Lake Malawi is regarded as one of the most beautiful freshwater lakes in the world. It is the kind of place where you wade out in the water and, waist-deep, you look down to see your toes wiggling in the white sand. Tropical cichlid fish, the colorful kind used in freshwater home aquariums, swim past in schools of brilliant blues, yellows and purples.
Between volunteering or after returning in the early afternoon, you grab a set of snorkeling equipment and swim for hours along the shallow and crystal clear shoreline. You notice the brilliance of color set beside the submerged rocks of the Great African Rift Valley of which you are immersed.
Hanging up your snorkeling equipment, you lounge in one of our many hammocks or sit in our common area as we serve you drinks with the light African breeze keeping the temperature just perfect. Your jovial conversations are as varied as the different types of people with which you have them – Africans, Europeans, Americans, Australians, Asians – a cornucopia of diversity but a common thread of adventure and humanity that ties you each together. As the sun begins to set and dinner is prepared, you gorge on the best pan crusted tilapia caught that morning by local fishermen.
This is the Africa where a clock is not driving you and a planner is not needed. This is where you won’t have service on your BlackBerry and where time slows so that you may enjoy simply being.
There are numerous activities in which you can take part while staying with us in Malawi. In addition to our regular activities, the staff will always let you know of special events that may be happening that you’d like to do. For example, watching the local high school football match as they play their rivals from the neighboring town – or perhaps you’d like to play – joining them and showing them some new techniques.
We have planned day trips from which to choose and you may find yourself exploring uninhabited lake shore one day, and the next hiking to the Livingstonia mission town, with its historic buildings dating from the 1800s, high on the plateau above the lake.
Maji Zuwa also partners with Safari companies to offer you a range of outings that explore the wild side of Africa. If you are interested in these outings at an additional cost please contact us and we will be happy to arrange a safari that fits your schedule.
On-Site Activities
Snorkeling • TV & Movies - All free! (Ask if it is not set up)
Volleyball & Beach Soccer - Also free, just grab our kids!
Kayaks & Darts - Available at $3 per hour
Maji Zuwa Library - Free! Ask the bar if you would like to borrow a book while you are here. No swaps, please.
Wood Carving classes - Inquire with Norman, the expert carver!
Volunteering Activities - Donation suggested to charity
Hikes & Nearby outings
Non-Profit Charity Overview Village Walk
$5 pp donation directly to the Charity Determined to Develop (not the lodge); 1 hour casual walk. A staff member of Determined to Develop, the on-site charity, will give you an overview of all the projects and then you will visit the nearby sites. Great for those interested in non-profit management and charity programming.
Lion’s Point Village Hike
$5 pp for guided tour; 3 hours roundtrip, hiking shoes required. See the site where the historic missionary Dr. Robert Laws camped in 1895 in search of a permanent site for the Presbyterian Church (which ended up in Livingstonia). He and his party were attacked by lions while camping (lions no longer there).
Chilumba Beach Bar Pub Crawl
$30 pp; minimum 3 people; 5 hours – just after lunch up to dinner time; For those who want to drink, want to dip their toes in the water, or just want a full tour of our beautiful nearby beaches. Depart Maji Zuwa for stops along the nearby lakeshore lodges and pubs. Visit Mbuta Lodge, one of the oldest in Malawi; Hakuna Matata, with its character of an owner, Willy; the beautiful and majestic and Thunduzi Beach Camp, a refreshing site nearby the port of Chilumba and finish up with the most local Malawian pub, “Mango” at Uliwa trading centre. Includes Transportation & Carlsberg Beers!!
Guided Market Visit
$5 pp for guided tour, transport included; 1 hour roundtrip. Experience what it means to browse and shop in our local market at Uliwa trading center. With a guide you will see the small shops and stands where vendors sell cloths, hardware and vegetables. See the hustle and bustle of the small trading centre in action.
Livingstonia Plateau & Mission Site
The historic Livingstonia Mission, location of both the first piped water and the first electricity in Southern Africa. On your walking tour you will hike up the famous Gorodi Road, which is 15km and winds like a snake, however you’ll probably take shortcuts making the distance about half that. (3+ hours; if you’re strong; a bit longer if you want to take your time). On the way, you’ll stop by the breathtaking Manchewe Water Falls, the tallest waterfalls in Northern Malawi. Continuing to the historic plateau, you’ll pass by the 105 year old hospital, technical college, stone house and university. Depart early morning, right after breakfast. Back by Dinner.
Hike $15 pp with guide, minimum 3 (includes public transport (minibus), entry to Manchewe Water Falls + Entry to Stone House Museum (lunch not included, bring some Malawi kwacha for a local, local meal or ask your tour leader a day ahead of time to pack a lunch for you)
Don’t feel like the big hike, but want to see the place?
Pickup from Maji Zuwa, Lift Up & Down + Driven Guided Tour $25 pp minimum of 5 (same as above for things included or not)
Far & Away Outings
For those who wish to explore the north, Maji Zuwa is a great jumping off point to Karonga, Livingstonia, Nyika and the rest.
We would be happy to arrange details for travel to the following:
Vwaza Wildlife Marsh – accessed through the town of Rumphi, we would be happy to arrange a day safari to Vwaza. By far one of the overlooked gems of the North, you are sure to see hippos and baboons, and the lucky will see elephants (sometimes too close for comfort) and buffalo. A great budget choice.
Karonga Town – with its border town flavor and Swahili influence, Karonga is a great place to go to the bank, stop by the market, buy some fresh fruits and stock up on some local wares. Alongside the main city centre, you’ll find Karonga museum which boasts of holding the dinosaur skeleton of the Malawisaurus (yes, a real thing)
Nyika Plateau - For those who have the time and adventurous sprit, we can help to arrange excursions to the national park.