Sunbird Ku Chawe

Top choice in Malawi


Set in elevated botanical gardens dripping with honeysuckle and bluegums, Ku Chawe boasts amazing views of the distant plain. Inside its red-brick exterior (built 1969), service is warm and the rooms are equally appealing, with verandas, international-style decor, spacious bathrooms and cosy stone fireplaces.

There's a restaurant and a welcoming bar, which resembles a library, that has sweeping views and serves cream teas (MK2500). If it's warm, you can eat on the terrace. The buffet breakfast is generous, and the menu features fillet steaks, lamb, guinea fowl, chambo, pasta dishes, burgers and sandwiches (mains MK5000, snacks MK3500). There's also bags to do here, such as exploring the plateau by mountain bike (MK1000 per hour) or jeep (Mk25000 per person).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Malawi attractions

1. Model Hut

0.16 MILES

Get your bearings at this 3D map of the plateau and the Potato Path.

2. Mandala Falls

0.45 MILES

Just off the main tarred road up to the plateau are the Mandala Falls. A nature trail with picnic spots runs past the neighbouring Mulunguzi Dam to the…

3. Skyline View

0.47 MILES

Viewpoint on the southern side of the plateau.

4. Old Parliament Buildings

1.42 MILES

Dating to Zomba's years as the national capital, this faded yellow complex off Livingstone Rd, behind the more modern court building, now serves as court…

5. Williams Falls

1.44 MILES

From the southern side of the plateau you can hike through some beautiful indigenous forest and past a trout farm to this impressive cascade.

6. Mosque

1.68 MILES

Zomba's main mosque is close to the market.

7. Queen's View

2.02 MILES

For really impressive views, head for Queen’s View on the eastern side of the plateau. It's named after Queen Elizabeth, wife of King George VI (and…

8. Emperor's View

2.36 MILES

Emperor’s View is named after Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, who visited in 1964. It gazes down on Zomba town and out towards Mulanje.