Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel

Stunning location.

Sunbird Ku Chawe is situated high up on the Zomba Plateau - one definitely needs a car to get there. It has perfectly manicured beautiful gardens. Even though it was very hot the time that I was there, there is always a cool breeze as it is so high up!
I loved my room with the views of the Zomba town & far off mountains such as Chiradzulu and Mulanje. Had a wet room and modern fixtures in the bathroom.
There was a good selection of dishes for breakfast and varied menu for dinner. Although the menus seem to be the same in all the hotels I stayed in: Chigumula, Zomba & Blantyre. The food, however, is tasty and fresh.
Again the staff were very nice and welcoming: Dumisani, who is so knowledgeable of the history of the Ngoni people (my roots), Miss Loveness, the restaurant supervisor, Gobery the manager and Mr Yason the big boss were all very attentive to ensure a comfortable stay.
Second day in Zomba, we hiked about 12 km with my guide. We did William's Falls, Emperor's & Queen's Views, Chagwa lake and Mulunguzi Dam. That was exhilarating! There is so much more to do... but that is for another time.
I loved my stay on the plateau. The town of Zomba itself could benefit from regeneration - it is so rundown!

Without a doubt this is the best place to stay in the Zomba area. If I returned to Zomba, this is the only place to stay even if it meant driving up and down the mountain everyday because, otherwise, Zomba does not have any other truly nice places to stay. The Ku Chawe is excellent in every respect...food, service, friendly staff, and well-maintained gorgeous grounds and views of the valley. Beware the baboons as they are out of hand and the WIFI is not reliable unless you are in one of the main areas. Doesn't work well in the rooms. But this is a great place to stay!

Positive was the friendliness and competency of staff. Negative was the absence of the once unique trout dish.

Beautiful location on top of Zomba mountain. Rooms are pleasant and staff are accommodating. Wifi does not reach all rooms.

Ku Chawe's situation and views are uniquely beautiful. The buildings somehow achieve the impression of a mountain hideout. Staff service was very good, going out of their way to please. Having stayed there before I was pleasantly surprised with the improvement in food standards, particularly in the evening. However, its a good idea to order well in advance if you don't want to be waiting at the table for too long. They do need to improve their culture with regard to coffee - for the price charged one would expect a far better service around it. Strangely penny pinching with regard to amenities, low quality toilet tissue provided with only one roll in the bathroom, only one towel when we checked in as a couple with a young child. Nevertheless, overall a very pleasant stay.

The place lives from its stunning location and the beautiful environment up on the Zomba Plateau and the breath-taking view from the terrace and the garden.
In therms of service, restaurant, maintenance and internet access, there is still space for improvement.

Great views. Staff were very friendly and tried hard but they lack training.

Beautiful location with a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.

Wonderful view from our room. Well appointed room. Poor menu choices at dinner ( no filet, no T bone and sirloin was not sirloin. Stafff obliging but let down by kitchen .! Breakfast is a great improvement.

A perfect place to experience nature in Malawi's former capital city

A stunning location and friendly helpful staff. The restaurant was excellent.

Site and view excellent. No fitness centre. Evening buffet not to same standard as a la carte menu

Good hotel, fab location and good facilities. Could do with a refurb.

Very good. Some of buildings and infrastucture are aging. For example, the bathrooms look old. Compared to other accommodation in Zomba Ku Chawe is outstanding. Excellent location on top of the mountain.

The hospitality was superb. However, some foodstuff like ‘nsima’ needs to be well prepared as we had to return the first dish. Thanks

Really lovely stay. The log fire in the bedroom real bonus

Excellent staff who were able to answer questions for those looking to explore the Zomba Plateau area. Also the room was nice, and was even able to have the fireplace lit for us on a cold evening on only a minutes notice. The food was very good compared to a lot of places we have stayed in Malawi. The breakfast buffet was a nice touch to finish off our morning.

The hotel has an amazing view over the town and area.It is situated high on a mountain.Dinner and breakfast was excellent. The rooms are old but very spacious and clean.I think the mattresses need replacement, but overall I would rate the comfort above average.

The staff was very helpful and friendly. The location - atop a mountain - was beautiful. Food was exceptionally good.