Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
US$500, as well as tailored trips further afield. He can also arrange bus bookings for Tan-
zania, cabins for the
Ilala
ferry, flights and lodges. Sunset cruises cost US$20.
Sleeping
Nkhata Bay has several places to stay, all strung out in a line along the road into town and
along the lakeshore. Beds at most places have mosquito nets. To get from town to the
lodges at Chikale Beach, stay on the road, cross the bridge and then head up the big hill.
It's about one to two kilometres, depending on the lodge.
GUESTHOUSE
Butterfly Space $
( 0999-265065;
www.butterfly-space.com
; campsite per person MK750, dm MK1500,
chalet with/without bathroom MK4000/2500; )
Run by Alice and Khumbu, in-
spiring, colourful and socially committed Butterfly, next to Mayoka Village, is a rare
backpackers oasis. There's a palapa-style lounge or spacious beachfront bar to chill in, a
private beach, internet cafe, media centre, self-catering block and a restaurant serving au-
thentic Tongan cuisine, as well as pancakes, steak and chips, or muffins.
It gets better too: Butterfly Space is passionately involved in youth programs, so you
can volunteer on-site in the youth centre helping with computer, painting or English les-
sons. There's also a craft shop. Rooms in the A-frame cabanas are basic but very clean.
Aqua Africa $$
(
LODGE
0999-921418, 01-352284;
www.aqua-africa.co.uk
; r from US$35-80;
)
With cozy en suite rooms with polished stone floors, private balconies, huge beds and
step-in mozzie nets, this lovely accommodation is often used by resident divers. The Dive
Deck Cafe, complete with wicker loungers and viewing deck, has an excellent menu ran-
ging from full breakfasts to salads, tortilla wraps and muffins. Staff are equally friendly
and helpful.
LODGE
Mayoka Village $$
( 0999-268595, 01-994025;
www.mayokavillage.com
; dm US$8, s/d chalet US$20/40,
s/d chalet without bathroom US$15/28; )
Cleverly shaped around the rocky topo-
graphy of a cliff, boutique-style Mayoka cascades down in a series of beautiful bamboo-
and-stone chalets. There are myriad romantic nooks to take in the lake below, or to grab
some rays on sun loungers. There's also a great waterfront bar.
