The Makokola Retreat

Hotels
9.5 (17 reviews)
Shores of Southern Lake Malawi Mangochi , Mangochi , mw

listing image 1
Show all photos

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Fitness center
Swimming pool
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Beautiful location
Comfortable bungalows

Categories

Cleanliness
9.13
Standard quality for this hotel tier.
Service
9.6
Staff very kind!
Location
9.64
Quiet, in a beautiful garden, directly at the lake!
Room Quality
9.09
We had a large and comfortable bungalow.
Amenities
9.12
Fridge and tea maker, all good!
Value for Money
8.58
Standard quality for this hotel tier.
Food and Beverage
9.13
The restaurant was also great!
Overall Experience
9.3
Perfect for a relaxed break!
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-11 08:17

Property Description

Luxurious Accommodation with Spectacular Views

Unwind and Stay Active

Experience ultimate relaxation at The Makokola Retreat with an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, and garden. Indulge in delicious meals at the on-site restaurant, sip cocktails at the bar, or enjoy a game of tennis. The 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, and free WiFi ensure a seamless stay.

Comfort and Convenience

Each room is elegantly furnished with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a private terrace overlooking the lake. Safety deposit boxes, pool views, and thoughtful amenities like bed linen and towels add to the comfort. Wake up to a delightful breakfast with buffet, à la carte, or continental options.

Family-Friendly Fun

With a children's playground on-site, The Makokola Retreat is the perfect destination for families. Explore nearby attractions like Queen Victoria Clock Tower or simply unwind in the serene surroundings. Book your stay now for a memorable retreat!

Important information:

A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Location

Guest Reviews

9.5
Based on 17 reviews
Cleanliness: 9.13
Service: 9.6
Location: 9.64
Room Quality: 9.09
Amenities: 9.12
Value for Money: 8.58
Food and Beverage: 9.13
Overall Experience: 9.3
T
Thandizom • solo_traveller • za
10
2026-07-22 • via Nuitee
T
Thandizo • family_with_children • za
10
A truly memorable stay where outstanding service, breathtaking views, and thoughtful touches exceeded every expectation.
Pros:

Our stay at The Makokola Retreat was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with genuine warmth and professionalism by the reception team. Throughout our stay, the outstanding service continued—from housekeeping and the restaurant staff to the management team. Every interaction reflected a sincere commitment to hospitality and ensuring that guests feel valued.

The view of Lake Malawi from our room was simply breathtaking and created the perfect setting for a relaxing getaway. The property is beautiful, peaceful, and an ideal place to unwind while enjoying the natural beauty of the lake.

What truly made our stay unforgettable, however, was the way the team celebrated my little one’s birthday. The thoughtful touches and attention to detail were beyond anything we expected. From the wonderful boat cruise to the beautifully arranged dinner by the beach, every moment was planned with such care and generosity. The team went above and beyond to create a magical experience that my son will remember for years to come. Seeing the joy on his face made the occasion incredibly special for us as a family.

Every member of staff made us feel genuinely welcome and consistently went the extra mile to ensure our stay was comfortable, memorable, and enjoyable. Their kindness, professionalism, and dedication to exceptional service deserve the highest praise.

Thank you to the entire Makokola Retreat team for creating such wonderful memories for our family. We leave with full hearts, lasting memories, and every intention of returning. I would highly recommend The Makokola Retreat to anyone looking for outstanding hospitality, a stunning lakeside setting, and a truly memorable experience on the shores of Lake Malawi.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-07-20 • via Nuitee
N
Natalia • couple • gb
10
2026-01-14 • via Nuitee
O
Olaf • family_with_children • de
10
2025-10-07 • via Nuitee
A
Asbjorn • couple • is
10
2025-09-30 • via Nuitee
R
Ruth • family_with_children • gb
10
2025-08-20 • via Nuitee
B
Birgit • young couple • be
10
Perfect for a relaxed break!
Pros:

Quiet, in a beautiful garden, directly at the lake! Just beautiful. We had a large and comfortable bungalow, fridge, tee maker, all good ! Staff very kind!
The restaurant was also great!

2025-06-14 • via Nuitee
J
Janet • young couple • gb
8
Would love to come back as a I am a regular visitor to Malawi but only if process makes us feel welcome.
Pros:

Makakola is a very stylish resort. It is beautifully designed and maintained.

Cons:

We had no issue with the property. The booking process was very stressful. Booked via booking.com but the resort declined my card payment twice (no issue with card). Turned out the resort was refusing booking because it was Easter weekend so full board only. Booking.com accepted bed and breakfast booking which was what we wanted.
Resort staff extremely unhelpful apart from Deepak who accepted the booking in

2025-05-19 • via Nuitee
T
Tutu • solo traveller • za
10
Exceptional
2025-03-27 • via Nuitee
M
Mary • young couple • us
10
Exceptional
2024-10-16 • via Nuitee
V
Veronique • family with young children • fr
7
Nice location and garden to rest but more can be done
Pros:

Garden, location view
Very poor buffet

Cons:

Very cold pool
Not enough animation/organised activities for kids
Very good à la carte restaurant

2024-08-29 • via Nuitee
M
Martin • solo traveller • mw
9
One of or maybe the best hospitality experience in East Africa so far.
Pros:

Spacious Suite with terrace and access to private pool and bar. Friendly and authentic personel

Cons:

Golf course in a lovely envoriment, but needs some regular maintenance

2024-06-20 • via Nuitee
E
Edreann • young couple • us
10
Exceptional
2024-03-29 • via Nuitee
R
Ron • group • us
10
Highly recommend Makokola for rest and relaxation, enjoying great food, service and natural beauty.
Pros:

The food and service were excellent. Also a very beautiful place. Very restful.

Cons:

Was happy with everything

2024-03-09 • via Nuitee
L
Lusanda • young couple • za
10
Exceptional
2024-02-26 • via Nuitee
C
Chris • review category business travellers • za
10
Perfect. Exceeded our expectations by far.
Pros:

The food was perfect. Big variety, best quality.
Rooms are beautiful.
Pools are perfect.
Everything was 5 star Europian standards.
This is on of the best resorts we have been to in Aftica and South Africa.

Cons:

A bit expensive.

2024-01-29 • via Nuitee
A
Azhar • review category business travellers • mw
6
The stay was ok and not value for money
Pros:

The stay at the Makokola retreat was satisfactory, the view is beautiful and the design and set up of the place is good.

Cons:

There were several issues with management of the facility, a number of insects on the bed, cleanliness issues, electricity issues with problems with the first room and even with the second one in the middle of the night.

2023-12-27 • via Nuitee
D
David • review category business travellers • zw
9
The stay was excellent, but I was almost put off by the communication on booking.
Pros:

Breakfast was okay

Cons:

Optional traditional meals were not there to choose

2023-12-16 • via Nuitee
W
Wenza • young couple • za
10
Gem
Pros:

It is a beautiful place, clean and friendly staff

2023-09-25 • via Nuitee