Opened in the year 2000, this is a conversion of a 1920 colonial property, set at the base of the magnificent
Zomba Mountain and surrounded by lush forest and attractive gardens.

It is next to the now unused Parliament building – Parliament having been transferred five years ago to Lilongwe, Malawi's Capital City. This Lodge was used as the members bar and restaurant when Parliament was in session.

It contains ten self contained rooms with double beds, fans and mosquito screens. There is a newly built bar and summer huts and a restaurant in the original building. More accommodation is being added.

It is within walking distance of all Zomba's amenities.
Zomba was once Malawi's capital city and was said, with justification, to be the most beautiful capital in the whole of what was once the British Empire.

The foundations of Hotel Masongola, formerly Government Hostel, were laid down by Captain Haimes in 1886 on one thousand acres of land bought from Chief Malemia on the scenic slopes of Zomba Mountain. The site was chosen because of its strategic position for the control of the slave trade.

In 1891 the property became the home of the first commissioner of Nyasaland, Sir Harry Johnston. When he took up residence at Malawi’s first state house in 1901, the property started to be used as a temporary residence for senior colonial officials prior to their finding permanent accommodation. The property was converted into a hostel in 1949 when several rooms were added.

Subsequent developments have now culminated in the present status of Hotel comprising fifty-one rooms, two flats, front office, restaurant and bar, kitchen. launderette and staff houses. Hotel Masongola is now wholly managed by Malawians, including the previous manager who has thirty years experience in hotel industry.

Our mission is to provide quality service at affordable prices to a wider clientele without compromising standards and comfort. Our rooms are twin bedded, self contained with showers / bath, have TV and telephone. We also offer conference facilities.

The restaurant, which can seat sixty guests, offers a variety of menus including buffet meals and we are capable of offering outside catering.

Situated high above Zomba, the historic old colonial capital of Malawi, Sunbird Ku Chawe Inn sits comfortably on the rim of Zomba Plateau and shares its views over Africa with a unique high tropical micro-climate and a huge bio-diversity of birds and animals. The recently completed dam, with fishing, sailing and water surfing facilities on offer has brought further species and new attractions.

Zomba Mountain rises to nearly 7,000ft (2,130m) and has some of Africa’s most stunning views including those of Mulanje Mountain.

Sunbird Ku Chawe Inn has 40 rooms, with en suite facilities, satellite television and telephones. The superior and de luxe rooms boast comforting log fires for those nights in winter when the high plateau is more reminiscent of Scotland than of tropical Africa. Enjoy superb cuisine on the sunny patio or in the elegant dining room. At weekends guests come from all over Malawi for the hotel’s famous mountainside barbecues.

The hotel also has secluded and very quiet boardroom style facilities especially suited for discussion groups, workshops and seminars.

Close to Zomba is the Liwonde National Park with elephant, hippo and crocodile in abundance. Another hour’s drive to Southern Lake Malawi allows many possibilities of lake, wildlife and mountain holiday combinations.

Hippo View Lodge recently re-opened its doors under a new name and management after being closed for more than two years. Formerly Kudya Discovery Lodge, this was a favourite stopover for travellers to the Lake or further north, and again people can enjoy the peace of this lovely part of the river, near the Liwonde National Park.

The Lodge was taken over by the Siku Group of Companies and is sister lodge to Sun 'n' Sand Holiday Resort on the southern lakeshore. After a complete facelift the Lodge has maintained its former charm and, since re-opening in March 2003, has proved as popular as ever. There are presently 25 well appointed, comfortable rooms, all en suite and by end 2003 there will be 40 rooms, all with a riverside view.

Other facilities include a swimming pool, poolside bar and restaurant, the Hippo and Shire Lounges on the riverside and a conference centre for groups of up to 50 people.
The unique architecture of the two Lounges give a panoramic view of the river although, according to local folklore, it was designed to give free passage to hippo, which came up the banks and through the Lounges to graze on the lawns. Thankfully, this no longer happens, although they can still be seen close to the Lodge and heard at night.

Future plans include day trips from the Lodge to the National Park and river trips to view the prolific, and often unique birdlife and the game, including elephant and antelope, which can be seen from the river.