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Game Haven Lodge
Game Haven Lodge

Located in the lush Shire Highlands, just a short drive from Blantyre, is a golden-hued retreat where wildlife roams freely amid one of Malawi's last remaining indigenous forests.

Established in 2006, this family-owned hideaway was inspired by a dream that began a decade earlier. It spans 500 acres of pristine grasslands and woodland. The distinctive golden rock architecture blends beautifully with the surroundings, while inside, the atmosphere is one of relaxed luxury.

Take a game drive to track nyala and sable, practice your swing on the picturesque golf course while zebras graze nearby, or just relaxes by Lake Bvumbwe while the renowned Malawian sunset paints the sky in breathtaking hues. The ideal combination of comfort and conservation.

Game Haven Lodge is a unique retreat that combines tourism and wildlife conservation whilst supporting the surrounding communites.

Accommodation

The Lodge has a variety of rooms tailored to your needs, whether it is a family room, self-catering or the spacious and luxurious cottages you are looking for, they have all type for you. All rooms have a parking bay next to them for your ease.

Luxury Cottages

Luxurious cottages offering most exclusive accommodation, set close to the lodge with a stunning view of the golf course and woodlands.

The spacious carpeted bedroom is equipped with an en suite bathroom. The lounge is made cozy with its own fireplace and TV to keep you entertained and warm throughout the evenings.

The private verandah is a perfect place to spend the evening relaxing and enjoying the beautiful African sunset.

Game Haven Lodge
Game Haven Lodge

Nyala Rooms

Nyala rooms faces the garden, stylish with a full ensuite bathroom, bathtub, shower, basin and toilet. Provides you with a desk for your belongings.

A coffee station and a flatscreen television with 7 digital satellite channels to keep you entertained in the evenings.

A semi-private verandah and garden outside for you to relax on after a full day of enjoying activities. All activities are included in the room price and make for a fun filled day during your stay.

Sable Family Rooms

Suites with a larger garden view are ideal for a family of four.

A coffee maker, a desk for your belongings, and a flat-screen TV with seven digital satellite channels are included in the rooms to keep you occupied in the evenings.

You can unwind and enjoy your favorite sundowner in the garden and semi-private verandah outside.

Game Haven Lodge
Game Haven Lodge

Self-Catering Guest House

A separate self-catering guest house with a garden view consists of 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, the master being ensuite.

Open plan lounge and dining room, a verandah and a furnished kitchenette. The TV has a DSTV hotel Bouquet.

The guest houses are fully furnished and each unit has its own parking.

The perfect long or short stay getaway.

Things To Do

The lodge offers adventurous activities for all ages ranging from guided game drives to trail rides on mountain bikes, walks, birdwatching, fishing and golf course, which features stunning views of the natural landscape.

A delightful collection of wildlife resides in our grounds, from Giraffe to Waterbuck and Zebra to Impalas. The private park is home to an impressive array of wildlife in one of the last remaining indigenous forests and grasslands of the Shire Highlands of Southern Malawi.

You may see giraffe, eland, zebra, waterbuck, duiker, blue wildebeest sable, nyala, impala and jackal roaming the terrain on your visit.

Game Drives

Take a guided tour with our knowledgeable guides on a game viewing vehicle. This is a must-do adventure with ten different species to see. Get to know the wildlife up close.

Game Haven Lodge
Game Haven Lodge

Guided Walks

The perfect opportunity for bonding that you have been waiting for may be a guided walk with one of the lodge's knowledgeable rangers.

Explore the forest in detail and get up close and personal with the wildlife while walking

Mountain Bike

Take a ride on the wild side, Game Haven has over 15 different mountain bikes to take a trail ride through Chimwenya Game Park with the wildlife.

The perfect activity for the adventurer.

Game Haven Lodge
Game Haven Lodge

Birding

The lovely forests and streams located in the private park have created a perfect home for birdlife, take an early morning walk with one of our guides to experience it.

Swimming Pool

The pool, a place where you can relax in one of our comfortable loungers listening to the cascading waterfall, take a plunge in the pool and feel refreshed.

Game Haven Lodge
Game Haven Lodge

Lake Bvumbwe

A gorgeous lounge-bar located right by the water’s edge of Lake Bvumbwe, open to all lodge residents. Try some fishing or have a braai, bring your own meat or we’ll supply.

Golf

Mbawa Country Club is Malawi’s first international standard 9-hole golf course with multiple tee boxes to ensure the back 9 is completely difference from the front. Simply spectacular.

Game Haven Lodge
Game Haven Lodge

Children's Playground

Mwana Park provides your children the perfect place to play and allows you to relax. Swings, climbing walls, see-saws, round-abouts and a sand pit.

While staying at Game Haven Lodge, a few activities you may consider doing include visiting the Satemwa Tea and Coffee Estate about 26 km from Game Haven and the Mulanje Mountain.

Visit Satemwa Estate

Take the opportunity while you are in the region, visit the Satemwa Tea Estate and learn about the fascinating process of tea production, from plucking the fresh leaves to crafting the perfect brew.

Sample a variety of locally produced tea, each with its own distinct flavor profile, and gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind every cup. Tea tasting at the factory, dive into the rich culture of Malawi with an exclusive tea-tasting session at the nearby factory.

Game Haven Lodge
Game Haven Lodge

Take a day to visiting Mount Mulanje

Mount Mulanje is locally known as “Island in the Sky”. It lies about 40 km from Thyolo and offers a range of hiking possibilities. One of the popular places on the must and a must-visit is the Dziwe La Nkhalamba (Old man’s pool) a pool formed on the Likhubula river on the west side of the mountain.

A typical day trip would include arrival in Mulanje at around 10:00 am and proceeding to the waterfalls, arriving just before 11:00 am. Spend a few hours and trek back at around 15:00 hours latest, for arrival back at Game Haven Lodge late afternoon.

When To Visit

The best time to visit Thyolo is during the dry season between May and October. It’s a cooler time of year, with bright sunshine, fresh evenings, and temperatures anywhere between 18°C and 33°C.

Temperatures start to rise in September and remain in the high twenties and early thirties throughout the rainy season, which runs from November to April. The heaviest rains are often in December, January and February.

Because of Malawi’s varied landscape, regional variations in weather are significant. The lower lying lake shore areas are warmer all year round. Temperatures in the highlands are refreshingly cool in the day, with chilly evenings, particularly in winter.

Gift Kaliwa - Travel Consultant

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