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.

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.

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.