The Makokola Retreat

The Retreat is on a lake that is beautiful almost beyond belief. Its waters are the habitat of more species of fish than that of any other body of fresh water on the earth. Lake Malawi has always been known as "Livingstone's Lake". The areas of Mangochi and Fort Johnston have an important historical heritage. Livingstone saw for the first time his lake at Mphonda that is only 10 Km south of The Makokola Retreat. Here Livingstone realized that the lake was a route used by the slave traders, a practice the he long fought against. Livingstone acumen allowed him to eradicate the slavery by using these routes to trade commodities for the British Crown. A tropical haven with a relaxed pace, Malawi is famous for its artistic traditions, including dances, wood sculpture, painting, embroidery and music amongst others. Our guests can absorb the Malawian culture that surrounds them by visiting the nearby attractions and admiring the local artwork and crafts around the Retreat.

An area of flood plain grassland, reed swamps and floating meadows. The Shire River flows through the park south of Lake Malawi, providing a life-giving source to the waterbuck, sable and impala, which graze on the flood plains, while the herds of elephants drink and bathe in the river. Further into the park, the habitat changes to provide refuge to a variety of other animals including leopard, kudu and other mammals. A Rhino repopulation program has been successfully conducted in the park since 1993, a visit at the Rhino Sanctuary can allow you to have a glimpse at these very shy animals.The park boasts over 370 bird species including Malawi’s only population of Lillian Lovebirds, the elusive Brown Breasted Barbet, Pels Fishing Owl and Palm Nut Vulture. A day trip to the area is a 1.5 hours drive from The Makokola Retreat to the park, lunch at Mvuu Camp and a boat trip on the Shire River with an experienced wildlife guide. The trip takes a full day and offers an enjoyable insight into Malawi’s wildlife and contrasting scenery.

Rising above the mist, the 2085-meter high Zomba Plateau overlooks the historic town of Zomba, Malawi’s former capital. The road up the plateau is a spiral with some breath taking views. The entire plateau is a tranquil forest reserve renowned for its temperate climate, natural splendour and magnificent vistas. When you get to the Queen or Emperor’s viewpoints, you are nearly 2000m high and having a picnic here is a unique experience. In the background, Mulanje Mountain, Malawi’s highest peak and probably the highest in Southern Africa, stands out rising 3002m above the Phalombe Plains. Lake Chilwa, Malawi’s only inland drainage lake lies to the east of the plateau. Below lies the town of Zomba, a treasure trove of colours and vibrant markets, which reminds visitors of colonial days of yesteryear. Zomba is a full day excursion from The Makokola Retreat and our trip includes 2.5 hours drive each way and lunch at Kuchawe Inn.

Lake Malawi National Park is home to an amazing diversity of Mbuna, the dazzling tropical freshwater cichlid fish. The park lies about 60 kilometres north of The Retreat, an easy if somewhat rugged drive. Cape Maclear, a world heritage site, encompasses the Namkumba Peninsula – the promontory that splits this part of the lake into two arms and features various offshore islands. The scenery is a spectacular rocky outcrop rising from deep waters, clad with tropical growth, mountains, sandy beaches & coves, densely wooded islands, sand dunes and reed marshes. Over 800 species of fish have been identified in Lake Malawi, most of which are endemic to these waters. Prolific bird life provides bird enthusiasts and nature lovers with hours of excitement and interest. Here, missionary graves and the site of the first Livingstonia Mission dating back to 1875 can be explored. Full day excursions can be arranged at the property.

This area is historically important to the Chewa people as the traditional home of their medium Mwali (980 to 1200), with her capital at Mankamba and their king Karonga (1200 to 1800) with his capital at Manthimba. These two important rulers being the focus of spiritual and political power of the lake shore. Today, Mua is the capital of the Maseko Ngoni, who ruled the area from 1898 till present. Around the same period, a migration of Yao traders established themselves among this tribal mix. In 1902, the White Fathers established this catholic mission. Its main function is to preserve the area, its people & their culture and surrounding flora & fauna as close to its original state as possible. The mission is particularly famous for its wood carvings and artwork, which are made on commission and displayed around the world. A visit to the mission would not be complete without visiting the Kungoni Centre, the Chamare Museum, its art gallery and showroom, which is a tribute to the Chewa, Ngoni and Yao people and illustrates their history and culture. The church is unique and must rank as the most unusual and famous in Malawi. Visitors can watch the carvers at work and visit the show room on site after a picnic lunch or a meal at Namalikate Village near the Nadsipokue River that flows through the mission and leads to the Kungoni Falls. This trip is a cultural experience that cannot be matched elsewhere in Malawi. Driving time from the Retreat is approximately 1.15 hour each way.

This is a half-day tour taking you to the fishing village, and the nearby town of Mangochi. Mangochi harbours some important history for the nation and the Yao people residents in this region dating back to the pre-colonial era. The name Mangochi was derived from a nearby mountain. Some Yao chiefs explain that the name Mangochi means Mgoji, a rope, and signifies the place where Yao immigrants were bound together in a strong community. In October 1891, the colonial government established a fort known as Fort Johnston in the Mangochi area to protect British interests. Following this establishment Mangochi became a very significant place and was then popularly known as the Fort Johnston District. It was however changed back to Mangochi some years later after independence.

Boadzulu Island or Bird Island is the most southern part of Lake Malawi’s National Park and part of the World Heritage Site host to the biggest breading colony of White Breasted Cormorants in Southern Africa.

Its waters are crystal clear and the presence of the multi coloured mbuna fish provides a surpassing beauty that makes the island an excellent spot for snorkelling and swimming. A morning cruise is more suitable for such activities. Alternatively, explore the island on a sunset cruise which can offer you a peaceful and romantic setting for sundowners. Come and watch the fish eagles feed. Along the shores you’ll see the fishing villages overlooking the lake and marvel as the sun sinks on the horizons casting the unquestionable beauty of an African sunset on the calm waters of Lake Malawi. Either trips can be done by the M.V. Sunbird or our eight-meter catamaran