Best Beaches in Malawi: 7 Resorts With 2027 Prices

Last updated: August 2026

The Best Beaches in Malawi: 7 Resorts With 2027 Prices include Lake Malawi stays at The Makokola Retreat, Sunbird Nkopola Lodge, Kaya Mawa By Green Safaris, Ekhaya Luxury Resort, Sun n Sand Holiday Resort, Sunbird Livingstonia Beach Hotel, and Mumbo Island. Published prices range from $33 for selected Salima accommodation to $4,749 for a 26-night Malawi travel package. Confirm final 2027 rates and availability before booking.

Lake Malawi covers about one-third of Malawi, creating a huge choice of sandy coves, island escapes, and lakeside resorts. That makes a beach holiday easy to combine with wildlife, walking, and village visits.

Lake Malawi occupies about one-third of the country, yet its beaches offer very different holiday styles.

What Are the Best Beaches in Malawi?

The Best Beaches in Malawi: 7 Resorts With 2027 Prices are lakeside properties that combine swimming, views, and easy access to outdoor activities. The leading names include The Makokola Retreat, Sunbird Nkopola Lodge, Kaya Mawa By Green Safaris, Ekhaya Luxury Resort, and Sun n Sand Holiday Resort.

Malawi is a strong choice when you want a quieter African beach break. Lake Malawi offers fresh water, open views, and a slower pace than many ocean resorts. You can also add a safari, mountain walk, or cultural stop without leaving the country.

Quick answer: The best Malawi beach resort depends on your travel style. Choose Kaya Mawa for an island setting, The Makokola Retreat for a luxury lakeside stay, and Salima for lower-cost accommodation. In 2027, one listed Malawi package costs $4,749 for 26 nights, while selected Salima stays start at $33.

What makes a Malawi beach resort different?

Lake Malawi resorts offer more than a place beside the water. Many stays focus on boating, kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, quiet beaches, and sunset views. However, each property has a different setting, service level, and transfer plan.

Known for: Freshwater beaches, island retreats, warm hospitality, and outdoor water activities.

Best for: Travelers who want a beach extension after a Malawi safari or a peaceful stand-alone holiday.

Price range: Publicly listed examples run from $33 for selected Salima accommodation to $4,749 for a 26-night package. Resort prices depend on room type, meal plan, season, transfers, and activities.

Where are the main beach areas?

Mangochi is useful for travelers seeking southern Lake Malawi access. The area can fit well into a wider route that includes Liwonde National Park or other southern destinations.

Chintheche offers a northern lakeshore option. It suits travelers who prefer a relaxed beach stop away from busy city centers.

Livingstonia Beach adds a northern lake experience. It also works well with the dramatic Livingstonia escarpment and nearby Manchewe Waterfalls.

Chizumulu Island provides an island-focused experience. Likoma Island is another well-known island setting, and Kaya Mawa By Green Safaris is associated with this style of stay.

Zomba Plateau is not a beach, but it can add cool mountain scenery to a lake holiday. Similarly, Sapitwa suits travelers who want a hiking-focused extension.

Compare Malawi beach and safari packages for your 2027 travel dates to check available routes, inclusions, and operator reviews.

Which 7 Malawi Beach Resorts Should You Compare?

The seven recommended Malawi beach properties cover luxury retreats, island lodges, budget-friendly lake stays, and classic holiday resorts. Five names appear in SafariFind’s 2027 beach-resort recommendations, while Sunbird Livingstonia Beach Hotel and Mumbo Island add two useful alternatives.

1. The Makokola Retreat

The Makokola Retreat is one of the named 2027 recommendations for a Malawi beach holiday. Its position in the resort shortlist makes it a strong starting point for travelers seeking comfort, lake views, and a polished retreat.

Best for: Couples, honeymooners, and guests who want a luxury base. Request a full quote before booking, including meals, transfers, and activities.

2. Sunbird Nkopola Lodge

Sunbird Nkopola Lodge is included in SafariFind’s 2027 list of recommended Malawi beach resorts. The property suits visitors who want a traditional lakeside resort rather than a remote island lodge.

Best for: Families and travelers who want a simple beach stay with room for activities. Compare room plans carefully because meal inclusions can change the final price.

3. Kaya Mawa By Green Safaris

Kaya Mawa By Green Safaris is a popular Lake Malawi resort on Likoma Island. The property is known for its setting and outdoor water activities, including watersports.

Best for: Couples, island lovers, and guests who want a special lake escape. Build transfer time into your plan because island resorts need more careful arrival planning.

