The views and the setting is incredible. You are away from the town and with no one else nearby, amazing feeling. Felix, the manager, was very helpfull and friendly. But the vibe here was something else. First of all the showers and toilets are disgusting, really not fresh at all. The owner was very rude, we heard her shouting at her staff the whole time. While she helps out in the kitchen, she is smoking, really disgusting. We payed to use the kitchen, and when we made us some breakfast she even shouted at us, that is the point where we just packed our things and went to another place. Yes, the setting is amazing, but I think there are so many better places at the lake.

AVOID THIS PLACE IF ECOLOGICAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND FAIR TREATMENT / INCLUSION OF STAFF MATTER TO YOU I flew from Europe to Malawi specifically to volunteer at Mufasa lodge for two months. I have offered my passion, energy and professional skills (acquired during thirty years in the corporate world) to hosts in various countries, including Africa, but never experienced such disappointment and shock by what I witnessed. I resisted six weeks at Mufasa. I am now volunteering at a reputable local NGO in Chikwawa, south Malawi, raising funds and managing women empowerment and child protection projects for the local community. If you were ‘passing by’ for a day or two, you’d never realise the reality at Mufasa lodge. The setting is peaceful and attractive and Felix is a valuable and lovely manager. Together with the rest of the local staff, he works extremely hard to keep guests satisfied in what is otherwise an alarmingly dysfunctional and questionable business, owned by an elderly South African woman with a short fuse and authoritative colonial mindset. Staff dumped glass in the secluded compound swamp and burned ALL plastic in an open pit under her instructions. The practice of recycling is alien to her. Her temperamental outbursts, confiscation of staff personal property and job termination threats were frequent; communication in local Chichewa language was strongly discouraged. Overall, staff turnover is high due to low morale and mistreatment by this former human rights lawyer(!). During my time in Monkey Bay, I met various foreign residents and locals and I struggled to encounter a single one who had anything positive to say about this woman’s dictatorial management style. Apparently, her personal connections with corrupt officials in powerful positions keeps those around her from taking her to task. Mufasa Lodge is the local partner to an Italian NGO that supports many deprived children with a significant scholarship program that it has been funding for years but Mufasa’s owner doesn’t publicise its existence or display any of its activities whatsoever around the compound. This raises suspicion on how and where the money is being channeled. Sadly, I can’t recommend Mufasa Lodge as the rules imposed by its current owner do not espouse the principles and ethical conduct expected by civilised travellers - including backpackers on a budget. I expect strong pushback on my comments from Mufasa's current owner but my staying silent would be tantamount to being complicit. Staying passive would be a disservice to those considering to stay at this lodge and importantly to the local staff I encountered there.

This was for us the best find of all our years traveling in African countries. Thanks for all the hospitality, friendly chats, great food, splendid views and great times. we will forever cherish the memories we have made here.

Loved our stay here. The food was super expensive but everything else was great. Really loved the people there. Did a little snorkeling tour. Definitely recommend It’s not luxury at all, very basic but the vibe is superb

Go there for the View, the Beach and the slow pace. The food is excellent and so is the service in the bar. However it takes a looong time to get food. Prices are a bit too high on food. The room (us20dollar) was neglected with holes in mosquito net and the maddress/bed was falling a part, so not a good sleep! The rest is also needing a caring hand and you feel the place has been standing still the last years.

Overrated I feel. So much more could be done with the place. First of all the rooms are quite expensive (14000kw) for only a bed and a musquito net full of holes. There isn't even a power outlet in the room. You'll have to do with 4 charging points in the restaurant of which 2 don't even work while the other 2 are already in use most of the time. Frustrating. Other than that I think things could be made a lot cozier. Owner and staff could also be a bit more proactive, trash on the beach no one seemed to care about for example. The food was good. The sleeping too expensive. The place could be much more I think.

Beautiful space and very affordable dorm rooms. Menu has good variety, including vegan options, but does work on Malawi time- e.g. over an hour for one vegetable stirfry. Staff are all lovely though and super helpful. Nice to be within walking distance of town too where you can get tasty local food.

isolated place, cheaper rooms are 15 thousand and very dark, no bathroom, no hot shower or breakfast. We found the owner very rude and doesn't give a discount, even though there are no guests. The place is also kind of lifeless. We recommend going to Cape Maclear and staying there.

