A well-priced lodge in an ideal location to get involved with Malawian art and culture
Location: Situated in Dedza, Central Region, the lodge lies about 90 km (≈1 hour) south of Lilongwe and 350 km (≈3½ hours) from Blantyre along the M1. It is perched near the Dedza Mountains with views over Mzengeleza Mountain, making it an ideal stopover between Malawi’s two major cities.
Rooms: There are six spacious lodge rooms, each with a double bed plus an extra single, en-suite bathrooms, and modern amenities such as screened windows, mosquito nets, fridge, workspace, electric mosquito killer, and fan. One room can be configured for up to four single beds if requested. The lodge is also wheelchair-friendly, with ramps and rooms designed for physical accessibility.
Amenities: Guests enjoy mains electricity (with backup generator), a well-appointed restaurant with scenic garden setting, excellent food (try desserts like their cheesecake), a bar, and conference facilities. There is also a campsite with ablution blocks and hot showers for a more rustic option.
Activities: You can take a one-hour pottery factory tour to see artisans crafting each piece by hand, from wheel-throwing through glazing to firing. Guided walks up Dedza Mountain, exploration of nearby Chongoni Rock Art sites, and forest walks in the surrounding hills are also on offer. The peaceful grounds and gardens make it a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Sustainability: Dedza Pottery & Lodge is deeply embedded in its local community. The pottery business employs well over one-hundred artisans, many of whom have been with it since its founding in 1987. Materials are sourced locally, and there is a strong focus on skills training and community development. The lodge also uses natural well water and has in place practices to preserve the natural environment around it.
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Best places to stay in Malawi
Malawi Trip Inspiration
When to visit Malawi
Find out the best time to visit Malawi with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a good time for bird watchers, migratory birds from the Northern Hemisphere flock to Malawi's National Parks. The rains are in full flow with impressive thunderstorms lighting the sky across the country regularly - many lodges around the shores of Lake Malawi will be closed during this time.
February
Rain continues to pour regularly in February. The bird watching is incredible particularly in the high altitude Nyika National Park with many flowers blooming carpeting the lower plateaus.
March
In March the weather is still somewhat unsettled with regular rains, these diminish as the month goes on. Birders will be in paradise, young birds are spreading their wings for the first time preparing for their epic journey back to the Northern Hemisphere.
April
Rains begin to subside, the sun starts to shine and temperatures increase. Wildlife viewing is good, observers can watch animals emerge across Liwonde National Park. In particular antelopes are in rut and visitors to Malawi's National Parks can experience incredible clashes between rival males.
May
Days become sunnier and cooler during May. Wildlife viewing is at its best due to less vegetation and the animals gathering together around waterholes.
June
June days are long and sunny, but it's Malawi's winter and the temperatures drop significantly at this time of year. The evenings and mornings are very cold in the highland regions, with log fires lit. The dry season means animals congregate around the Shire River in Liwonde National Park for easier access to water and rich green vegetation - large numbers of elephants can be present at this time of year due to dwindling water levels.
July
July is a perfect time to visit Malawi, skies are clear there are less mosquitoes and there's virtually no rain. Although its high season, most of the National Parks won't be crowded despite the spectacular sightings of larger elephant herds - often reaching into the hundreds!
August
In August the weather warms, with daytime peak temperatures averaging around 30°C, whilst night time averages rise to 10°C. If you want to experience large wildlife herds, this is the time of year to visit. Water is diminishing and spaces at watering holes are becoming limited leading to increasing tensions between the animals. It's an amazing time to enjoy the delights of Lake Malawi's azure waters, with temperatures perfect for watersports or relaxing in the sun lakeside.
September
Night time temperatures rise rapidly, whilst daytime averages remain in the mid 20°Cs. With clear skies and dry vegetation concentrations of animals are still great but starting to dwindle in comparison to July and August. Lake Malawi is popular this time of year, the increased wind conditions make it perfect for an afternoon sail.
October
October is a humid month, temperatures regularly rise above 40°C and night times are increasingly warm. If you want to witness the world's largest antelope, the eland, can often be seen as they start regrouping for their breeding season - with herds reaching into the hundreds it makes for an awe inspiring sight.
November
The green season, November witnesses the first few storms of the rainy season arriving. It marks the arrival of the many migratory birds from the Northern Hemisphere.
December
In December the rains become more regular, with thunderstorms occurring every few days. With lush green scenery animals can be difficult to see because of the thick vegetation and the abundance of water. But birders will have an amazing time witnessing the incoming flurry of migratory birds.
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Alistair
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