On the edge of Zomba Plateau
Zomba Mountain rises to nearly 2200m and has some of Africa’s most stunning views.
Location: Perched on the edge of the Zomba Plateau, Sunbird Ku Chawe is Malawi’s premier mountain retreat. Just a 90-minute drive from Blantyre’s Chileka International Airport and 20 minutes from Zomba town, the resort offers a refreshing high-altitude escape with dramatic views across the Great Rift Valley, including glimpses of Mount Mulanje. The plateau’s unique microclimate supports an abundance of flora, fauna, and birdlife, making this an ideal destination for both relaxation and nature-based exploration.
Rooms: Ku Chawe features 37 en-suite rooms equipped with satellite TV, Wi-Fi, telephones, and British standard power sockets. In cooler months, each room’s fireplace adds a cosy touch—staff are always on hand to light it for you. The layout and comfort of the rooms cater to both couples and families, offering a restful stay in a tranquil setting.
Amenities: The resort boasts a scenic restaurant with indoor and patio dining, where meals are crafted using fresh herbs, vegetables, and mountain berries. There’s a children’s playground and petting zoo, as well as a terraced garden hosting a popular Sunday barbecue. For corporate retreats, quiet boardroom facilities are available.
Activities: Guests can enjoy guided tours of Zomba Plateau, horse riding from nearby stables, and day trips to Liwonde National Park or Zomba city. Nearby viewpoints like Queen’s View and William’s Falls showcase the region’s natural beauty.
Sustainability: Sunbird Ku Chawe supports local conservation and sustainable tourism by protecting native species and promoting low-impact activities, ensuring the plateau’s biodiversity thrives for future generations.
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Best places to stay in Zomba Plateau
Malawi Trip Inspiration
When to go to 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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