The Makokola Retreat

The Makokola Retreat

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room
Room & Suite (64)
Bar and pool
Dining (29)

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Avg. R 5,181 /night, 11/9 - 11/10
R 5,495
per night
R 2,748
per night
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per night

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About

4.0
#1 of 3 resorts in Mangochi
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.2 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
3.8 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.4 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.2 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.3 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
The Makokola Retreat. Brilliantly green gardens reveal spacious beach villas and rooms perched along the shores of Southern Lake Malawi. We provide gracious service in an unmatched experience in Malawi. This showpiece property captures the essence of African design, culture and tradition. While staying with us, fill every moment with a sense of natural connection in our wonderful retreat.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Paid wifi
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Pool
Free breakfast
Beach
Boating
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Secured parking
Pool / beach towels
Infinity pool
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Coffee shop
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Poolside bar
Canoeing
Golf course
Squash
Tennis court
Walking tours
Airport transportation
Taxi service
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
Couples massage
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Currency exchange
Gift shop
Mosquito net
Outdoor furniture
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Room features
Private beach
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Safe
Bottled water
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Refrigerator
Room types
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
3.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Family

Location

Mangochi Malawi
Getting there
Lilongwe Intl Airport
177.1 km•
See all flights
212Reviews7Q+A50Room tips
Traveller rating
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  • 64
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Detailed Reviews
Tamara S wrote a review Jan 2021
Herndon, Virginia
4.0 of 5 bubbles
My 8-year old daughter and I stayed here twice; once in October 2020 and a second time in November 2020. We stayed in the new Lakeside area and during the times of our visits children under 12 could stay on that side as part of a special. Normally children under 12 cannot stay in those villas.

The lakeside suites are lovely. We had a great bottom floor villa with a patio. Normally, I would prefer a balcony, but during COVID they delivered food to the rooms, but only the lower ground floor rooms. The decor was lovely and the room very comfortable. We had a view of the Lake and were very close to the dining area and the infinity pool. On our second visit we stayed at the Sunset Villa, which is two floors and has its own infinity pool. Honestly, I kinda do not want to go back unless I can stay there at the Sunset Villa again.

The rooms are beautifully decorated and include several Katundu pieces -- gorgeous glassware light fixtures from Likoma Island. Stunning.

The Makokola Retreat as I think the best gym I have seen in Malawi. Amazing equipment there.

The grounds are beautiful. Just gorgeous landscaping.

The food though is just OK and unfortunately the service is really, really, REALLY slow. Some dishes were quite good and others missed the mark.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
3.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep 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.
Tapiwa Mayuni wrote a review Feb 2020
Lilongwe, Malawi
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My partner and I stayed at the Sunset Villa and were blown away by the level of detail, the tastefulness and the luxury we found. We're fairly experienced travellers within Malawi and have seen a number of places the country has to offer.

The Makokola retreat, however, has been able to set itself apart with the latest addition of rooms ( Lake Suites and the Stunning Sunset Villa). The interior design clearly was well thought of and is very tasteful in every way.

Everything also functions perfectly, from the AC to the mini-fridge to the satellite TV (even the plugs that pop up from the floor!). The Sunset villa with its private pool was absolutely the cherry on top, service was great with friendly bar staff and waiters.

We decided we wanted to play tennis at 7pm and the staff made it possible. We can't wait to stay again.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Room Tip: Sunset Villa is wonderful, with a private lounge a large.
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.
g a wrote a review Jul 2022
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My colleagues and I were visiting Nkopola for a multiple month trip and I can confidently say that our best discovery was the Makokola. The owner and staff welcomed us with open arms and did everything imaginable to make our stay comfortable and relaxing. We had the freedom of choosing any location on Lake Malawi, and by the time we ended up there, we were at our home away from home. The food, rooms, and quality of service, specifically attended to by the owner, make the Makokola a place that not only will we return to, but we will be recommending to anyone wishing for a first class experience. Don’t think twice, because there is nothing better on Lake Malawi.
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Travelled on business
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.
Mtimba Z wrote a review Nov 2021
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We arrived at the hotel around 13;00 welcomed by a gentleman who showed us our way to the reception. We were warmly welcomed by a reception with full COVID- 19 protocols checked in a beautiful room overseeing the great lake of Malawi, wow what an amazing place to relax, for a wedding birthday, conference, corporate meeting, they have all these facilities to meet your desire experience.

