Cape Maclear Hotel Tips by georeiser

Fat Monkeys Lodge: Fat Monkeys Lodge in Cape Maclear

Fat Monkeys Lodge is in my opinion the best choice for mid-budget to low-budget travellers. I also stayed at Gecko Lodge and checked out other places like Gaia, Thomasses and the expensive Cape Mac Lodge.

Unique Qualities: The area of Fat Monkeys Lodge is spacious compared to Gecko Lodge, which is the second-best choice for accomodation. Fat Monkeys Lodge have some large family bungalows for 7500 MKW a night, and cheaper, smaller rooms and dorms. You have also the possibility to stay in a tent on their camping area. Overland trucks stays here. Fat Monkeys Lodge is more quiet than Gecko Lodge.

The rooms were clean, and the staff were friendly. The laundry is fast and done by washing machines.

The restaurant inside the area was driven by some locals who had their own business. The food could have been cheaper. Although the eating area and bar in front of the shore line was very nice. The sunset view is the best I have seen. (see other tip).

Address: Cape Maclear, Malawi

Comparison: about average

Directions: Right on the beach, not far from Cape Mac Lodge.

Price: US$20-40

Theme: Pension/Guesthouse

Gecko Lodge: Gecko Lodge in Cape Maclear

Gecko Lodge is the place for young backpackers. The place is cool and noisy. I was sleeping here one night in a dorm with 10 other people and moved out to Fat Monkeys the day after because the lodge was fully booked. The price level was slightly higher than Fat Monkeys. The rooms and the area are not too spacious here. And the locals have their bamboo huts right into the place where the tourists stay. But it's not a problem for the tourists, rather than the locals. (see another tip for noise from Gecko Lodge).

Unique Qualities: The restaurant and eating area in Gecko Lodge are one of the best in Cape Maclear. The food taste good, but is a bit expensive for a "backpacker budget". The bar at Gecko Lodge rocks the night in Cape Maclear. Disco "PA-system" play loud music until 3 AM in the week-ends.

Address: Cape Maclear, Malawi

Comparison: about average

Directions: 10 meters from the beach, in the center of everything. 400 meters from Fat Monkeys.

Price: US$20-40

Theme: Hotel

Chikondi Lodge: Chikondi Lodge

Chikondi Lodge is a cheap backpacker lodge on the south-western part of Cape Maclear. It's next door to the Chembe AIDS project. I was not there, but Chikonde Lodge is supposed to be a good alternative for backpackers. Maybe a good choice if you are a caring person and want to to something for the orphans at the AIDS project?

I think the place was a bit too far away from the center of the beach.

Address: Cape Maclear, Malawi

Directions: South-western part of Cape Maclear.

Theme: Pension/Guesthouse

GAIA-HOUSE, Backpackers Lodge: Gaia Lodge

GAIA-HOUSE, Backpackers Lodge & Beach Restaurant is another good backpacker lodge in Cape Maclear with single, double or for all the familly, to accomodate up to 30 people and camping facilities.

Address: Cape Maclear, malawi

Comparison: about average

Directions: Directly on the beach, about 300 meters to the left side of Gecko Lodge.

Other Contact: contact@gaia-house.com

Phone: +265 9374631

Price: US$20-40

Theme: Pension/Guesthouse

Cape Mac Lodge: More expensive hotel than average

Cape Mac Lodge is a nice, but a more expensive hotel than average. The location is right on the beach. But the area of the beach is abandoned and completely dark in the nights. Looks like a private beach with nothing in it.

Unique Qualities: This hotel is a good choice if you are looking for a quiet place. The hotel has a nice french restaurant, called "Froggies".

Address: Cape Maclear, Malawi

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Right on the beach. Not far from Fat Monkeys Lodge.

Phone: +265 09621279

Price: US$80-120

Theme: Hotel