4. Ekhaya Luxury Resort

Ekhaya Luxury Resort appears in the 2027 SafariFind recommendation list. The name and positioning make it relevant for guests who value privacy, comfort, and a higher-end beach setting.

Best for: Travelers planning a quiet luxury holiday. Ask whether the 2027 quote includes airport transfers, activities, drinks, and taxes.

5. Sun n Sand Holiday Resort

Sun n Sand Holiday Resort is another property included in the 2027 resort recommendations. It offers a clear option for travelers searching for a classic holiday atmosphere beside Lake Malawi.

Best for: Families, groups, and travelers who want a relaxed resort base. Compare its offer with Nkopola Lodge before choosing your final itinerary.

6. Sunbird Livingstonia Beach Hotel

Sunbird Livingstonia Beach Hotel was listed from MWK63,046 in the available accommodation data. That price is a published starting point, not a guaranteed 2027 room rate, so confirm the currency, dates, taxes, and room category.

Best for: Travelers who want northern lake scenery and access to Livingstonia-area sights. The approach to Livingstonia includes 20 tight hairpin bends and climbs 700 meters in altitude.

7. Mumbo Island

Mumbo Island is a secluded eco-lodge with a listed rating of 4.7. Its quiet island setting suits visitors who value nature, privacy, and a small-scale beach experience.

Best for: Eco-conscious couples, photographers, and travelers seeking an unplugged island stay. Confirm boat transfers and the 2027 activity schedule before paying a deposit.

How Much Do Malawi Beach Resorts Cost in 2027?

Malawi beach resort prices in 2027 are not published as one fixed national rate. The available examples show selected Salima accommodation from $33, Sunbird Livingstonia Beach Hotel from MWK63,046, and one Malawi travel package at $4,749 for 26 nights.

These figures are useful benchmarks, but they do not compare like-for-like. A room-only listing is different from a long package with transport, meals, guides, and several destinations. Therefore, ask every operator for a complete cost breakdown.

Published price examples

• Salima accommodation: From $33, with flexible duration and ratings that depend on the hotel.
• Sunbird Livingstonia Beach Hotel: Listed from MWK63,046.
• Malawi travel package: Listed at $4,749 for 26 nights.
• Luxury resorts: The 2027 rate must be confirmed directly for Makokola, Kaya Mawa, Ekhaya, Nkopola, and Sun n Sand.

Important consideration: A low starting price does not show the full holiday cost. Check transfers, meals, park fees, boat rides, drinks, insurance, and extra nights. Also confirm whether the price is per room, per person, or for the whole package.

How to protect your 2027 budget

1. Set a total budget before choosing a resort.
2. Ask for the same inclusions from each operator.
3. Compare room-only, breakfast, half-board, and full-board plans.
4. Check transfer costs between the airport, safari parks, and lake.
5. Read recent traveler reviews before paying a deposit.

The Malawi safari cost guide for 2027 can help you compare budget, mid-range, and luxury package planning. It is especially useful when you want to combine a beach stay with game viewing.

Request quotes from verified Malawi tour operators for your budget and compare matching inclusions rather than headline prices alone.

Beach and safari combinations

Beach time can add value after a game drive because it gives you a slower final few days. For example, travelers can explore Liwonde, Majete, or Nkhotakota before moving toward Lake Malawi. The 7-day Liwonde safari itinerary provides a useful planning reference for a bush-and-lake trip.

How Should You Plan a Malawi Beach Holiday?

Start a Malawi beach holiday by choosing the lake region, resort style, and trip length. Then match transfers to your safari route. This approach prevents short stays from becoming transfer-heavy and helps you choose between a mainland beach, northern lake stop, or island retreat.

Step 1: Choose your beach style

Choose Salima for a lower-cost starting point, based on listings from $33. Choose Livingstonia Beach for northern scenery and a route linked to the escarpment. Choose an island such as Likoma or Mumbo for a quieter escape and a stronger sense of separation.

Island stay: Best for privacy, water activities, and couples.

Mainland resort: Best for families, easier road access, and flexible schedules.

Safari extension: Best for travelers who want wildlife and beach time in one holiday.

Step 2: Plan transfers

Transfer time matters in Malawi. The road to Livingstonia includes 20 tight hairpin bends and rises 700 meters. Treat that journey as part of the experience, not as a quick city transfer.

Manchewe Waterfalls drops 125 meters over the escarpment. Visitors adding this stop should allow enough time for the road, viewpoints, and nearby walks. You can also research Manchewe Waterfalls before building your northern itinerary.

