Cutting Costs in Malawi

A life-long dream is to visit Lake Malawi. Looking at the official Malawi Tourism website, I find the prices for flights and accommodation quite steep. Do you have any suggestions ? - Willie van der Schyff

While it is true that a holiday in Malawi can cost as much as one on a tropical island, it is one of Africa's most unique destinations. Thompsons is offering a seven-night stay at the three-star Makokola Retreat for R13,500 person sharing including taxes. The package is all-inclusive, which means that besides the flight from Johannesburg to Lilongwe, hotel transfers and seven nights accommodation, you also get three meals a day and free drinks (including local alcohol). You will also get free non-motorised watersports. The resort is located north of Mangochi, on the southern shores of Lake Malawi (www.thompsons.co.za). That may seem expensive, but the resort usually charges $184-$292 (R1,500-R2,300) per person per day for full board. You could get the cost down by making your own bookings and choosing a cheaper resort. I checked flights and the average price of a return ticket from Johannesburg to Lilongwe on SAA cost around R5500 including taxes. You could find a comfortable hotel from R350-R650 per night, bringing the package cost down substantially. One of the cost-effective resorts at the lake is Nkopola Lodge (R647 per person).  You could opt for one of the chalets or rooms at the Gecko Lounge at Cape Maclear. These are priced from only R459 per room per night. A rustic choice would be the Safari Cottage in Nkhata Bay (R539 per cottage). In the Liwonde National Park you can stay at Hippo View Lodge (R350 per person). All these discounted rates are on offer on www.malawi-direct.com.(24 June 2012)