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Sunbird Nkopola Lodge

4.5 star property
Luxury hotel on the beach, with outdoor pool

Photo gallery for Sunbird Nkopola Lodge

Relax in style with ocean views from this outdoor seating area, featuring a wicker table and chairs.
Enjoy breathtaking views of the sea from this room, featuring a round table and two chairs.
Relax by the resort's central pool surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees.
Enjoy dining in this elegant space with tables and chairs arranged for a comfortable meal.
Experience the serene charm of this traditional hotel, surrounded by lush greenery and offering access to balconies via a stone staircase.

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Breakfast included
  • Kitchen
  • Pool
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Room service
The current price is AU$259
includes taxes & fees
1 Aug - 2 Aug

Explore the area

Map
14 Chilembwe Road, Club Makokola, Mangochi
  • Monkey Bay Beach
  • Nkhudzi Bay Beach
    ‪36 min drive‬
  • Lake Malawi National Park
    ‪50 min drive‬
  • Monkey Bay (MYZ)
    ‪51 min drive‬

Room options

Superior Room (Hillside Superior Room)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Kitchen
LED TV
Select Comfort bed
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Room (Hillside Deluxe Room)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Kitchen
LED TV
Select Comfort bed
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Studio, Lake View (Lakeview Studio Room)

Studio, Lake View (Lakeview Studio Room)

Studio, Lake View (Lakeview Studio Room)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Kitchen
LED TV
Select Comfort bed
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Chalet (Deluxe Chalet Room)

Select Comfort beds, in-room safe, bed sheets

Deluxe Chalet (Deluxe Chalet Room)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Kitchen
LED TV
Separate bedroom
Select Comfort bed
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Suite, Lake View

Suite, Lake View

Suite, Lake View

Highlights

Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Kitchen
LED TV
Separate bedroom
Select Comfort bed
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the area

Club Makokola

A luxury stay in Mangochi awaits you at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge. You'll be 0.2 km (0.1 mi) from Lake Malawi and 27 km (16.7 mi) from Nkhudzi Bay Beach. Highlights at this beachfront hotel include a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and free buffet breakfast. .The restaurant, The Beach Side Restaurant, serves international cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Malindi Bar is the hotel's own bar. Spend the day at the beach where you'll find motor boating. Additionally, you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas, a coffee shop/cafe and laundry facilities. Each morning free breakfast is served. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .With a stay at this 4.5-property class Mangochi hotel, you'll be 27 km (16.8 mi) from Lake Malawi Museum and 27.3 km (17 mi) from Monkey Bay Beach.

What's nearby

  • Nkhudzi Bay Beach - 36 min drive - 30.1 km
  • Lake Malawi Museum - 40 min drive - 30.4 km
  • Lake Malawi National Park - 50 min drive - 46.8 km

Getting around

  • Monkey Bay (MYZ) - 39 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Zithere Pano Restaurant - ‬7 min drive

About this property

Sunbird Nkopola Lodge

Luxury hotel on the beach, with outdoor pool
There's a restaurant on site, as well as a coffee shop/cafe. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. Free breakfast is available daily. Public spaces have free WiFi.

Business amenities include a business centre and a meeting room. An outdoor pool, barbecue grills, and multilingual staff are also featured at the luxury Sunbird Nkopola Lodge. Self parking is free.

This 4.5-star Mangochi hotel is smoke free.

  • 1 building
  • 1 floor
  • 55 guestrooms or units
  • Built in 1971
  • Buffet breakfast (free)
  • Business facilities
  • Conference space
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Gift shop
  • Beauty salon
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • Bellhop
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Coffee shop
  • Bar by the pool
  • Dining venue
Sunbird Nkopola Lodge offers 55 air-conditioned accommodations with a safe and free newspapers. Beds feature Select Comfort mattresses. Accommodation at this 4.5-star hotel has kitchens with coffee/tea makers.

Bathrooms include bathrobes and complimentary toiletries. 42-inch LED televisions come with premium digital channels and pay-per-view films. Microwaves, fridges and in-room massages can be requested. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered on a daily basis.

Languages

English

Similar properties

Relax on the beach under shaded umbrellas and lounge chairs, surrounded by palm trees and majestic mountains.

The Makokola Retreat

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • All-inclusive
  • Spa
4.3 out of 5, Excellent, 4 reviews
The Makokola Retreat

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Return airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free secured self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Malindi Bar
  • The Beach Side Restaurant

Things to do

  • Fishing
  • Fitness classes
  • Motor boating
  • Outdoor pool
  • Racquetball/squash
  • Volleyball

Family friendly

  • In-room kitchen
  • Laundry facilities
  • Microwave on request
  • Outdoor pool
  • Refrigerator on request

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Hair salon
  • Laundry facilities
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Business centre
  • Conference space
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • On a lake
  • On the beach

Spa

  • In-room massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 2 accessible parking spaces
  • Accessible bathtub
  • Hand-held showerhead
  • No lift (single-level property)
  • Valet for wheelchair-equipped vehicles
  • Visual alarms in hallways
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business centre
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking
  • Wheelchairs on site

More

  • 1 building
  • 1 floor
  • Built in 1971
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Select Comfort mattress

Bathroom

  • Dressing gowns
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Private bathroom
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 42-inch LED TV with premium digital channels
  • Pay films

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Kitchen
  • Limited room service
  • Microwave on request
  • Refrigerator on request

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Express check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 2:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit and window guards
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa and Mastercard. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit and window guards in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • Connecting/adjoining rooms are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property at the number on your booking confirmation.
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

Property is also known as

Nkopola
Nkopola Lodge
Sunbird Nkopola
Sunbird Nkopola Lodge
Sunbird Nkopola Lodge Mangochi
Sunbird Nkopola Mangochi
Sunbird Nkopola Hotel Mangochi
Sunbird Nkopola Lodge Malawi/Mangochi
Sunbird Nkopola Lodge Hotel
Sunbird Nkopola Lodge Mangochi
Sunbird Nkopola Lodge Hotel Mangochi

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge?

