Blantyre accommodation, Malawi
| country: | Malawi |
| location: | nr Blantyre |
| price: | From US $35 - US $75 per person per night. US $55 - $95 per person per night full board. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
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introduction to Blantyre accommodation, Malawi
The nature reserve offers accommodation close to Blantyre (Malawi), located in 50 acres of private parkland supporting antelope and overlooking the Great Rift Valley. It is 2000 feet (600 meters) above the Shire River and is a most magnificent location with breathtaking views. It is 15 minutes drive from Blantyre and 45 minutes drive to three very different wildlife parks.
The nature reserve is unique in that we offer an alternative for visitors wishing to add depth to their holiday. As well as arranging day trips and tours including the famous Lake of Stars, the National Parks, wildlife reserves and relaxing in the most luxurious lodges and venues we co-ordinate numerous opportunities to work with communities on a number of projects with which we are associated.
Our setting is excellent for families and small groups. Holidays are designed to suit particular requirements, needs and desires. Involvement within the rural communities can range from hands on practical work in schools, clinics, prisons, orphanages, churches and villages to visiting and experiencing rural life in Malawi.
This Blantyre accommodation offers an experience encompassing variety and depth, enjoying the luxuries, seeing the beauty of Malawi and encouraging awareness of rural life. For those who choose to spend time on projects, there is always the tranquillity of the accommodation to return to and regroup as desired. To top and tail a holiday with us, and for the adventurous, we offer air charters, transfers by air between venues, air tours and pleasure flights.Visiting and engaging with the community, Visiting and engaging in projects, Visiting and if applicable, helping in schools, clinics, prisons and churches, Exploring Lengwe National Park Experiencing Majete Wildlife Reserve Exploring Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve Visiting Nyala Park Scenic walks Mountain biking
Walking and Cycling: We offer extensive walks and cycle routs through tracks and paths leading through villages and offering breathtaking views while also experiencing the unique friendliness of the local population, willing and eager to offer their hospitality.
The nature reserve is unique in that we offer an alternative for visitors wishing to add depth to their holiday. As well as arranging day trips and tours including the famous Lake of Stars, the National Parks, wildlife reserves and relaxing in the most luxurious lodges and venues we co-ordinate numerous opportunities to work with communities on a number of projects with which we are associated.
Our setting is excellent for families and small groups. Holidays are designed to suit particular requirements, needs and desires. Involvement within the rural communities can range from hands on practical work in schools, clinics, prisons, orphanages, churches and villages to visiting and experiencing rural life in Malawi.
This Blantyre accommodation offers an experience encompassing variety and depth, enjoying the luxuries, seeing the beauty of Malawi and encouraging awareness of rural life. For those who choose to spend time on projects, there is always the tranquillity of the accommodation to return to and regroup as desired. To top and tail a holiday with us, and for the adventurous, we offer air charters, transfers by air between venues, air tours and pleasure flights.
special things to do and see at this Blantyre accommodation in Malawi
Walking and Cycling: We offer extensive walks and cycle routs through tracks and paths leading through villages and offering breathtaking views while also experiencing the unique friendliness of the local population, willing and eager to offer their hospitality.
rooms, food and facilities
Lodge: Three bedrooms, one en-suite, one twin with shared bathroom, one double with additional beds if required, with shared bathroom, very spacious lounge, khondi, kitchen dining room and additional washroom
Cottage: Two bedrooms, one double , one twin, one bathroom, small lounge, small kitchen
Tea House: Three bedrooms, all double or twin. Two shared bathrooms, very spacious lounge, khondi, kitchen dining room and additional washroom
Meals may be prepared and served to guests in all the properties or at the tea house. The swimming pool is there for the residents and is located between the lodge and cottage. The nature reserve has well defined trails and is on steep slopes, comprising approximately 70% woodland and it is home to several antelope species. A laundry service and a dial up internet service are available.
We have a 10 metre swimming pool, built in the shape of Africa with magnificent views over the Great Rift Valley. A great place to simply chill after a days adventure.
Family friendly: Our properties are excellent for families and groups as they are all designed as family residences, offering internal access to the children’s rooms. Meals can be served at the accommodation or at the tea house. The swimming pool is located in between two properties, volley ball and croquet is available as are many family board games. The whole park is in a private enclosure offering an extraordinary and exceptional 50 acres to explore.
