Kumbali Lodge is a true retreat in Malawi, the warm heart of Africa. It's about a 30-40 minute drive from the airport (with traffic), and part of the drive traverses a traditional village over a bumpy dirt road. The lodge is situated on 200 acres of some of the most beautiful land in Malawi; very private and serene. Individual rooms are attached, but interiors resemble chalets with high ceilings and thatched roofs. Fans in every room. Electricity and water are reliable; something I've never expected or found in other lodging in Malawi.
The food is a real treat. We looked forward to dinner every night. Dinners run $25 for a 3-course meal, and it's worth every penny. Breakfast is included, and is cooked to order or you can choose from the buffet. Don't miss the yoghurt, which is made from their on-site dairy farm.
The team at Malawi went above and beyond to make sure that our group of 7 had everything that we needed. Tipping is done at the end of your stay so that everyone can be rewarded (including groundskeepers, etc.) . We tipped heavily because the service was - truly - exceptional.