Sunbird Nkopola Lodge offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge?

As of 27 July 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge on 1 Aug 2025 start from AU$258.91, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge?

Yep, Sunbird Nkopola Lodge has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Sunbird Nkopola Lodge?

The closest beach to Sunbird Nkopola Lodge is Nkhudzi Bay Beach (19.9 km).

Does Sunbird Nkopola Lodge have a pool?

Sunbird Nkopola Lodge has an outdoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying with a coldie from the bar.

What makes Sunbird Nkopola Lodge a romantic place to stay?

A lounge bar, plus comfy beds in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge.

Does Sunbird Nkopola Lodge serve breakfast?

Sure does, free buffet breakfast is offered daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge?

No, but there's an airport shuttle for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves international cuisine. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.

Are pets allowed at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge?

No, pets and service animals are not allowed.

Sunbird Nkopola Lodge Reviews

Reviews

7.0

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 4 out of 25 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 25 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 25 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 25 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 25 reviews

7.4/10

Cleanliness

7.0/10

Staff & service

6.4/10

Amenities

6.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

James

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Winifred

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Samuel

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2022

2/10 Terrible

Rhita, UK

Nkopola is beautiful only we didnt have to stay there. Expedia cancelled our booking the day we were meant to check in. We are very disappointed. Left us stranded. We rmailed to be refunded no reponse up to now.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Stayed 1 night in May 2020

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Room service was slow. one time l waited for over an hour and a half for my dinner to be delivered to my room. was told that breakfast was served from 6.30am but this was not so. aT 6.30 AM the staff would still be busy bringing foof from the kitchen. This was inconviniencing as l had early morning starts. When l checked out on the 12th of February, l asked for my invoice to be sent to me by email. Up to now the invoice has not be sent
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Overall dissapointing considering the cost of this hotel
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

8/10 Good

Blair

Business traveller
Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Good view by the lake. Condition is old. Not worth paying that price for.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019

6/10 Okay

Mwaka

Business traveller
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The view of the lake was pretty. The room was a 2* at best. I expected 3* at least. Very poor shower and at one stage I almost got burnt very badly whilst in the shower. Conference food was good but the hotel breakfast was not great. The cost of wine is exhorbitant - daylight robbery!!! Waiter service was way below standard - they need to spend a lot of time being trained. How is it acceptable that one has to wait 40minutes or more to receive their drinks order?
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2019

8/10 Good

Chris, Malawi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Food

The lunch and dinners this time were not up to the quality expected. No options for diet drinks from Coke Zero to coke light for guests needing sugar free drinks. Pool was closed without notifying us when we made the booking.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2018

8/10 Good

Fo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2017

4/10 Poor

Esmail, England

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Too expensive for the kind of rooms at this place.

Wanted to try out this place again having stayed here more than 10 years ago. Felt accommodations rates were too expensive and not worth the price I had to pay online. The Lodge did not get a confirmation email of my online booking. I had to forward the email I received online to reception for them to believe me that I had paid online!

2/10 Terrible

jo, new zealand

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

It needs a complete makeover.

We had a deluxe room. The roof leaked so we needed to move out. Then the next room the toilet flooded then moved again to a room where the shower did not work then a massive rain storm effected the water which came out black. Shower and toilet too. The staff need massive re training in customer care they seemed not bothered and would not even break a smile. The buffet food was average and you did not have a wide range of choice. The deluxe rooms are quite a walk from the main hotel they need a cover along the paths especially when it's the rainy season and also a safe. Twice we wished to exchange money and they had no local currency and the ATM had no money. Service was awful too and the food took ages. We left a day early. We were paying Western Prices and got no value for the cost whatsoever. There was no visual management either.

8/10 Good

Hermes

Liked: Property conditions & facilities

8/10 Good

A, UK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Excellent position

Unfortunately we were told only rooms available were up several flights difficult outside stairs although we had booked several months on advance. Plugs in impossible places which meant unable to use kettle. However as soon as we asked about this staff immediately bought extension lead. Felt it should have been thought about. tap came off in hand. Staff exceptionally helpful and sorted all problems

10/10 Excellent

Steve, Swansea UK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great location right on the lake shore.

Great hotel with good facilities, well maintained and great gardens. Food was good and service excellent, staff very friendly and helpful. Room was good with AC and own bathroom and outside patio area with chairs and table. Nice bar area overlooking the lake.

6/10 Okay

John, London

Liked: Property conditions & facilities

Nkopola revisited

Returned to Malawi for a holiday 25 years after leaving the country (after working there for 4 years). Spent 2 nights at Nkpola, where my wife and I had last stayed 25 years ago. Arriving just after the Presidential Elections (with the result still to be determined), the hotel was deserted. We were the only guests staying there the first night. But Reception was not very welcoming and initially gave us one of the few chalets without a beach view. We requested a lakeside chalet and one was, eventually, found.

8/10 Good

Bjarne

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Hirotsugu

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
猿が遊びに来ました。
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2022

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Heel mooi

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort