A haven for guests looking for something a little bit different and special, with a rooftop sunset bar, open air movie nights, windsurfing and bird watching.

Londoners Kate & Russ met in Malawi, and after Russ purchased some scrub land behind the beach at Kachere Village on the shores of Central Lake Malawi, they embarked on building a hotel. But not just any hotel. A castle! The ambitious project began in 2009 and was completed in 2016, and is now an established haven for guests looking for something a bit different and special. Located on the M5 Highway south of Nkhwata Bay and Chintheche, this makes a great stop on a self-driving itinerary as well as with a driver-guide from Lilongwe, the Capital of Malawi.

This 12-room beach lodge has a large pool with a swim-up bar, two additional bars, and a restaurant. Accommodation ranges right from camping on the grounds, to Upper Tower Suites and Family Suites for those travelling with little loved ones. Their giant kitchen serves delicious international meals, including Moroccan, Indian and Mediterranean dishes. They also have vegetarian options and are happy to suit special dietary needs. Day visitors make their way to Kachere Kastle to enjoy the fantastic restaurant.

Spend your time here windsurfing, kayaking, or biking for local exploration. They have binoculars & bird books, and a large selection of reading material, as well as a campsite with 5 BBQ/ Braai areas, fire pits, and a full-size squash court! Some of the activities nearby include horse riding, scuba diving, a 9-hole golf course, and near to the Nkhotakota Game Reserve you can combine it with trips slightly further afield. They even host open air movie nights, at the Lake of Stars.

Malawi’s Lake of Stars Festival in 2019, from 27-29 September is hosted by Kachere Kastle. This three day music and arts celebration is unique and imaginative – bringing you music, talks, poetry, theatre, film, art and wellness activities, in a brand new setting.