Words by Yvonne C Mtengwa
With 10-days of traversing Malawi, my third two-night stay took me to Pumulani Lodge, which from afar, appears painted ontoa hill on the west side of the Nankumba Peninsula in the Southern shore of Lake Malawi. Heavy rains had poured over the nation in the weeks preceding my visit, raising the lakes water levels to heights that washed out most beaches bordering Lake Malawi. With flooding evident in many places I had seen, I was curious what I would find on this side of the Lake’s shores, Lake Malawi of which is alsohome to more species of fish than any other in the world.
Owned and operated by Robin Pope Safaris, my early afternoon arrival heralded a few upcoming days where time would slow down, giving me the much-needed time to regroup and rest after the days of exhaustive travel since touching down in country. I was looking forward to the worries of my present world to melt away, from mounting deliverables in my mailbox contending against limited WIFI access.
With many a thought brushed aside, disembarking the car assigned to me by Malawi Tourism Authority and being guided intoPumulani’s lobby area, brought with is a different sense of excitement. To begin with, I wascaptivated by the imposing, ultra-high ceilings in the lobby area, adorned with wooden fish carvings as decorative pieces strewn above us. A few steps in and I took in a deep breath, relishing the fresh air and first sighting of the vast expanse of water before me on this side of Lake Malawi.
At first glance
The lodge itself is a masterpiece of simplified design, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings, andshowstopping in a sense particularly as you consider the size of each suite. Eachsuite which comfortably fits a small family, boasts a breathtaking view of the crystal blue lake, displaying a contemporary twist on African décor as the generously appointed roomsinvoke a barefoot sort of luxury.Huge patios separated by the indoors by floor-to-ceilings addto the allure of the indoors while celebrating the natural woodland cascading down the hill toward the lake shore.
One of my favorite things to do was simply relax by the pool, sipping on a cocktail and watching the sunset. The sunsets at Pumulani are truly spectacular, painting the sky with hues of orange, pink, and purple. It’s the perfect way to end a day of adventure.
And after relaxing swims at the pool, which might I add is located almost three-quarters a way up the hill towards the main lodge, or at a time self-allocated for an afternoon siesta or moments of quiet with self, the patio to my Suite No. 4 became my space to appreciate the serenity of my surroundings. Though the beach carried remnants of flooding that had taken place from the rains, with the tide quite high such that one couldn’t enjoy a beach bed or a walk on the shore’s edge, the gentle rustling of leaves from the surrounding foliage became somewhat of a soothing chorus, with views of the rolling lake’s surface mesmerising me into a dreamy abyss of relaxed reflection.
Onto dining with a view
Perched on a massive deck at the main lodge is the dining and relaxation lounge area, where guests can settle down for their meals while embracing the Lake as waves drift off onto the horizon. And from here, I enjoyed what I believe was a highlight for other occupants for Pumulani Lodge as it was for me – rustic, hearty plates of food, inspired by local flavours but in every sense superb for an international palate.
With talented chefs at the helm of Pumulani’screation of delicious meals using fresh, local ingredients, the contemporary start to the morning, followed by a hotindividualised classic English breakfast accompanied by a piping hot cup of coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice, was a feast for the senses. Lunches and dinners delivered a variety of dishes, from a warm soup starter or salad, to grilled fish, succulent steaks or a vegetarian option.
Whatever your preference, a dreamy location to conjures up epic rest and spirited adventure…
To add to the charm that’s encapsulated in Pumulani Lodge’s walls is its location. The lake is crystal clear and perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The lodge offers a variety of water sports activities, including diving and snorkelling. For those who prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and cultural tours to nearby communities.
The staff at Pumulani are incredibly friendly and attentive. They go out of their way to make sure that guests have a memorable stay, tailoring experiences for you to suit your knack for adventure or need to enjoy water or hiking activities in the area. And so if you’re looking for a truly unforgettable African experience, myrecommendationPumulani Lodge by Robin Pope Safaris comes in quite high. It’s a place where you can relax, rejuvenate, and connect with nature, and whether you’re an adventure seeker or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Pumulani has something for everyone.With its stunning location, luxurious accommodations, and exceptional service, Pumulani Lodge is a true gem in the heart of Africa.
Tips for visiting Pumulani Lodge:
- Best time to visit: The dry season, from May to October, is the best time to visit. The weather is warm and dry, and there are fewer mosquitoes.
- What to pack: Light, breathable clothing, swimwear, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a good book.
- Things to do: Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, diving, snorkelling, hiking, birdwatching, cultural tours, and simply relaxing by the pool.
- How to get there: The easiest way to get to Pumulani Lodge is to fly into Lilongwe International Airport. From there, you can take a domestic flight to the nearby airstrip or take a scenic drive.
To learn more about Pumulani Lodge, visit https://www.robinpopesafaris.net/camps-lodges/pumulani-lodge/