Disabled access: While due to the very nature of the location there is limited mobility for a wheel chair, the accommodation is wheelchair friendly. Our staff are most compassionate and helpful, and are available to assist as and when required. Any particular requirements should be discussed prior to ensure needs are met.
Form the Cathedral, follow the M1, best known as the Chikwawa road (M1) south for approximately 19kms to the Mirale police check point. The police here are friendly and helpful. From here you will descend the escarpment for approximately one km and the entrance to the lodge is signposted on the right, followed by the entrance to the tea house 200 meters further down the road.
Cottage: Two bedrooms, one double , one twin, one bathroom, small lounge, small kitchen
Tea House: Three bedrooms, all double or twin. Two shared bathrooms, very spacious lounge, khondi, kitchen dining room and additional washroom
Meals may be prepared and served to guests in all the properties or at the tea house. The swimming pool is there for the residents and is located between the lodge and cottage. The nature reserve has well defined trails and is on steep slopes, comprising approximately 70% woodland and it is home to several antelope species. A laundry service and a dial up internet service are available.
We have a 10 metre swimming pool, built in the shape of Africa with magnificent views over the Great Rift Valley. A great place to simply chill after a days adventure.
Family friendly: Our properties are excellent for families and groups as they are all designed as family residences, offering internal access to the children’s rooms. Meals can be served at the accommodation or at the tea house. The swimming pool is located in between two properties, volley ball and croquet is available as are many family board games. The whole park is in a private enclosure offering an extraordinary and exceptional 50 acres to explore.
Disabled access: While due to the very nature of the location there is limited mobility for a wheel chair, the accommodation is wheelchair friendly. Our staff are most compassionate and helpful, and are available to assist as and when required. Any particular requirements should be discussed prior to ensure needs are met.
how to find this Blantyre accommodation in Malawi
Blantyre is a small city through which one can drive in less than ten minutes. The reserve is an easy 15 to 20 minute drive from city centre. A good starting landmark is the Catholic Cathedral sited on the Southern edge of Blantyre at the start of the M1. The reserve is exactly 20 kms south along this road. Form the Cathedral, follow the M1, best known as the Chikwawa road (M1) south for approximately 19kms to the Mirale police check point. The police here are friendly and helpful. From here you will descend the escarpment for approximately one km and the entrance to the lodge is signposted on the right, followed by the entrance to the tea house 200 meters further down the road.
how this holiday makes a difference
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This Blantyre accommodation has been established to serve the local community, environment and Malawi through individuals, groups, families and teams who have a desire to learn, understand and connect with other cultures and continents, and offers a starting point for these individuals and groups to explore and experience similar initiatives further afield, therefore contributing to a stronger and more sustainable network of friends and projects. 50 acres of mountainous grassland has been developed into a magnificent park, filled with indigenous trees and plants occupied by a multiplying population of antelope. From this we have shown the villagers by example what can be done to the environment in a relatively short space of time. It is from this little paradise and rest haven that we introduce our visitors into Malawi. After a days adventure or toil our guests can return and regroup.
Our guests are able to engage with the community, visit the parks, reserves, scenic views walks and activities. Every year we have dedicated groups who teach in local schools, visit prisoners, help in the clinics, orphanages and churches etc. We employ 24 staff all from and living in the local community, offering a huge benefit to the dependant and extended families. Within a 10 minute walk from the reserve we have recently purchased and we are developing a one acre site as a community centre. From here we will offer community development and care, looking out for the orphaned, aged and vulnerable. Health care and awareness, literacy and education for pre-school children will be offered from here. The centre will also offer a point of contact for all. Water and fuel pose a serious challenge to the villagers. We have brought water into one neighbouring village. It is our intention to purchase a manual drilling rigg and offer a service in exploring for and providing water. The villagers will contribute through the provision of labour and other resources as appropriate. We encourage the villagers to grow trees. The villagers have seen us grow a forest in nine years and now many come to the reserve to collect seedlings to plant trees for conservation and a future income. Sisal is also taken and planted to maintain and protect boundaries. We are investigating options for renewable energy. This will be applied in particular to cooking, lighting, pumping and heating water. We believe this is the way ahead for us and the community of 20,000 people stretching across 100’s of square kilometres of difficult terrain. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |
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