bright lights at night. …
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Date of stay: September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Fish Eagle Bay Lodge Lake Malawi, Owner at Fish Eagle Bay Lodge
Responded 19 Oct 2022
Thank you very much for your review Janet. It is very encouraging. We hope to see you again. Zikomo Kwambiri
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I’ve stayed here several times for work purposes. It is a lovely, laid-back lodge on a beautiful, pristine beach. Trevor and Basil could not be more helpful. Yes, it is a bit Malawian, food can take a long time to arrive and drinks are not always in stock, but then you’re there to relax and chill out. The rooms are beautiful and very comfortable. It’s a solar lodge, so naturally power can be limited, but that’s just as you’d expect. In terms of the two negative reviews posted below, please bear the following in mind: 1. I stayed at the lodge in October 2021 and met the husband mentioned in the review, who was so dissatisfied with food and power. I can confirm that what the manager has responded with is true. There is a fully equipped self-catering cottage there but that is not what his company paid for. The rates at Fish Eagle Bay are very reasonable, considerably less than local lodges, and what is and is not included is made very clear, it’s bed and breakfast only. 2. Bua River Lodge is now managed by the couple who used to manage this lodge. I have met them staying here previously and at Bua. Why they would write this review and try to sabotage is anyone’s guess, but the reply is truthful and fair. Ignore those reviews. This is a lovely, relaxing place to stay.…
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled on business
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Fish Eagle Bay Lodge Lake Malawi, Owner at Fish Eagle Bay Lodge
Responded 19 Oct 2022
Thank you very much for your review. It is always encouraging to receive a positive review. It motivates all of us at Fish Eagle Bay Lodge to continue doing our best.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Despite a few negative reviews - we visited this lodge on 20 June 2022. We found it to be in excellent condition. Trevor who manages the lodge is friendly & could not do enough to help us. There are some rumours amoungst the locals that it had closed down? This is defintely not the case. The rooms are immaculate & the location & setting is outstanding. Included in the very reasonable rate you get free use of the kayaks.i would highly recommend visiting this lodge.
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Fish Eagle Bay Lodge Lake Malawi, Owner at Fish Eagle Bay Lodge
Responded 30 Jun 2022
Thank you so much for your excellent review. We really do our best to ensure that our guests enjoy their stay.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
When there is nothing, what can you complain about? My husband has been staying here since the beginning of October and the service is horrendous... they pay a fortune for food and then it is provided in the minimum quantities... the current manager is extremely rude and does nothing to resolve guest issues with regards to basic living conditions... they were given a self-catering unit with no fridge, no stove, no cookware, no kettle, they even removed the shutters of the windows... they barely have enough power to charge a phone and then when he complains, he is told he is a child and needs to grow up, (We have the WhatsApp's). How do you manage a place like this and then still expect people to stay there? There is also an additional lodge next door where the party never stops and there is no effort made to control the noise which continues all through the night and morning. The owner cannot be contacted in any manner and the manageress does not care if you complain or not, she will rather tell you to find somewhere else to stay... I won't recommend this place to anyone, not even for a night.…
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Date of stay: October 2021Trip type: Travelled on business
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Fish Eagle Bay Lodge Lake Malawi, Owner at Fish Eagle Bay Lodge
Responded 30 Oct 2021
Thank you for your review. Unfortunately I have no choice but to respond since you chose to write your review on a public forum. You yourself have never been to Malawi or Fish Eagle Bay Lodge. Fish Eagle Bay Lodge is an ECO Lodge. We had to close for 12 months during the strict Covid Lockdowns. We are working very hard to get the Lodge back to the standards people are used to, and the accommodation for contractors working in the Nkhotakota District is very welcome. However the amount paid for daily accommodation is so low that we are virtually subsidising your husband's accommodation. Your husband is dissatisfied because his employer only pays for accommodation, not any food or drinks. He was under the impression that all was included and that is the reason why he is complaining about food prices. Furthermore I think your husband does not want to understand that solar power is finite. So should he choose to have all his lights and a fan on all night, the power will definitely not last the whole night. We strive to provide excellent service and have been subsidising his meals, and some meals were given for free. Your husband however is impossible to please and not once has he thanked anyone for anything given to him with the best of intentions. Fish Eagle Bay Lodge offers good quality accommodation and food. We have a beautiful beach and very friendly staff. We hope that your husband will be happy at the next Lodge, and that you will one day actually come and visit Fish Eagle Bay, to see the beauty and tranquility for yourself.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
