accommodation

Blue Zebra Island Lodge

Nankoma Island, Malawi

About Blue Zebra Island Lodge

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.

A 2 hour drive from Lilongwe, this is a great combination with Zambian Safaris as well as various wildlife parks in Malawi.

Perfect For
Adventure Beach / Coastal Birding Flora Hiking Leisure Nature Relaxation Star Gazing Watersports
Accept Credit Cards
Bar
Conference Centre
Eco Friendly
Internet Access (Complimentary)
Library
Mobile Connectivity
Pool
Restaurant
Secure Parking
Spa
Vegetarian
24-hour Security
Airport Shuttle (Available)
Credit Card Facilities
Laundry Service (Available)
Room Service
On Site
Beach Drop Off
Bird Watching
Boating
Boules
Canoeing
Fishing
Kayaking
Massages
Walks (Guided)
Walks (Self Guided)
Water Skiing
Welcome to Blue Zebra Island Lodge by Rogan Roams
Activities by Rogan Roams
Room Types by Rogan Roams
Family fun at Blue Zebra Island Lodge by Anneke Jagau
Blue Zebra Island Lodge
Island Dining by Rogan Roams
Aerial footage of Blue Zebra Island Lodge in April 2018 (after the rainy season) - by The Grown-Up Travel Company
A guest's experience of Blue Zebra Island Lodge, September 2018 (dry season)
A guest's experience of Blue Zebra Island Lodge, 2018
Malawi 2018 by David DiGregorio
The Moon and The Lake Of Stars preview - Produced and directed by Lawrence Luhanga
Blue Zebra by Fair Mundo Travel

Accommodation Options

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 be added to the main room. The master bedroom has ample cupboard space with a built in dressing table and an open bathroom with a shower and bathtub. The second bedroom is a smaller en-suite double room opening onto the lake-facing balcony. Minimum 2 adults required (or supplement to the equivalent). Capacity: 4 adults, 2 children. This unit can be set up in different ways: suitable for a couple; 2 adults sharing separate rooms; 3 - 4 adults sharing (with discounted sharing specials); a family with 2 adults and up to 4 children; multi-generational families.
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 & up to 3 children) or up to 4 adults. FISHEAGLE & MALACHITE = Main room: 1 queen bed / Twin room: 2 single beds / U12's sofa bed in the lounge. FISHEAGLE: located around the side of the island with a long downward stairway entrance, in a natural and very private setting. MALACHITE: located just behind reception at the lodge entrance. Main Bedroom - Queen bed setup, second bedroom - Twin/King setup. Private but closer to lodge facilities. WEAVER: Our newest room located 170m away from reception. Tucked on the hillside of the Island, this room boasts stunning views over the lake with its very own private plunge pool and mini-bar fridge. Both rooms have king/Twin setup capabilities making it ideal for families and friends travelling together.
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 the lodge offers an en-suite safari-style tented chalet, exclusively located around the side of the island with a private lake-facing balcony 1 queen bed only.
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 large side-patio with a table seating area, patio furniture & hammock.
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 bed & 2 sofa beds Centrally located, nearest the restaurant, no stairs, largest balcony. HERON: 1 queen bed & 1 sofa bed Centrally located, small stairway entrance. HORNBILL: 2 single beds & 1 sofa bed Centrally located in-between Darter & Heron, small stairway entrance. BULBUL: 1 queen bed & 1 sofa bed The furthest chalet from the communal area overlooking the lake. At the entrance to nature trails. NIGHTJAR: 1 single bed Centrally located, small stairway entrance. This is the smallest of our accommodation options, with one single bed only.

Dining & Cuisine

Fig-Tree Bar
Welcome to the Fig Tree Bar – Your Front Row Seat to the Lake Unwind with a chilled cocktail or a zesty mocktail in hand as you take in panoramic views of Lake Malawi from our infinity poolside bar. The Fig Tree Bar is the perfect spot to relax, recharge, and soak up the island atmosphere. From crisp wines to refreshing mixers, there’s something for every taste — especially when paired with a legendary Blue Zebra sunset. Cheers to good vibes and even better views!
BEE-EATER RESTAURANT
Named after a frequent visitor to the island, the African bee-eater. All packages are inclusive of meals prepared by a team of Malawian Chefs at Blue Zebra Island Lodge. Creatively inspired by international cuisine, with a touch of Malawi: The menu is prepared around seasonal foods and catered to all dietary requirements. Advance request should be given for special requirements, given that it may be difficult to get some ingredients to the island. Enjoy a continental buffet with hot-breakfast to order; select a 2-course lunch & 3-course dinner from a set menu presented daily. Breakfast: 6.30 to 10.00 Lunch: 12.00 to 14.00 Dinner: 18:30 to 20:30 The restaurant can seat 40 guests. Guests may opt for a poolside lunch or a private evening dining experience at the sunset lounge or Nankoma Beach.
Standard Room Amenities
Balcony / Deck
Detached Private Bathroom
Dressing Gowns
Fan
Laundry Service (Available)
Mosquito Nets
Plunge Pool
Safe
Tea / Coffee
Verandah
Portfolio Places
At a Glance
  • Rooms: 11
  • Check In: 12:00
  • Check Out: 11:00
  • Languages: Chichewa, English
Downloads
Other / General

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