Captains Villa - where Lake Malawi and Shire River meet, historical hotel at waterfront next to the Lake Museum in Mangochi Town

Hotels
5.9 (11 reviews)
Bakili Muluzi Bridge at Queen Victoria Memorial Clocktower , Mangochi , mw

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Free
Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Family rooms
Pets allowed
BBQ facilities
Facilities for disabled guests
Ironing service
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Wonderful holiday experience
Cons:
Bathroom maintenance issues
Water leakage from basins

Categories

Cleanliness
3.48
The bathroom is not well maintained with water leaking from the basins.
Service
6.95
Standard quality for this hotel tier.
Location
8.49
It is next to the lake, providing a great location.
Room Quality
5.44
Standard quality for this hotel tier.
Amenities
5.47
Standard quality for this hotel tier.
Value for Money
5.43
Standard quality for this hotel tier.
Food and Beverage
5.48
Standard quality for this hotel tier.
Overall Experience
6.45
It was great, we had a wonderful holiday.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-11 08:39

Property Description

Historical Charm
Step back in time at Captains Villa, a 19th-century waterfront hotel where history meets modern comfort. Explore the Lake Museum and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Mangochi Town.

Scenic Views
Wake up to stunning views of Lake Malawi and the Shire River from your balcony. Experience the beauty of the natural surroundings and unwind in tranquility.

Culinary Delights
Savor an array of flavors at our on-site restaurant, offering authentic African cuisine and a delightful vegetarian menu. Indulge in an à la carte breakfast to start your day off right.

Book your stay at Captains Villa today and capture the essence of Mangochi's history and natural beauty.

Important information:

Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:30 AM

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed on request. No extra charges.

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Internet

    No internet access available.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 1 year old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 11 years old stay for US$5 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

5.9
Based on 11 reviews
Cleanliness: 3.48
Service: 6.95
Location: 8.49
Room Quality: 5.44
Amenities: 5.47
Value for Money: 5.43
Food and Beverage: 5.48
Overall Experience: 6.45
S
Shorai • family_with_children • zw
3
The place needs a complete overhaul.
Pros:

I could not stay at Captains Villa because it did not meet my expectations.

Cons:

The whole property ,not as good as it looks on pictures.

2026-01-07 • via Nuitee
N
ntsundeni • extended_group • za
6
It was great we had a wonderful holiday unfortunately the bathroom are not well maintained
Pros:

It is next to the lake

Cons:

Water was leaking from the basins

2025-10-14 • via Nuitee
E
Evy • solo_traveller • no
5
With that great location it could be very good
Pros:

Location

Cons:

The bathroom and water

2025-08-24 • via Nuitee
S
Suade • solo traveller • mz
7
Good
2025-02-04 • via Nuitee
M
Markus • solo traveller • fi
10
Exceptional
2025-01-25 • via Nuitee
P
Pertunia • young couple • mw
1
Bad
Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

The place is very dirty

2024-12-28 • via Nuitee
S
Sam • solo traveller • ca
4
Disappointing
Pros:

Breakfast was good. Staff were very friendly. Location was good.

Cons:

One of the bathroom appliances was leaking water, which was pooling on the floor near the shower. The bathroom door was heavily weathered and warped to the point that it would not close. Room was very small.

2024-11-04 • via Nuitee
L
Linda • review category business travellers • us
6
Pleasant
Pros:

No milk for tea

2024-10-10 • via Nuitee
L
Lado • young couple • mw
1
Avoid. Go to Jazaka Lodge instead.
Pros:

Surprised there were no bed bugs.

Cons:

We were sold dreams and given nightmares, the “hotel” looked nothing like the pictures. Our “room” was an example. We were showed to a room outside of what we booked. We were told the others were booked. A double bed jammed flimsy against double door that barely closed. The curtain -a scrap of fabric- kept falling off its rail. No basic amenities. Poor air conditioning. Mosquitoes everywhere. We paid for AC And got a noisy fan that cooled the bed’s edge. The hallway had a constant squeak, keeping us on edge. When we finally managed to sleep, we were awoken by drilling. There was no manager on-site, and we had to trek to the gate to find the receptionist - no phones in the rooms. Audaciously charged dollar rates because we used this app, appalling display. We stayed for a day because we could not survive another night. I’ve had better service for a fraction of what they charged with alas, the empty parking lot should have been a red flag at the captain’s villa.

2024-09-30 • via Nuitee
J
Julia • review category business travellers • mw
9
Superb
Pros:

The views are amazing

Cons:

Nothing

2024-07-27 • via Nuitee
C
Craig • solo traveller • za
10
One of kind, top tier spot in Mangochi
Pros:

The place is both scenic and well situated to amenities such as grocery stores, banks and service garages. The people are friendly and welcoming and getting around is fairly convient. Above all its the views of Muluzi Bridge over the Shire River, Zomba mountain, and the Queen Victoria monument that make this spot one of a kind.

Cons:

Not having enough time to extend my stay.

2024-03-05 • via Nuitee