Zomba Forest Lodge, Malawi eco-lodge, off-grid accommodation Malawi, Zomba Plateau lodge, Malawi mountain lodge, sustainable travel in Malawi. Experience a rare retreat into nature at Zomba Forest Lodge, nestled in the serene highlands of Zomba Mountain, Malawi. This warm, off-the-grid eco-lodge offers personalized Malawian hospitality in a colorful forest homestead surrounded by 20 hectares of lush, mixed woodland. Here, relaxation and forest immersion take priority over schedules and technology.
Zomba Forest Lodge is more than just a place to stay—it’s a sanctuary where guests connect deeply with nature and each other. Hosts Tom and Peta welcome you into a space that feels more like a home than a hotel, where conversations flow and new friendships are made.
The lodge features four individually styled rooms with ensuite bathrooms and earthy Malawian décor. Choose between two doubles, one twin, and a flexible double/twin room—all with ample space, writing desks, and forest views. Everything is designed to reflect local charm and simplicity, offering a true back-to-nature experience in comfort.
Set on an expansive forested estate, the lodge is surrounded by a patchwork of indigenous rainforest, towering pines, and ancient eucalyptus trees. Over 4 km of well-kept trails wind through the estate, inviting you to wander beneath the canopy and spot rare birds like the White-winged Apalis, Bertram’s Weaver, and the Double-collared Forest Sunbird, drawn to the flowering gardens.
This is an eco-lodge in the truest sense—completely off the grid, without electricity or Wi-Fi. Solar lanterns illuminate the evenings, while meals are served by candlelight, adding to the peaceful rhythm of life here. Spend your days birdwatching, hiking, or simply swinging in a hammock with mountain views and forest sounds as your soundtrack.
Tom and Peta prepare nutritious, home-cooked meals using fresh ingredients sourced from local markets. Sustainability is part of everyday life here, from responsible reforestation efforts to environmental education shared during guided walks with your hosts.
This is a space to slow down, to walk and breathe deeply, to rediscover silence, and to live simply—but well. At Zomba Forest Lodge, being present in nature replaces the need for busy game drives. Instead, you’ll leave with a fuller heart, sharper senses, and a deeper appreciation for Malawi’s natural soul.
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Overview
Zomba Forest Lodge offers a unique escape into the high-altitude forests of southern Malawi, set on a 20-hectare property rich in biodiversity. This four-bedroom lodge is a former family home, now welcoming travelers looking for simplicity, sustainability, and serenity among the trees. Guests come here to slow down, enjoy nature, and engage in low-impact living guided by thoughtful hosts.
Surrounded by towering trees, birdsong, and quiet forest paths, this mountain hideaway is ideal for those seeking a peaceful base to explore the Zomba Plateau.
Each of the four ensuite rooms is comfortably furnished with wooden décor and African textiles, creating a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Choose from two double rooms, a twin room, or a flexible family option. Designed for intimacy rather than indulgence, the lodge encourages early nights, deep rest, and meaningful connection with the natural surroundings.
There is no electricity at Zomba Forest Lodge. Instead, lanterns and candles provide light, and gas is used for cooking and hot showers. Without screens or plugs, guests reconnect with slower rhythms and real-world sounds—from rustling leaves to distant owl calls.
Owned and run by a couple dedicated to conservation and community, the lodge reflects a lifestyle rooted in respect for nature. You’re invited to learn about reforestation efforts, plant life, and how to tread more lightly on the planet. Walk the on-site trails at your own pace or join your hosts in conversations about soil health, water use, and forest ecology.
The surrounding woodland is home to monkeys, butterflies, and a rich variety of birds including several rare forest species. The lodge’s informal trails reveal hidden waterfalls, wildflowers, and scenic viewpoints along the plateau edge.
All meals are freshly prepared using ingredients from nearby farms and markets. Dining is communal, unhurried, and atmospheric—served by lamplight and often followed by relaxed evenings on the verandah or around the fire.
Zomba Forest Lodge has a gentle presence that leaves a lasting impression. It’s a place to wander, rest, and feel part of something quietly important.
Voyage2Africa can include Zomba Forest Lodge in a broader Malawi itinerary, pairing it with a visit to Lake Malawi or the highlands of Nyika. This is your chance to experience forest-based living with purpose, in one of Malawi’s most peaceful and meaningful destinations.
Experience a forest escape unlike any other at Zomba Forest Lodge, Malawi’s most heartfelt off-the-grid retreat. Perched high on the Zomba Plateau, this intimate eco-lodge is surrounded by indigenous trees, rare birds, and walking trails that invite slow exploration. Stay in one of four cozy, earth-toned rooms with ensuite bathrooms, wooden décor, and no digital distractions—just lanterns, fresh mountain air, and forest sounds. Enjoy wholesome, home-cooked meals made from local produce, and share stories with fellow guests around the fire. Learn about reforestation, sustainable living, and forest conservation from your hosts, and join guided hikes to waterfalls and viewpoints. With no electricity, Wi-Fi, or outside noise, Zomba Forest Lodge is your chance to reset, recharge, and reconnect. Book now with Voyage2Africa and include this rare gem in a longer Malawi itinerary with Lake Malawi or the Nyika Plateau. Let us help you travel better.
From $110
PER PERSON SHARING PER NIGHT