It was a bit hard to find but worth it (on google map look for sani beach) the location and the sandy beach on the lake are amazing! The managers are very knowledgeable and friendly. We hired a canoe (we paid for it) and this was fun. No major activities around just relaxing. The food was good and large portions- as vegetarians/ vegans the option are enough. TNM is the only available network there. We got the big villa which was enormous for our needs. The self catering & BBQ outside was big plus so we could have dinner or lunch on the balcony to enjoy great time All in all highly recommend 🤙😄
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Date of stay: October 2019Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Fisheaglebay, Manager at Fish Eagle Bay Lodge
Responded 13 Oct 2019
Hi guy's, So glad you enjoyed your stay with us. Hope to see you again in the future. Regards Dalene Fish Eagle Bay Lodge
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We were 4 travellers originally traveling från mbeya tanzania to malawi, we found no other hotel who could help us with transfer except Dalene and Mike. Our trip changed so half The group travelled from mbeya and half flew to malawi. They were absolutely Amazing and fixed us transport both from The north border and from another hotel. They picked us up personally. Dalene and Mike are Amazing people from South africa, they both have big hearts and wants The best for their clients. All The price are fair, nothing is overprice. The lodge is fresh, clean and very Nice. The beach to The lake is very beautiful and The food is exceptional. Mike even cooked us home cooked food, which you miss when you travel long. Their staff was Amazing and bazil thaught us to play bao and he walked up a hill with us. The scenary is Amazing around this lodge and people are so friendly. No worries to take a morning jog or play football on The beach with The local kids. IF you ever go to Malawi, it is a Must to stay here and get to know Dalene and Mike. You will be amazed and have a wonderful vaccation. Thank you so much Dalene and Mike for giving us The best memories, your 4 swedes. …
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Date of stay: July 2019Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Fisheaglebay, Manager at Fish Eagle Bay Lodge
Responded 16 Aug 2019
That was amazing meeting you and spending time with you guys. You were absolutely stunning and everybody on the lodge enjoyed your company. To us all our client's are special and we are here to serve our customers to the best of our ability. Hope to see you again on your next Africa trip. Regards Management Fish Eagle Bay Lodge Mike and Dalene and Basil.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stayed there for the half night early June 2016. I was alone and took normal rondavel which was spacious, clean, quiet and naturally-ventilated with good mosquito protection. Rondavels are located close to the beach and restaurant at reception area. Lodge has night security post/patrol led my Moses, who is knowledgeable and interesting collocutor. Hi Moses! I spent 10 days in Malawi and visited almost all areas in central and south part of country but this lodge was the only place where Chambo fish is cooked in great way. Somehow, its taste reminds rather a lobster that lake fish. Very impressive! Thank you.
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Date of stay: June 2019Trip type: Travelled solo
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Fish Eagle Bay Lodge Lake Malawi, Owner at Fish Eagle Bay Lodge
Responded 29 Nov 2022
So glad that you enjoyed our fresh fish from the Lake. We do our best to offer fresh locally sourced food.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fish Eagle bay run by a lovely couple, was one of our stops during the Calendar Lake Project 52 day expedition around lake Malawi. We were warmly welcomed by staff and owners who proceeded to ensure that all we required was available to us. Unfortunately we only stayed one night but wished we had more time to spend on their beautiful beaches. They gave a personalized service and ensured that we were well watered and fed. Huge Thank you Dalene who went above and beyond to make our stay enjoyable. From the Calendar Lake Crew.
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Date of stay: May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Fish Eagle Bay ... L, Manager at Fish Eagle Bay Lodge
Responded 24 May 2019
Thanks guy's it was great having you here. Hope you will come and visit us soon. It was a lovely crew and only a pleasure to entertain you. Regards to every single person on board and best of luck for your future plans. Mike and Dalene Fish Eagle Bay Lodge
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LOCATION
MalawiCentral RegionNkhotakota
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
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Frequently Asked Questions about Fish Eagle Bay Lodge
What are some of the property amenities at Fish Eagle Bay Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at Fish Eagle Bay Lodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Are pets allowed at Fish Eagle Bay Lodge?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Does Fish Eagle Bay Lodge have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the lake view available here.