Between Blantyre & Majete Nature Reserve
Get involved with the community by staying at this innovative Private Reserve
Since 1997 it has changed from a family home to a family run lodge, which supports long standing community programmes. Fisherman's Rest is set within an enchanting 500 acre forest with breathtaking views over the Great Rift Valley and their very own nature reserve. It is a thriving not for profit Lodge and Nature Reserve, which employs more than one hundred people from the local community.
Fisherman’s Rest has several different options for accommodation, which can be understood better if I put them into different sections:
Mbame House is the Jewel in the estate. Perched on the highest ground offering a truly spectacular view across the mountains of the great rift valley right down to the Shire river. With a swimming pool, baby pool and khonde all offering great views over the canopy of our 500 acre estate
The Main Lodge has three main bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large lounge, dining room, kitchen, a secluded khonde area and a small spare room that can be used as a bedroom for larger groups.
The Woodland Cottage, with five en-suite rooms and living area, is in a beautiful secluded location within the game reserve, and is a short walk from the pool and the main Lodge. Relax in the company of many varied species of birds as well as the resident impala, duiker and nyala who are frequently seen browsing, grazing and relaxing in the surrounding bush land.
The two Bush Hides. The South Hide is built into the hillside and offers a beautiful secluded hideaway in the private game reserve, overlooking the Shire Valley. The North Hide is closer to the woodland cottage, pool and Lodge but set back a little deeper in to the reserve. The hides can each sleep two people with either a double bed or twin bed setup. They both have a peaceful outdoor viewing platform to sit and enjoy the beauty and harmony of rural Malawi.
The Tea House offers a self-contained space for teams and large groups, which can be used as a base for engaging with a wide range of projects and activities. It has five bedrooms, two bathrooms, a separate toilet, a kitchen, lounge and khonde. It has its own private car park and is set within a large garden, which overlooks the Shire Valley. The Tea House can be booked on a self-catered to fully catered basis.
In 2014 they 'up graded' the campsite into traditional style huts. 5 huts make up Madzulo Village (Sunset Village) sleeping 26 people it is ideal for groups on a budget who would like to experience rural living. Water is sourced at a water pump, boiled on site. Little out houses provide composting toilet facilities and bucket showers. With beautiful trees and outstanding views it is an experience not to be missed
Connected with broadband throughout the site and we are an excellent venue for conferences, workshops and retreats. They offer a range of day trips and tours to the famous Lake of Stars, the National Parks and wildlife reserves, using lodges and venues that meet all budgets. They also offer opportunities for individuals and groups to engage with local communities across a wide range of projects in schools, clinics, prisons, orphanages, churches and villages.
Ottilie
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Best places to stay in Malawi
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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