Reflects recent average nightly prices reported by our partners, and may not include estimated taxes or fees. Price at checkout may differ.
Cheaper
Average
Higher
About
4.0
#1 of 3 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.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
This is a beautiful, quiet and immaculately maintained lakeside resort, perfect to relax in luxury for a few days. There are great views over the lake and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the spectacular sunsets. We (family of 4 including daughters aged 17 and 21) arrived by small plane at the resort's private airstrip and received a very warm welcome. Everyone at Makokola was extremely friendly and helpful and went out of their way to ensure we got the most out of our visit. Special thanks to Nick and Greg for arranging the activities - would highly recommend the speedboat trip to the nearby island to feed the fish and birds and see other wildlife, including the local croc!
Read more
Date of stay: August 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.
Situated on the shores of Lake Malawi The Makokola Retreat offers a relaxing location, great amenities and helpful staff for a memorable stay. We flew in on two small aircraft, having arranged fuel and customs clearances in advance. Reception was a short walk from the aircraft, and everything went smoothly from the time of arrival until our departure a couple of days later. Strongly recommended.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2024
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.
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!!
Read more
Date of stay: October 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.
Our stay at the Makokola retreat was magic. The room (number 80) was just facing the sunset, the shower big and perfectly working, the patio very conmfortable and I loved reading a book in front of the lake. But the best part is Ravi (the hotel manager). We celebrated the 25th wedding anniversary and they made for us a lot of surprises. The bed full of petals, the dinner with a separate table on the beach full of lights. Also the tour at the fishermen village with Paul was a great experience. Very recommended
Read more
Date of stay: August 2024
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.
My partner and I spent two nights in the Makokola retreat last weekend. We originally had planned to spend one night here, but shortly after checking in, we promptly decided that one night would not suffice. We had a fabulous room overlooking the lake. We particularly loved the deck chairs on the terrace, which was a perfect place to enjoy the sunset. The staff were fantastic, and extremely efficient, responsive and obliging at all times. There are ample facilites in the Makokola retreat- we rented tennis rackets to avail of the courts. We also spent the morning kayaking. The food is delicious, and the menu is highly varied to suit everyone's tastes
Overall, we had a stunning few days here, and cannot wait to come back
Read more
Date of stay: June 2024
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.
Not only was it a peaceful stay, the rooms were spotless, food impeccable and beach pristine. Club Mak for me was a total respite from working and allowed me to recharge my batteries in the most peaceful way. Having an adult side is key for those who need a bit of privacy as well. All the service was excellent, can't wait to get back there!
Read more
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.
We have just returned from club Makokola after a wonderful experience with my family. The place is simply stunning, the rooms are beautifully traditional but modern facing the beach front. The food is great (chef’s kiss). The staff are very accommodating and friendly. This place is a hidden gem! My kids had a great time exploring the sand and swimming in the pool. Highly recommend
Read more
Date of stay: August 2024
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.
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.
Read more
Date of stay: April 2023
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.
What a beautiful place on a beautiful beach! This place is simply wonderful. The rooms are completely new, super large, very comfortable beds, lovely veranda with lake view, great shower and it’s modern style design. The grounds are so beautiful with gardens, palm trees, baobab trees, ponds with fountains and a white sandy beach. The restaurant serves wonderful food in buffet style but the pizzas are even better. Further, there is a gym offering a wide variety of equipment, new and well maintained. The staff is more hospitable than you can ever imagine and so helpful in everything . They make your stay to feel at home in Malawi. And the price is super for what’s been offered.
Read more
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.
i booked a group of 14 of us from Zambia to spend a night at the Makakola Retreat - i have stayed there with groups several times before, and as always, the team at Club Mak didn't let us down. Fantastic friendly service, well trained reliable staff who always go out of their way to accomodate us with Customs and Immigration, avgas supplies and many other invaluable services. Combine this with a beautiful beach, clear blue water, amazing mature tropical gardens right on the beach and great food, cold beers and friendly people. what more could one want? thanks very much Benedetto and the team - great job as always. we'll be back!
Read more
Date of stay: October 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.
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!
There are more places to choose from in the Mangochi area.
PRICE RANGE
R 3,971 - R 4,424 (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.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
