Pumulani | The Safari Awards

The 2025 Safari Awards Winners Announced:  Best Safari Operator in Africa - Jack's Camp ........ Best Safari Experience in Africa -  Sirikoi ..........Best Safari Property Location in Africa - Greystoke Mahale..........Best Family Safari Experience in Africa - Sirikoi ..........Best Marine Safari Experience in Africa - Azura Benguerra ..........Best Safari Guiding Team in Africa - Cottars 1920's Camp .......... Best Safari Cuisine in Africa - Chem Chem .......... Most Romantic safari Property in Africa - Jack's Camp .......... Best Safari Spa in Africa - Royal Malewane .......... Best Riding Safari Operator in Africa - Ride Botswana .......... Best Mobile Safari Operator in Africa - Nomad Tanzania Mobile Safaris .......... Best Walking Safari Operator in Africa - Robin Pope Safaris .......... Best Value Safari Property in Africa - Flatdogs .......... Best New Safari Property in Africa - Onguma Camp Kala .......... Best Safari House/Villa in Africa - Mkombe's House Lamai .......... Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property in Africa - Grootbos Garden Lodge & Qorokwe Camp .......... Best Community Focused Safari Property in Africa - Singita Pamushana .......... Best Wildlife Conservation Organisation in Africa - Mara Elephant Project .......... Best African Tourism Board - Rwanda Tourism Development Board .......... 

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Most Romantic Safari Property - 2025: Nominee
Best Safari Property Location - 2025: Nominee
Best Value Safari Property - 2024: Nominee
Most Romantic Safari Property - 2024: Nominee

All you need to know

Intro

Situated on the west side of the Nankumba Peninsula on the Southern end of Lake Malawi you can find Pumulani subtly nestled in the lush hills amongst the trees and craggy outcrops. The ten villas with their grass roofs to help reflect the heat provide the ultimate in space, design, comfort and privacy.

David Livingstone famously named Lake Malawi “The Lake Of Stars” and for good reason, during the day the light dances across the deep blue water and once the sun has set the stars twinkle brightly both in the sky but also on the lake as the fishermen light up their hurricane lamps for their night on the lake.

Guests can relax on the white sandy beach or enjoy an elevated view of the lake from the stylish infinity pool. For those seeking some activity we offer waterskiing, sailing, kayaking, walks in the hills, sunset cruises on our handbuilt dhow and snorkling and diving. Under water activities never fail to amaze as the diversity of fishlife is very surprising and experts say that this lake is home to more native fish species than any other in the world.

Pumulani offers the perfect mix for a memorable holiday. Enjoy being active or simply relax in the beautiful and tranquil scenery.

Highlights

Located privately within Lake Malawi National Park on the edge of the water is the beautiful and exclusive lodge Pumulani.

The spacious villas with grass roofs blending into the environment and the various spread out communal areas ensure that you are always able to feel alone. Take in the views from the dining room whilst enjoying a perfectly prepared meal or relax down at the beach and have lunch at the beach bar listening to the water lapping up against the beach.

Pumulani offers a range of activities from the enjoyment of a good book by the infinity pool or down at the beach to racing around the water with some waterskiing or wakeboarding. When the day starts to draw to a close enjoy a sail out in the dhow for sundowners in the middle of the lake and after dark take a closer look at the magic of the night sky through our stargazer.

Each villa has fans as well as air conditioning and all the windows can be closed making it perfectly safe for young families or first time travellers to Africa.

The team is welcoming and friendly and enjoys welcoming you into their home.

Wildlife

The most picturesque part of Lake Malawi is in the south where Lake Malawi National Park is; home to hundreds of fish species, including the colourful cichlids. Inside the park the scenery is scintillating. Steep hills carpeted with trees tumble down into the deep blue water of the lake, while the shoreline is punctuated by islands, bays and large granite boulders. The clarity of the (not salty!) water and the great abundance of marine life make it ideal for snorkeling and diving, while the absence of currents ensures it is wonderful for swimming, sailing, kayaking and watersports.

Quick Facts

Region
Africa
Property Type
Safari Lodge (less than 20 rooms)
Average Stay

4 nights

Average Price

International rate:
from $320 per person per night
Includes: full board, laundry, bar (except for premium wines), transfers to/from Monkey Bay, meet & greet at Lilongwe Airport, all non motorized water sport activities (these include fishing, sailing, nature/village walks, sunset cruises on the dhow, kayaking). 4+ nights stay includes one snorkelling excursion.
Excludes: visas, airport taxes, flights, scuba diving, and motorized water sports (snorkelling excursion, waterskiing, fun tube).

Child Policy

Children’s Policy
Children of all ages are welcome at Pumulani.

Accommodation

Luxury accommodation, friendly personal service and stunning views over Lake Malawi combine to make Pumulani the perfect African beach lodge.

Dutch architect G. Hooft Graafland designed each of the ten villas individually adapting them to their own unique location to ensure they blend harmoniously into their different surroundings. The gently curving lines of the very spacious villas reflect the patterns and movements of the lake along with the interior design, which is directly inspired from the surrounding nature.

Each villa has a large bedroom, which opens out onto a private deck where early risers can enjoy the morning’s first rays. The bathrooms also offer splendid views and are well equipped with a bathtub, double shower and double sink, and the spacious lounge area offers further comfort for those wishing to relax in the room.

The central area consists of a spacious open restaurant with an undercover area, bar and a cosy fire area. The infinity swimming pool is on a lower terraced deck. Three raised walkways with steps lead off from the central area to the villas and down to the beach.

The name Pumulani means “rest well” in the local Chichewa language, and that’s exactly what we offer – the chance to unwind in a beautiful and tranquil setting.

Season

January - March is the peak rainy season.

April and May are dry with occasional storms, but the skies are clear and it's warm.

June - August is our winter, there are occasional strong winds, and the nights are cool and the days warm.
In September the temperatures rise and the air becomes hazy.

October and November are hot and often humid.

In December the temperatures are still high but can be cooled down by early rains.
The beginning of the rains can also bring a deluge of flying ants and other insects (sometimes in pretty big proportions, but normally lasting a few hours). With the insects come the cooler temperatures but also the humidity.

Region
Africa
Property Type
Safari Lodge (less than 20 rooms)
Most Romantic Safari Property

We had our (second) honeymoon there, it was magical

29-02-2024 @ 12:42pm
Best Value Safari Property

fantastic spot to end your safari

RM
28-02-2024 @ 2:34pm
Best Value Safari Property

Love staying at Pumalani ! Best in Malawi

28-02-2024 @ 9:09am

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