Sleepfare

The Makokola Retreat

Shores of Southern Lake Malawi Mangochi, Mangochi, MW

9.5 guest rating· 17 reviews

About this hotel

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!

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Rooms & rates

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Deluxe Double Room with Balcony

Sleeps 2 · 85 m² · Queen bed

  • Desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower

This double room features a pool with a view. The spacious double room features air conditioning, a private entrance, a terrace with lake views as well as a private bathroom boasting a bath. The unit has 1 bed.

Deluxe Suite

Sleeps 2 · 40 m² · Extra-large double bed (Super-king size)

  • Desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower

This suite's special feature is the pool with a view. Featuring a private entrance, this air-conditioned suite consists of 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a shower. Boasting a terrace with lake views, this suite also provides a seating area and a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 1 bed.

Superior Family Room

Sleeps 4 · 65 m² · 2× Twin bed, Extra-large double bed (Super-king size)

  • Desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
  • Private bathroom
  • Safety deposit box

This family room's special feature is the pool with a view. The spacious family room provides air conditioning, a private entrance, a terrace with lake views as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath. The unit offers 3 beds.

Superior King Room

Sleeps 3 · 40 m² · Extra-large double bed (Super-king size)

  • Desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower

This double room features a pool with a view. The spacious double room provides air conditioning, a private entrance, a terrace with lake views as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower. The unit offers 1 bed.

Amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Kids' pool
  • Outdoor pool
  • Pool bar
  • Pool with view
  • Swimming pool
  • Fitness center
  • Free Parking
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Breakfast takeaway containers
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Air conditioning
  • Beach
Show all 78 amenities
  • Beachfront
  • Private beach area
  • Sun loungers or beach chairs
  • Golf course
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Tour desk
  • Business center
  • Mobile app for room service
  • Room service
  • 24-hour security
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Family rooms
  • Airport shuttle (additional charge)
  • Access to health care professionals
  • Airport drop off
  • Airport pick up
  • Cashless payment available
  • CCTV in common areas
  • CCTV outside property
  • Children's playground
  • Coffee Shop on site
  • Concierge service
  • Currency exchange
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Delivered food - securely covered
  • Diving
  • Dry cleaning
  • Express check-in/check-out
  • Face masks for guests available
  • Fax/photocopying
  • Fire extinguishers
  • First aid kit available
  • Food delivered to guest room
  • Fruits
  • Garden
  • Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
  • Invoice provided
  • Ironing service
  • Kid meals
  • Laundry
  • Luggage storage
  • Meeting/banquet facilities
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Packed lunches
  • Physical distancing in dining areas
  • Physical distancing rules followed
  • Picnic area
  • Private check-in/check-out
  • Process in place to check health of guests
  • Safety deposit box
  • Sanitized tableware & silverware
  • Security alarm
  • Shared stationery like menus, pens are removed
  • Shuttle service (additional charge)
  • Snorkelling
  • Special diet menus - on request
  • Staff adhere to local safety protocols
  • Sun terrace
  • Sun umbrellas
  • Tennis court
  • Tennis equipment
  • Terrace
  • Water sport facilities on site
  • Wine/champagne

Location

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Shores of Southern Lake Malawi Mangochi, Mangochi, MW

Check-in
from 02:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Check-out
until 11:00 AM

What guests say9.517 reviews

+ Outstanding, attentive service across all staff+ Breathtaking Lake Malawi views+ Thoughtful, well-executed birthday celebration (boat cruise, beach dinner)+ Peaceful, beautiful property ideal for relaxation
Cleanliness9.5
Service9.5
Location9.5
Room Quality9.5
Amenities9.5
Value for Money9.5

A truly memorable stay where outstanding service, breathtaking views, and thoughtful touches exceeded every expectation.

10.0

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.

Nothing

Thandizo · ZA · 2026-07-20

Perfect for a relaxed break!

10.0

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!

Birgit · BE · 2025-06-14

Would love to come back as a I am a regular visitor to Malawi but only if process makes us feel welcome.

8.0

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

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

Janet · GB · 2025-05-19

Good to know

A deposit may be required at the property.