- A barefoot-luxury island lodge on Nankoma in the Marelli Islands, within Lake Malawi National Park.
- Reached only by boat — a genuine private-island escape of tents, beaches and clear water.
- Kayaking, snorkelling, sailing and dhow cruises over reefs of endemic cichlid fish, plus a spa and yoga deck.
- One of the most romantic, off-grid corners of Malawi — pure Lake of Stars seclusion.
Why Blue Zebra Island Lodge
Some places you simply switch off, and Blue Zebra is one of them. Set on Nankoma Island in the protected Marelli group — part of Lake Malawi National Park — it is reached only by boat, and that short crossing is the moment the mainland, and the noise, fall away. What remains is a scatter of luxury tents under the trees, quiet beaches, warm clear water and some of the most spectacular sunsets in Africa.
It is barefoot, intimate and gloriously off-grid without sacrificing comfort. For honeymooners and anyone craving a true island escape, it is the perfect end to a Malawi safari — or a destination in its own right.
The Tents & Setting
Accommodation ranges from safari-style luxury tents to family units, all set among the trees with lake views and easy access to the beach. Interiors are cool and simple — netted beds, natural materials, en-suite bathrooms and private decks — and the whole camp is designed to tread lightly on its protected island. A beach bar, dining under the stars, a spa and a yoga deck complete the picture.
Activities on the Island
The lake is your playground. Snorkel straight off the beach over reefs alive with the endemic cichlids Lake Malawi is famous for; kayak between islands; sail or take a dhow cruise; or simply paddle and swim in the warm, bilharzia-managed water. There is guided birdwalking on the island, a spa for slow afternoons, and sunset cruises that end with the sky on fire over the Lake of Stars.
Best Time to Visit
Blue Zebra is a year-round island escape. The dry season (May to October) brings calm, clear water perfect for snorkelling and sailing, while the green season (November to April) is warm and beautiful, with dramatic skies and glorious light. The lake stays swimmable all year.
Rates & How to Book
| Location | Nankoma Island, Marelli Islands, Lake Malawi NP |
|---|---|
| Rooms | Luxury island tents & family units |
| Access | By boat only — a true private island |
| Best for | Honeymoons, island escapes, families |
Blue Zebra is offered inclusive of meals and most lake activities. We tailor length of stay and pair it with Liwonde or Majete, so we quote current rates when we design your trip.
Ready to plan your own tailor-made Malawi safari? Talk to a Beyond Africa Safaris specialist, browse our tailor-made safari packages, or message us on WhatsApp for private, custom pricing.
