I've just returned to Lilongwe after a weekend at the Blue Zebra Lodge, and was eager to come write this review. I have traveled extensively both for work and fun, and my experience at the Blue Zebra ranks among the most memorable trips I've taken. It is an absolutely wonderful place and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Nankoma Island is truly jungle paradise, and it's not a small feat to build and maintain a top-notch resort in such a challenging and isolated environment. The layout, the landscaping, the aesthetics, and the service are all very impressive. The resort grounds are simply stunning. The tropical landscaping is gorgeous, and it's evident how much care is put into keeping the property looking pristine. Common areas are lovely, all open-air, beautifully yet stylishly decorated, and perfectly clean. The pool and bar area are small but lovely, with a gorgeous shade tree overhead. The tents are a unique and wonderful place to stay for a few days. I upgraded to an executive chalet, and it was well worth the extra cost -- the regular tents are great, but having the extra space was very nice, as the executive chalets are light, airy, and I suspect cooler. I stayed in the Cormorant, and it must be one of the best sites on the property. It's a few minutes' walk down a paved path above the lake front, but has a sprawling balcony with incredible...I've just returned to Lilongwe after a weekend at the Blue Zebra Lodge, and was eager to come write this review. I have traveled extensively both for work and fun, and my experience at the Blue Zebra ranks among the most memorable trips I've taken. It is an absolutely wonderful place and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Nankoma Island is truly jungle paradise, and it's not a small feat to build and maintain a top-notch resort in such a challenging and isolated environment. The layout, the landscaping, the aesthetics, and the service are all very impressive.

The resort grounds are simply stunning. The tropical landscaping is gorgeous, and it's evident how much care is put into keeping the property looking pristine. Common areas are lovely, all open-air, beautifully yet stylishly decorated, and perfectly clean. The pool and bar area are small but lovely, with a gorgeous shade tree overhead.

The tents are a unique and wonderful place to stay for a few days. I upgraded to an executive chalet, and it was well worth the extra cost -- the regular tents are great, but having the extra space was very nice, as the executive chalets are light, airy, and I suspect cooler. I stayed in the Cormorant, and it must be one of the best sites on the property. It's a few minutes' walk down a paved path above the lake front, but has a sprawling balcony with incredible lake views. Comfortable bed, warm shower with good water pressure, and plenty of windows to the lake and trees. It's set a bit further from the main resort area, which allowed for true solitude. I was able to see cichlids in the water from my balcony, and spotted a couple of otters swimming by.

I was mildly concerned about bugs, but the Blue Zebra staff does a phenomenal job doing a nightly turndown service for the tents. They advised keeping the main tent opening open during the day to keep air moving though the tents; once you depart for dinner, someone comes and zips up the tent's screened opening, closes some light curtains for privacy, gives a spritz of bug spray to kill anything in the tent, lets down the mosquito net over the canopy bed, and turns on gentle white lights inside. By the time you return, your tent is bug-free and ready for sleeping. I was conscientious about keeping lights off and my tent zipped, and as a result I slept 100% bug-free. I was also concerned about being too hot during the night, but was pleasantly surprised with the nighttime temps during my mid-March visit.

That said, the island is FULL of life. Mosquitos were not a problem, and I was surprised that the island was not buggier in general. This may be thanks to the abundant lizards, birds, and bats that live nearby (putting on my balcony lights, going into my tent, and watching the bats enjoy a nightly meal of the bugs circling under the outdoor lights was a treat). The island has a rhythm, whereby you wake to active birdsong which lasts throughout the day, transitions briefly to frogs in the early evening, and changes to the lapping of lake waves and gentle hum of insects in the trees -- falling asleep to nature's soundtrack was an immense pleasure.

Service at the Blue Zebra is truly excellent. You wake each morning to find a thermos of hot water left on your balcony for tea or coffee in your room. At the end of each meal, waiters provide you with a chalkboard of the next meal's options and take your order and meal time in advance. At your appointed time, a table is set for you, and your meal served quite promptly. Everything is very well orchestrated, service is cheerful but unobtrusive, and special requests are easily accommodated.

Food is not life-changing, but you are by no means eating poorly. They do quite well for being a small, uninhabited island. Drink prices could be astronomical, but are quite reasonable. Internet is provided by satellite, and wifi cards are reasonably priced -- service near the bar/restaurant/pool is quite fast. No internet in the tent was a great motivator to unplug.

A kayak around the island is an absolute must, as is a hike around the island. Most enjoyment I've had in nature for quite some time -- it's truly spectacular.

Major credit goes to hosts Jen and Duncan, as well as the rest of their crew, for an efficient and welcoming operation. They have all the details dialed in, and it shows. I'm not big on repeat travel when there are so many new places to explore, but I sincerely hope to be able to return to Blue Zebra.More