Luxury Lodges · Nankoma Island, Malawi
Blue Zebra Island Lodge
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Overview
The perfect getaway for nature lovers looking for a combination of adventure and relaxation in a tranquil, private setting.
Exclusively situated on Nankoma Island, a wild paradise in Lake Malawi National Park (UNESCO World Heritage site). Unobtrusive and eco-friendly, operating on solar power.
Offering a unique and sustainable travel experience, Blue Zebra is a conservation driven lodge working with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife in Malawi to protect three islands making up the Marelli group: Nankoma, Maleri, and Nakantenga. These uninhabited islands are home to a vast array of fresh water fish, including some of the most rare and colourful in the world. They support diverse flora and fauna and are a bird watcher's paradise.
Accommodation: a unique set-up with 9 en-suite safari-style tented chalets, 1 forest-set Pitta Cottage, and 1 Superior Family Cottage overlooking Lake Malawi. Secluded executive chalets boast stunning views from private balconies. The chalets are set in an unspoiled environment, immersed in nature.
Facilities: spa, infinity pool, cocktail bar, restaurant, games room, meetings room, curio shop.
Activities: nature trails, birding, kayaking, snorkeling, water-sports, sunset cruise.
Just a 2 hour drive from Lilongwe, this is a great combination with Zambian Safaris as well as various wildlife parks in Malawi.
Suites & Rates
Suites and villas
Executive Chalets
Executive Chalets: Cormorant. En-suite safari-style tented chalet, exclusively located around the side of the island with a private lake-facing balcony. 1 queen bed & 2 sofa beds for U12's. Sandpiper, our newest room at...
Executive Family Chalets
3 Executive Family Chalets: Malachite, Fisheagle and Weaver. Spacious en-suite safari-style tented chalets each with 2 bedrooms, a lounge and bathroom. Private lake-facing balconies. Typically for families of up to 5 (2 adults &...
Lake Safari Tents
Lake Safari Tents: Bulbul, Darter, Heron, Hornbill & Nightjar En-suite safari-style tents, smaller than executives but quaint and comfortable. 3 doubles, 1 twin, 1 single. Some have sofa beds for U12s. DARTER: 1 queen...
Pitta Cottage
Named after the African Pitta. En-suite, spacious thatched cottage, nestled in nature. Located above the central Lake Safari Tents, with stairway access. One spacious ensuite bedroom, a lounge with a sofa bed, and a...
Superior Family Cottage
The most luxurious and spacious of the island room types. A large, open planned cottage (house) with a lounge and dining area and two en-suite bedrooms (one queen, one double). 2 single beds can...
Details
Good to know
Languages spoken
Chichewa, English
Ideal for
Adventure, Beach / Coastal, Birding, Flora, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Watersports
Property facilities
Accept Credit Cards, Bar, Conference Centre, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Library, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, Vegetarian
Accommodation & amenities
Balcony / Deck, Detached Private Bathroom, Dressing Gowns, Fan, Laundry Service (Available), Mosquito Nets, Plunge Pool, Safe, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Room Service
On-site activities
Beach Drop Off, Bird Watching, Boating, Boules, Canoeing, Fishing, Kayaking, Massages, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Water Skiing
Location
Location
Video
Lodge videos
Welcome to Blue Zebra Island Lodge by Rogan Roams
An overview of the Blue Zebra Experience.
Activities by Rogan Roams
Relax at the infinity pool with stunning views over Lake Malawi, unwind at the Island Spa, or explore with more adventurous activities: kayaking, snorkeling, watersports, seasonal scuba diving, nature trails, birding and more.
Room Types by Rogan Roams
Take a tour of accommodation at Blue Zebra Island Lodge.
Family fun at Blue Zebra Island Lodge by Anneke Jagau
A glimpse into the Blue Zebra experience for families, with activities for everyone. Explore Nankoma Island by nature trail and kayak; enjoy watersports for an adrenalin rush; cruise the Marelli islands by boat for a snorkel trip or sunset; play lawn games and splash about in the infinity pool with stunning views across Lake Malawi. Adventure awaits at Blue Zebra Island Lodge, Nankoma Island, Lake Malawi National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Blue Zebra Island Lodge
Video made by ThreeWheelsCo. April 2018 (after the rainy season)
Island Dining by Rogan Roams
Behind the scenes, plating a 3-course dinner.
