on the edge of Zomba Plateau
Zomba Mountain rises to nearly 2200m and has some of Africa’s most stunning views.
Ku Chawe hotel sits just 20 minutes outside Zomba town (the capital of Malawi until 1975) comfortably on the rim of Zomba plateau. Zomba Mountain rises to nearly 2200m and has some of Africa’s most stunning views, including those of Mulanje Mountain. Ku Chawe is easily accessible by a 90-minute drive from Chileka International Airport in Blantyre. It shares its views over Africa with a unique high tropical micro-climate and a huge biodiversity of birds and animals. The recently completed dam has brought further species and new attractions.
Sunbird Ku Chawe has 37 en-suite rooms with satellite television, WIFI, phones and British standard power points. All rooms have comforting log fires to keep guests warm during the cold winter nights when the high plateau is more reminiscent of Scotland than of tropical Africa. Simply call to reception and they send someone to make your fire up for you. Perfect for families, the hotel has a children’s playground and small petting zoo with rabbits and goats. Enjoy your meals on the sunny patio or in the elegant dining room. With an array of fresh herbs, vegetables and mountain berries at hand, meals at Ku Chawe are a feast to the eyes. The beautiful terraced garden hosts a popular barbecue every Sunday. The hotel also has secluded, and very quiet boardroom style facilities especially suited for discussion groups, workshops and seminars.
Take in the beautiful views up on the plateau at famous spots such as William’s Falls or the Queens View, with an impressive view of Malawi’s southern region. Within walking distance is the Plateau Stables where you can go horse riding. Close to Zomba is the Liwonde National Park with elephant, hippo and crocodile in abundance. Another hour’s drive to Southern Lake Malawi allows many possibilities of lake, wildlife and mountain holiday combinations.
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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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