With pristine golden beaches and low-rise, spacious accommodation that affords guests plenty of privacy and peace, Mangochi, formerly Fort Johnston, is located in south-central Malawi, on the Shire River, five miles south of its entrance into Lake Malombe.
Beginning as a British colonial defence post, many hotels and cottages now line the glittering scenic bays of the lakeshore to serve local and international tourists attracted to the area. Nearby, you’ll find Lake Malawi National Park, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Monkey Bay, a main port and dry dock of the country’s lake transport system.
Whether you’re a keen golfer flying into a private airstrip, or visiting by boat with your family, the location of the half dozen hotels with adjoining campsites are all to be found just off the M10 road, which is readily accessible from Lilongwe or Blantyre.
The secluded paradise of the Makokola Retreat comes complete with the Lake Spa, and brilliantly green gardens reveal spacious beach villas and rooms, capturing the essence of African design, culture and tradition, perched along the shores of Southern Lake Malawi with a service and hospitality unmatched in Malawi.
Sunbird Nkopola Lodge is the premier beachside resort in the south of the lake, 24km north of Mangochi. Set amidst tropical vegetation, and Baobab trees in its own beach-lined bay, the hotel has some of the most spectacular sunrises and views in Africa.
Newest and closest to Mangochi town is Zaburi Beach by Serendib, set amidst 45 acres of lush green natural palm land with a secluded natural private beachfront that spans 400m – an enchanting gem along Lake Malawi.
