1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The beautiful beach, the friendly staff, seeing elephants in the wild, riding a crazy matola for five hours through the bush... But most of all, visiting the lodge's Chef James and Head Waiter Dixon's cookery school that they have set up to provide training for young people so that they can gain a qualification, restaurant and kitchen experience and a reference. We went to their home where they run the school out of a back room and it was incredible to see the students lives being changed through such a simple idea. Dixon and James have started an amazing thing here, fully supported by the lodge which allows students to work in its kitchens whilst being trained.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

The only negative experience we had was using the Mzungu tours safari company out from the lodge. We'd recommend using a different company, or if you do use Mzungu make sure that Dave Kondowe is your guide as he seems to be both the owner of the company and the best guide.
Please note, these tours are not run by or affiliated with the accommodation and the tour company wasn't a recommendation of the lodge. These tours were chosen independently by the guest.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes to the first, uncertain to the second. Just by being in Malawi we spent quite a bit of money on taxis, matolas, tours, carvings, cloth, fruit. Go into town and the market and you can help someone straight away. The lodge employs all local people, some of whom have helped out since their teens. All staff seem happy and content, from cleaners to night watchmen. The accommodation has changed their lives. Environmentally, we saw nothing bad, and the lodge was definitely more sustainable than others in the area, but we didn’t really pay much attention to this (sorry!)

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Fantastic, a great introduction to Africa (it was our first time), awesome place, charming staff with the only down point being our safari mishaps which could be easily avoided.

I have just returned from a two week holiday in Malawi, where I stayed at Nkhata Bay, as recommened by responsible travel. The lodge is nestled into beautiful surroundings, which you never tire of. We treated ourselves to the luxury of the cottage. We had an excellent view of the lake and Chikale Beach. The cottage is basic, but you are getting what you pay for and that includes hot water, which is always a blessing. We were certainly comfortable and had plenty of room as there was just the two of us. We even got some interesting visitors from time to time, but I wouldn't want to spoil the surprises for anyone, as that made the trip even better.

The staff at the lodge are wonderful and make you feel instantly at home. They are very friendly and helpful and make the stay that much better. The food is fantastic, especially considering what is available to you. BBQ night is a big hit, every Wednesday and Saturday. Arriving on a Sunday as we did, we were delighted to be served up with a roast dinner. I do not eat meat, so had a great nut/rice loaf alternative. I do eat fish though and a good thing too, as its delicious and relatively plentiful.

Its very easy to spend 2 weeks there and really unwind. Evenings were spent meeting travellers and hearing all their tales. Would personally recommend the Gin and Tonic or if you'd like something a bit creamier, the Heavenly Cloud is delicious. Its about a 15-20 minute walk into town, which is nice because really feel like you've escaped from civilisation while you're at the lodge. If you want to go snorkelling or kayaking, just speak to someone at reception and they will get someone to come from the local business based on the beach.

So to conclude, we had a thouroughly enjoyable stay and I would recommend it to anyone who happens to be going that way, or even better, to anyone who wants to get away from it all for a couple of weeks.