What amazed me the most is the warm welcome you get from the staff around the hotel, so sociable, talkable, and very helpful in any of your needs. Mealtimes are flexible from breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will be amazed how days fly. The food is of high quality with very comfortable beds.
I will highly recommend this hotel to anyone wanting a family, private, wedding privates, and conferences for any organization they can handle more than your expectations.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2021
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
Room Tip: Very comfortable rooms and beautiful
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.
Eager Traveller wrote a review Dec 2020
1.0 of 5 bubbles
We had fish n chips in crumbs which came soggy n all the crumbs had basically peeled off the fish ... cherry on the cake , 1 serving was forgotten to b prepared by the chef so came ridiculously late after everyone had finished eating... a simple bread roll could not b served too as it was still being baked ! (Of which the server could not inform us how long it would take !) Snd even that was served after deserts !!! Cherry on the cake we were charged for it too although not consumed 🤪😳when we asked for the standard of the fish dish to be reviewed by the chef we were told he was not available!!
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Date of stay: December 2020Trip 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.
Uchizi C wrote a review Sept 2021
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My friend and I were pleasantly surprised when we got more than we expected on our stay at the Sunset Villa It's very serenely decorated and the private pool is amazing. The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful, always within earshot. The privacy and top tier accommodation are definitely a selling point. It is a must visit. We enjoyed the chambo dinner and pizzas and wine for lunch. The restaurant was flexible enough to make off the menu bar snacks for us, such small things made it special for us. A must visit for anyone who enjoys quiet time away. The boat ride to the bird Island was another amazing thing to do but we enjoyed drinks poolside the most.. book your stay NOW!
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Date of stay: September 2021Trip 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.
Temwani Simwaka wrote a review Nov 2020
Mangochi, Malawi
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This Chambo (fish fillets) tasted divinely. I recommend it to everyone who visits The makokola retreat. Thank you Makokola chef for preparing this dish to perfection.
It just complimented the beautiful setting and the cool breeze coming through from the beautiful and famous Lake Malawi.
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Date of stay: November 2020Trip 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.
Mark D wrote a review Jan 2020
2.0 of 5 bubbles
The staff are excellent and really friendly. The gardens are beautiful. The rooms that we were in had no air conditioning, the TV did not work. When we asked about the TV we were told the cut the cables when they build the restaurant. When I went to shower there was no hot water. I had to walk to reception to get maintenance to put the geyser on. I then also asked for a bath plug which never arrived. There was only a buffet And no option of a A le cart menu. The buffet was covered with nets to keep the flies off . The flies sat on the nets .There was no option of room service. I really would not call this a three star hotel and not worth the price paid. I did talk to the manager who said he would talk to the owner. I heard nothing after that.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2019
1.0 of 5 bubblesValue
2.0 of 5 bubblesService
1.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Room Tip: Rather go to Nkapola lodge
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.
eagle32016 wrote a review Jul 2021
New York City, New York
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The Makokola Retreat offers high quality retreat and service on the shore of Lake Malawi. Suites section offer dedicated beach, lake side bar, as well as gym. The restaurants offer good quality food, including a la carte, buffets, and oven baked pizzas. Sunset, as well as the Lake of Stars in the evening are breathtaking beauties. Highly recommended for cleanliness, attentive service, high privacy and good food on the short of Lake Malawi.
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Date of stay: July 2021
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.
Deborah G wrote a review Jul 2022
Cambridge, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This is a large stylish hotel. The grounds are beautiful with lawns, a wide variety of trees and exotic plants. The hotel is associated with a garden centre, which we know to be used by other hotels in the area.