I really Miss Malawi from my heart it was a really short stay here at this place in july 2021. I had conversation before a day to be visiting and staying for two nights there. I stayed just like 24 hours here due to an emergency that i needed back in my company. It was so lovely to be there. The staff the owner she was amazing. Gonna visit again in 2023

A really wonderful place. I came here at the end of my time in malawi with an extra few days i realised i had and it was the best decision i made on my trip. Yes, the rooms aren't as luxury as you get elsewhere, but the vibe is so immaculate and some of my best laughs and memories from travelling the country were here (also the rooms are cheaper than most places!) . The people I met while staying were all so great and the location is beautiful too. The hang out/bar area is great for long conversations by the lake and swimming to the island and climbing to the top of the hill for views inland was super fun too. Food is good and there is a good kayak to rent, although the paddleboards need updating! I really recommend you stay here, it might be the best thing that you do in the country

Stunning remote location and every staff member was incredibly friendly and attentive. Sunrise viewpoint highly recommended! Room was a bit tired but we had a lovely time and would recommend!

Very peaceful spot. Private beach was beautiful and lovely to swim in. Dinner meal seemed a tad overpriced but generous portions. Dorm room doesn't have much (any) security. Fascinating to chat with the owner who has an incredible life story to share.

I had lunch at the lodge only once. The communication there was not so easy, the food was ok. The location seems very quiet and good to relax. Through Covid, the number of guests there has probably also gone down significantly.

What an incredible setting this place has. The bay, the lake, the mountains and it is very well protected from the wind. Felix is an incredibly friendly host and he really contributes to the experience. Just know that the restaurant works on Malawi time, but not Malawi prices

Fantastic setting for a lodge. Accommodation is comfortable and the food was splendid. Close to town so easy to pop in there and do some grocery shopping if you need it.

This place in terms of scenery is absolutely beautiful, as soon as you drive into the place, your eyes meet with the shimmering lake. It's like a spec of paradise hidden in the jungle. However, in all honesty as much as the scenery is beautiful the rooms themselves did seem a bit dark and gloomy in a way, especially with solar energized lights not working so well in some of the rooms and the windows not bringing in that much light. But it is furnished with your basic necessities: Bed (single, double, bunks, dorms dependingon which you book), a stand, and most importantly a net, bonus you do also have direct access to the lake as you walk out. Bathrooms as well I'd say the same, a bit dark and gloomy, also quite a distance from the accommodation rooms but ey they do the job which is what's most important. Service wise the people on deck were such lovely people, always helping out when in need of assistance which was amazing. The food was alright, however the menu was very limited to only 2 dishes when we were there, but I must say the chips is what took highlight for me, soft on the inside with a crsipy bite to it. It also has a well stocked bar area which is very cozy to sit back and just enjoy the view of the lake and the rocks surrounding.

Mustafa Eco Lodge is your little place of paradise in Monkey Bay. Highly recommended for every backpacker! The rooms are clean and comfortable. We had a room with shared toilets and bathrooms which are cleaned every morning. The lodge is in walking distance from the Ilala ferry and has a private beach. The staff is incredibly friendly and Ricky cooks the most delicious meals every time. The Thai vegetarian curry was our favourite and the breakfast chapati with avocado is also a must try :) You can relax in one of the hammocks and enjoy the view or walk into town and explore. There is an ATM and few small supermarkets in town and shops to print documents and top up your simcards. Thanks Felix, Ricky and all the others, hope we meet again!

I stayed for one night in Mufasa but I wish I could have stayed longer. I stayed in a shared room, which was clean, comfortable and very quiet. The lodge is so beautiful and clean (especially if coming from Cape Maclear!!) with its own private beach. You can swim out in to Lake Malawi and take it all in. At night you have a great view of the stars as theres little light pollution. The man on reception was so welcoming and helpful. I'd highly recommend staying here.