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About
#1 of 2 resorts in Mangochi
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
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
Pool
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
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
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Room features
Private beach
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Safe
Bottled water
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Refrigerator
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Business
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195Reviews7Q+A45Room tips
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Wonderful location. Comfortable accommodation set inside beautiful landscaped gardens. Good food and excellent service compliments the experience and majestic scenery. Highly recommended to those seeking a tranquil location to retreat to after raking in the sights of the lake and surrounds
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Location
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.
Helpful
The best getaway! This is our favorite spot in Malawi to unwind and soak in some sun. The rooms are clean, the food is great, the staff is warm and the ambience is so relaxing. We can't wait to be back again soon.
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
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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.
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+1
Amazing feel to the rooms, staff are all friendly and inviting, the view is amazing, tropical beach vibes with the sounds of fish eagles chattering, from room service to cuisine, all 5 stars, thanks Makokola Retreat team for the amazing stay, loved
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
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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.
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+1
Absolutely stunning place to stay!!! A great way to enjoy Lake Malawi. All the rooms we saw were stunning & seem very modern. They were very comfortable & spacious. The beach & swimming pool are fantastic. The food is good, especially the pizza menu! All the staff were extremely friendly & helpful! Made us a table on the beach for our last night, was such a lovely way to finish our holiday, the table was so beautiful! Big shout out to Godwin & all the staff, your smiles made our day!
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Date of stay: April 2023
Value
Location
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.
Helpful
The place is great. The cottages are in front of the lake surrounded by trees and vegetation. The place is quiet and keeps privacy. The different common areas are great either having beer, coffee, and dessert or breakfast/lunch. Every detail of the cottage is modern, local, and practical. Everything is clean and the people are very friendly. During the weekends there are artisans that offer their crafts, which is great. It is possible to see monkeys in the palms playing and also in the evening the fisherman starting their journey to fish.
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
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.
Helpful
A wonderful beach Resort with beautiful rooms (ours had lovely views of the lake) very helpful staff and good food. Particularly loved their breakfast. Perfect for families and groups. 100% recommended!
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Location
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.
Helpful
I visited the Makokola Retreat with a three other workmates on a familiarization tour on 2nd April 2023 for one night. We were warmly welcomed and escorted to our beautifully decorated rooms with electronic key cards. The rooms are roomy with plump comfortable pillows, and the beds clean and well made. We enjoyed delicious meals in the evening at the restaurant which has nice views across the beautiful Lake Malawi. I highly recommend Makokola and I can’t wait to come back hopefully soon.
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Location
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.
Helpful
I have been coming to the Lake for forty years, and Club Mak, as it's widely known, for nearly 20 years. It has been recently extensively refurbished, while retaining much of its old world charm. I used to think of it as an island amidst a sea of poverty,, but have since realised that it is a great spot not only for a break -- I am a writer -- but a pad to investigate the surrounding villages, and the lakeside. The rooms are very well appointed without being surrounded by the detritus of over-decorating -- none of the scatter cushion phenomenon thank goodness. And nothing is too much for the staff, under the detailed touch of Ravi. There are excellent conferencing facilities too, which we utlised. We will be back, and soon, not least to explore the forthcoming menu of the Sri Lankan head chef!…
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Service
Room Tip: all the rooms have an excellent lakeside view.
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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.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Outstanding service. Outstanding relaxation. Complete comfort in rooms, SIMPLY THE BEST. No further words to describe this place but come experience for yourselves. The only sad part? When you check out. Captain Muhammad Adam Malawi Airlines
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Date of stay: January 2023
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: The staff are well qualified to assist on this and other availabilities
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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.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
The gardens and rooms are lovely but unfortunately this is where my compliments end. The resort is extremely expensive for the services or rather lack of services it provides. There was no warm welcome nor did we feel welcome during our whole stay. In fact often felt uncomfortable as the place was almost empty but the full complement of staff on duty. The spa is closed and run down but this was never advertised. The food and drinks are extremely disappointing except for their pizzas. The rest of the menu reminded me of school/ workshop dinners. No al a carte, not even fresh fruit juice (juice presented in carton!). I will not be returning and would recommend that one thinks twice before booking and parting with so much money!!
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Date of stay: October 2022Trip 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.
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PRICE RANGE
US$256 - US$257 (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
70
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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.