We stayed in one of the lake suites which I was surprised to find in a segregated part of the resort with its own infinity pool on the beach.
Our room with its central netted bed was full of clean lines and a modern design, and was delightful. After several stays elsewhere the availability of power and WiFi seemed nothing short of luxury! If I were to be picky I might mention the lovely deep bath is somewhat aspirational - there being no real hope of getting much more than 3 inches of water in it before the wait needed renders it cold.

When we were there (Jun 22) the whole hotel seemed almost deserted, either the legacy of COVID or the lack of international customers mid week. There was one other group, who we think were there to help with an elephant migration from the Liwonde reserve. We were very kindly given our own candle lit beach table at dinner time to separate us, I think.

The neatly combed sandy lakeside beach looked as if it would be at home on the Mediterranean. There is a large pool adjacent to the bar and restaurant area and a variety of other sports facilities.

The food, service and many other aspects of the hotel, were as you might expect from this class of hotel. Indeed, if you consider it an issue, you might be almost anywhere in the world, and by no means steeped in local culture!

Overall a luxurious and civilized stop in our itinerary.
We visited Makokola as part of a larger package of stays in Malawi while visiting from UK. In that context we weren't sure exactly what we paid for our night, so can't properly judge its value for money.
Read more
Date of stay: June 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.
…
Eric G asked a question Feb 2018
Chingola, Zambia
How much is petrol per litre?
Answer from PMJ Juao
1 contribution
Help me with the contacts for the reservations desk
thetravs asked a question Aug 2016
Aylesbury, United Kingdom8 contributions3 helpful votes
What is the best currency to bring with us and can you give advice on tipping please.
Answer from Tionana_mawa
Lilongwe, Malawi127 contributions10 helpful votes
The best currency is US dollars; you can pay in dollars and can always change it when needed. In Malawi we generally give a 10% tip. In restaurants it is best to give a cash tip directly to the waiter/waitress as many owners either don't give it to their staff or divide it amongst them. Another tip (excuse the pun); they don't exchange one dollar bills in Malawi. Quite bizarre. Have the best time, enjoy!
susan k asked a question May 2015
Lilongwe, Malawi
hi, i wanted to know if you have honymoon suites
Answer from john r
Arnside, United Kingdom49 contributions32 helpful votes
Only 1 I believe ,it was where the president stays
Joyce147 asked a question Feb 2015
Tamworth, United Kingdom24 contributions17 helpful votes
What is the dress code for evenings ?
Answer from Michael23558
Lilongwe64 contributions22 helpful votes
casual
Yvonne M wrote a tip May 2024
Dubai, United Arab Emirates5 contributions2 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Ask for their water activities. Fish eagle feeding is a super cool activity to do with children. "
Read full review
Alma O wrote a tip May 2024
22 contributions47 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Clean,Spacious room, comfortable bed . Staff are wonderful. Food & wine good."
Read full review
Aris G wrote a tip Apr 2024
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Stay as much as you can 😉"
Read full review
Claire H wrote a tip Apr 2024
1 contribution1 helpful vote
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"If you can afford to, book one of the Lake suites as there is a private pool just for these suites so not as busy. "
Read full review
Isaac F wrote a tip Mar 2024
1 contribution1 helpful vote
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"More activities for past 12 am "
Read full review
…
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PRICE RANGE
R 3,995 - R 4,885 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
the makokola retreat hotel mangochi
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Club Makokola
LOCATION
MalawiSouthern RegionMangochi
NUMBER OF ROOMS
37
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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THE MAKOKOLA RETREAT - Resort Reviews & Price Comparison (Mangochi, Malawi)

Frequently Asked Questions about The Makokola Retreat
What are some of the property amenities at The Makokola Retreat?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at The Makokola Retreat?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at The Makokola Retreat?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at The Makokola Retreat?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and a fitness centre during their stay.
Does The Makokola Retreat have airport transportation?
Yes, The Makokola Retreat offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at The Makokola Retreat?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does The Makokola Retreat offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers meeting rooms, a banquet room, and conference facilities.
Does The Makokola Retreat have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the lake view available here.
Is The Makokola Retreat accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access and reduced mobility rooms. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.
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