Ngala Beach Lodge

About Ngala Beach Lodge

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Sitting on a beach on the northern shores of Lake Malawi, Ngala is a small, friendly lodge. The perfect place to wash off safari dust, mix with the locals, enjoy stunning views and surrounding scenery and get to know Malawi!

There are A-frame thatched chalets looking over the beach and executive and family rooms in the gardens, all with private seating areas at the front. The en-suite rooms are all large and very well furnished.

The main lodge building is spacious and houses the main bar and an internet cafe. There is a gorgeous swimming pool and recent tests of the water in the lake around the lodge have shown no traces of bilharzia along the main beach. Down on the beach, under shady trees surrounded by hammocks and seating is the 'Soggy Kwacha' bar open Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 7pm.

The restaurant is open from 6:30am until 9pm. Pizzas are a speciality made in a clay oven with special nights on Wednesday and Friday. There is also a full A La Carte menu. Local fish and fruits feature widely on the menu and the lodge has its own organic vegetable garden.

There are plenty of activities at and around the lodge. Swimming in the pool and the lake and snorkelling are popular. Guests have free use of paddle skis and hobbie cats. Sunset cruises, now known as "Sunset Swimdowner Cruises" are free to residents.

Trips to the hot springs, Unaka Lagoon or sunset cruises are available in the lodge motor boat "Kumbali". The hot springs are about one hour sail by boat where guests can explore the beach. Sometimes if the water is calm, the captain can find a spot where the spring emerges from the lake and you can swim in the warm water in the lake!

Unaka Lagoon is a nature spot which is home to crocodiles, hippos and a variety of bird life in a tranquil setting and is an ideal place to watch the sunset.

Guided village tours and a cultural evening of local cuisine coupled with a cultural dance show can be arranged.

Mountain bikes are available for hire by guests and can be used to explore the local area and plenty of village and cultural tours are available.

Further afield, available as a day trip, is also horse riding and scuba diving.

Gallery and information

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Highlights

Lake Malawi and it's many water sports and beautiful views
Friendly people of the lakeshore
Easy access to local walks, cultural tours and other activities
Gorgeous sunset boat cruises and visits to hot springs
Clean lake water and lovely pool - perfect spot to relax

Situation

Lake Malawi - 3 hours drive north of Lilongwe or charter flight to nearby airstrip at Dwangwa.

Activities

swimming, snorkelling, hobie cats, paddle skis, sunset cruises, local village and cultural tours, beach volleyball, mountain biking. Day trips to horse riding, scuba diving or golf can be available.

Facilities

11 rooms, two bars, lounge and dining area, swimming pool, non motorised water sports and dhow cruiser.

Child policy

Families welcome.

Open

All year.

Best time

Any time - ask us for the best time depending on particular activities or linking with safari.

Inclusions

Accommodation, half board and non motorised water sports.

Pricing guidelines for Malawi

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £600 to £800 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). Malawi combines well with Zambia.

For each accommodation on this website you will find an indication of the price. The bands are based on the price per person per night at peak season and are represented by the following values for this country:
	£50 to £100
	£100 to £200
	£200 to £300
	£300 to £500
	Over £500

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Example tripPrice per person
1 week holiday /safari staying in quality accommodationBetween £1800 and £3000
1 week stay at high quality lakeside lodges (including the islands)From about £2500 +

Tribes Advisor

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This place is a hidden gem! I'm amazed at how quickly Sandy and Chris re-built and opened this lodge - given the usual 'African time' of things! I admire them for using all local products and providing excellent service and standards. The food was superb and the rooms really comfy. The only thing I'd point out is that the 'bungalow' rooms at the back of the garden are a bit of a walk to the beach (though near the pool), so if you want a beach front book one of the bigger A Frame rooms. The village walk we did from here was superb - I was sad we had to cut it short because of time constraints, the motorbike 'ambulance' was incredible and thanks to the lovely lady in the hospital who let us come and say hello to her literally new born little girl! If you like to interact with local people in a genuine, non touristy way, go to Ngala, you can spend days here in the village.

Julie Croucher, Africa Sales Manager - stayed here November 2010

Malawi