Aerial footage of Blue Zebra Island Lodge in April 2018 (after the rainy season) - by The Grown-Up Travel Company
Video by Andy Higgs: "A brief compilation of aerial video footage filmed on the DJI Spark at the stunning Blue Zebra Island Lodge on Lake Malawi in Africa. The only accommodation on the island in a protected nature reserve, Blue Zebra offers barefoot luxury and splendid isolation in one of the most spectacular settings I have visited in Africa"
A guest's experience of Blue Zebra Island Lodge, September 2018 (dry season)
Video by Emily Roberts who visited us for "A week on an Island with crystal clear water, snorkeling, kayaking, water-skiing and hiking"
A guest's experience of Blue Zebra Island Lodge, 2018
Video by "This Girl From Malawi". See feature on her blog: https://thisgirlfrommalawi.com/2018/09/01/the-luxury-blue-zebra-island-lodge-malawi-travel-africa/
Malawi 2018 by David DiGregorio
Ft. footage of Cormorant Executive Chalet & views across Marelli Islands on a sunset cruise
The Moon and The Lake Of Stars preview - Produced and directed by Lawrence Luhanga
Marelli islands are featured in this "thematic story of Lake Malawi & the Cichlid fish species endemic to the lake, their ecology & peril in the face of over-exploitation."
Blue Zebra by Fair Mundo Travel
A visit to Blue Zebra in May 2019 following the Malawi Tourism Expo
Activities
Activities
Birding
Malawi is world renowned as a birdwatchers paradise. The country boasts over 650 different species of birds, 10% of which are native species non-existent anywhere else on the globe. Lake Malawi provides an ideal habitat for bird life has the highest concentration of African Fish Eagles on the continent. Their cry is heard frequently echoing across the skies over Nankoma Island. There are over 350 species at the islands - best seen in the dry season. Take a bird check-list around the island and tick of how many you see.
Boat Cruises
Cruise around the Marelli islands and experience an awe inspiring Lake Malawi sunset out on the water - MGT (Malawi Gin & Tonic) or your sun downer of choice in hand. Every sunset is different & it's always an unforgettable event as the sun gently dips below the low lying Nkhotakota hills in the distance.
Chill out at the Infinity Pool
Quite possibly the most popular 'activity', although this doesn't require being active. With stunning views over Lake Malawi, what better way to spend an afternoon than splash about in the Infinity Pool with a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail for kids) or laze on the deck-chairs with that book you've been too busy to read!
Kayaking
Explore the Marelli Archipelago by kayak - a great way to get out and explore the coves and coastal wildlife up close. It takes around 45min-1hr around Nankoma Island, but for the more active and adventurous you can kayak all 3 islands in around 2.5 - 3 hours. For a shorter kayak, there are rocky outcrops close to shore. Paddle around and spot all the different kinds of colourful fish. Other possible sightings: otters, monitor lizards, bird-life (especially Cormorants and African Fish-Eagles). 6 kayaks available: 4 single & 2 double.
Nature Trails
Explore the wonderfully wild paths around and over Nankoma Island & connect with nature. The further you go the smaller you feel as you walk among massive Baobab trees. Venture off track to The Ancient Fig for a halfway break and soak in the enchanting natural beauty of this unspoiled paradise. The main trail around the island is only 2.3km. Enjoy the thriving birdlife, look out for the elusive Red Duiker along the top path, Chameleons camouflaged in in trees, Monitor Lizards along the shore. Early-birds will catch a stunning sunrise!
Snorkeling
Rarely does one have such effortless and immediate access to a site teaming with aquatic life. Just a few meters off the shore, experience Malawi’s renowned Cichlids in all their natural splendour. Famed for their vivid and vibrant colours, the Islands are home to species unique not only to Lake Malawi, but many to these islands! Look out for the Blue Zebra! The best sites depend on lake levels and the time of year. Snorkel equipment is free to use for off-shore snorkeling. At an additional charge, snorkel trips can be arranged to Maleri and/or Nakantenga Islands.
Spa
What better place to relax and pamper oneself than a tranquil private island, surrounded by the calming sounds of nature. Set under a giant fig tree with views across Lake Malawi.
Wake Boarding / Water Skiing / Tubing
An exciting way to experience Lake Malawi, flying over the fresh clear water of the lake at high speed. Motorized water-sports have additional charges. Must be booked at the lodge, around the boat transfer schedule.
Yoga Retreats
Yoga weekends are usually scheduled during low season. Guided practice with restorative immersion in nature. For self practice, the lodge has a few spare yoga mats, or guests can bring along their own and set up on their balcony or where they like!
Ready to plan your stay?
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Plan a stay hereJourneys
Safari journeys to consider
See which journeys include this stay and which visit other lodges.
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Plan a trip with Blue Zebra Island Lodge
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