Step 3: Add the right activities

Ask what your resort includes before you arrive. Water activities may include boating, kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, or other lake trips. However, equipment, guides, fuel, and private excursions may cost extra.

Known for: Lake views, freshwater beaches, island settings, and outdoor water activities.

Best for: Travelers who want a calm break after a busy safari circuit.

Step 4: Combine the lake with wildlife

A beach-and-bush holiday gives you more variety than a beach stay alone. Start with a wildlife reserve, continue to the lake, and finish with two or three quiet nights beside the water.

Majete Wildlife Reserve packages for 2027 can help travelers plan the southern part of this route. Guests seeking a northern option can also review Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve before selecting a beach resort.

Step 5: Check the booking details

• Confirm the exact 2027 travel dates.
• Check whether prices use US dollars or Malawian kwacha.
• Ask for the cancellation and deposit rules.
• Confirm transfers, meals, taxes, and activities.
• Read authentic reviews from previous travelers.

As of August 2026, some published figures are starting prices rather than confirmed 2027 resort rates. Use them to set expectations, then request a dated quote. Availability can change quickly for island properties and peak holiday periods.

What Should You Pack for a Malawi Beach Resort?

Pack light clothing, swimwear, sun protection, walking shoes, and a small dry bag. A beach holiday also needs practical items for transfers and activities. Choose quick-dry fabrics because lake excursions can involve spray, rain, or wet equipment.

• Swimwear and a light cover-up
• Wide-brim hat and high-factor sunscreen
• Sandals plus closed walking shoes
• Insect repellent and basic medicines
• Reusable water bottle
• Dry bag for phones and cameras
• Light fleece for cool evenings or mountain routes

Travelers visiting Livingstonia should bring shoes with good grip. The route includes steep bends and a 700-meter climb. Guests adding Manchewe Waterfalls should plan for walking on uneven ground near the 125-meter drop.

How can you choose a trustworthy operator?

SafariFind connects travelers with verified tour operators and authentic reviews. Compare the operator’s experience, package details, response time, and recent guest feedback. A clear quote should list accommodation, transport, meals, activities, and exclusions.

Read reviews for clues about guide quality, transfer comfort, room condition, and how the operator handled changes. A high score helps, but detailed recent comments give better planning information.

How can you avoid common booking mistakes?

1. Do not compare a room price with an all-inclusive package.
2. Do not assume every lake activity is included.
3. Do not book a remote island transfer without confirming arrival times.
4. Do not ignore road distances between parks and resorts.
5. Do not treat a starting price as a guaranteed 2027 quote.

For a longer stay, compare the package length with your available leave. A 26-night package listed at $4,749 may suit slow travelers, but a shorter itinerary can fit better for first-time visitors. Ask the operator to remove unused nights rather than guessing the final saving.

Before booking, review the Cape Maclear beach and bush package guide. It offers another way to compare Lake Malawi beach time with safari travel.

Image suggestion: show a wide Lake Malawi beach with the alt text “lakeside beach resort on Lake Malawi in 2027.” Image suggestion: show a boat near Likoma Island with the alt text “Kaya Mawa style island resort on Lake Malawi.”

Conclusion

The best Malawi beach holiday combines the right lakeside resort with a clear 2027 budget and realistic transfers. Choose Kaya Mawa By Green Safaris or Mumbo Island for an island escape. Choose Salima accommodation when a lower starting price matters. Consider Sunbird Livingstonia Beach Hotel if northern scenery and escarpment visits appeal to you.

Published figures range from $33 for selected Salima stays to $4,749 for a 26-night Malawi package. These numbers are planning guides, not fixed resort rates. Confirm room categories, meals, activities, transport, and cancellation terms before booking.

Compare verified safari and beach packages on SafariFind, read authentic reviews, and request a quote from verified operators. In 2027, a well-planned Lake Malawi stay can add peaceful freshwater beaches to a memorable safari holiday.

Plan Your Safari with SafariFind

These recommendations use real data from SafariFind, where you can compare operators, browse packages, and read verified traveler reviews before you book.

What Travelers Say (SafariFind Reviews)

References

1. Best beaches in Malawi — Lonely Planet
2. Best Beach Resorts in Malawi: 2027 Packages & Prices — SafariFind
3. Best Beaches in Salima, Malawi: 2027 Packages & Prices — SafariFind
4. Malawi Tours and Safaris: Rates and Prices for 2026/2027 — MoAfrika Tours
5. The Best Resorts in Malawi — Nyongesa Sande
6. Malawi Luxury Safari Holidays — African Pride