MANGOCHI, MALAWI, AFRICA: A GUIDE TO MANGOCHI BEACHES ON LAKE MALAWI & OTHER PLACES TO VISIT AROUND MANGOCHI 

The city of Mangochi is situated in Mangochi District, the Southern region of Malawi. The city is found between Lake Malombe and Lake Malawi—it covers some parts of the southern section of Lake Malawi. 

How big is the Mangochi district? Mangochi Boma (city center) has a few banks as well as ATM’s (Cash Points). You will also find street markets, supermarkets, Service Stations (Gas Stations), a Police Station, and Mangochi District Hospital.

PLACES TO VISIT IN MANGOCHI MALAWI 

LAKE MALAWI 

Lake Malawi stretches across the central and northern part of Malawi. It stretches from the vibrant district of Mangochi to the northern district of Karonga. The part of Lake Malawi that is in Mangochi is popular with visitors. This is because of its close proximity to the main cities of Malawi such as Lilongwe and Blantyre. Also, there is a concentration of hotels and lodges in Mangochi. Lake Malawi has crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and abundant marine life. It offers a haven for adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful escape.

MANGOCHI WAR MEMORIAL TOWER

To gain insight into the city’s colonial history, one can visit the Mangochi War Memorial Tower, built in 1903 to commemorate Queen Victoria. Some people call the tower “Queen Victoria Memorial Tower”, but on Google, you will find it as Mangochi War Memorial Tower.

Adjacent to the tower, there is a 6PR Hotchkiss gun from the British gunboat Gwendolen, which sank a German battleship in 1914. Situated at the waterfront of Lake Malawi, the tower also pays tribute to the 145 passengers who perished when the ship MV Vipya sank. 

At this location, you will also find the Bakili Muluzi Bridge, an attraction in its own right.

LAKE MALAWI MUSEUM IN MANGOCHI, MALAWI

The Lake Malawi Museum, located next to the Queen Victoria Tower in Mangochi, offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the city’s tribes and history. The museum houses a vast collection of fossils, particularly from the Yao tribe, as well as stone age tools and boats. The outdoor collection includes a marine steam engine and a Hotchkiss gun.

BAKILI MULUZI BRIDGE

Located in Mangochi town, Bakili Muluzi Bridge is an arch bridge named in honor of Malawi’s first elected President, Bakili Muluzi. This bridge facilitates transportation to Mandimba Mozambique and surrounding areas. Standing at a height of 1,541 feet (470 meters) above the Shire River, it is the largest bridge in Malawi. Walking across the bridge provides excellent views of Lake Malawi, it is recommended to walk during daylight hours, for safety purposes. There is a functioning street market when you cross the bridge where you can buy drinks and food.

LAKE MALAWI MUSEUM

Lake Malawi Museum near the Bakili Muluzi Bridge. Mangochi City offers numerous reasons why it is considered a popular tourist attraction—travelers can visit museums like this to understand the history of Mangochi and also enjoy the sandy beaches of Lake Malawi in Mangochi.

Other notable places to visit in Mangochi include the Great Synagogue and the Catholic Cathedral.

MANGOCHI CITY MARKETS

Shopping at the city’s markets is something every traveler or tourist must do. This is how you interact with the locals in-depth and understand the Malawi culture and food. 

There are myriad things you can buy from these street markets–souvenir pieces, clothing items, fresh fruits, fresh and dried fish, cooked meals in food kiosks and restaurants, and more. 

When we travel to these markets, we try to find a food stand or small restaurant where we can eat local food cooked in a way that most hotels would not. Nothing beats traditional cuisine cooked by the locals. 

LAKE MALOMBE

Lake Malombe, located in the southern part of Malawi has the Shire River as its tributary. Both Lake Malombe and Lake Malawi are Shire River’s mainstems. 

Covering an area of 162 square miles and with a depth of 2.5 meters, Lake Malombe offers a picturesque setting for boat trips and an opportunity to appreciate its beauty. Exploring the lake’s diverse fish species is a must, especially the famous cichlid fish. 

The economic importance of Lake Malombe is evident through rice and maize cultivation along its shores, as well as fishing activities.

BOADZULU ISLAND

Situated in Mangochi on Lake Malawi, Boadzulu Island can be reached by boat. Visitors should inquire at their hotel about transportation to the island, as the travel time varies depending on the departure point. It is important to consider weather conditions, particularly strong gusty winds when planning a boat ride to the island.

OTHER THINGS TO DO IN MANGOCHI: DAY TRIPS

The listed places above are attractions that are around Mangochi Boma (town center), as well as nice beaches found on Lake Malawi in Mangochi. Other fun things to do can be found a short drive from Mangochi.

Photo: Malape Pillars are rock formations in Machinga District.

• Take a day trip to Cape Maclear and Lake Malawi National Park (it’s only about one and a half hours drive)
• Visit a cultural village near Mangochi. Kungoni Centre of Culture and Art at Mua Parish is a good option for people who have a full day to spare. The village is situated about one and a half hours drive from Mangochi and they also have accommodation for those who want to spend a night.
• Mangochi Forest Reserve
• Day trip to Liwonde National Park and Malape Pillars

MANGOCHI HOTELS & LODGES

Lake Malawi is known for its beautiful beaches and natural landscapes. The city of Mangochi offers a range of hotels that have beautiful and clean beaches, and cater to different budgets. Among the best hotels in Mangochi are Makokola Retreat and Sunbird Nkopola. People also talk about Sun n Sand Mangochi (I have never stayed here). Most hotels can be found on TripAdvisor, Booking.com—but it might be best to email or text them, if you can’t find a room on third party platforms. You could also find some lodges and self catering cottages in Mangochi on AirBnB.

Photo: Makokola Retreat

Makokola Retreat is a luxurious resort situated on a pristine beach along the southern shores of Lake Malawi, in Mangochi. This secluded getaway offers a tranquil and serene atmosphere for its guests. The resort boasts spacious and elegantly designed rooms and suites that offer breathtaking views of the lake. Makokola Retreat is a stunning location that offers excellent service. They have a range of facilities and activities ideal for both adults and kids. It is an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful and indulgent retreat. My family enjoyed our relaxed holiday here.

Sunbird Nkopola is located in Mangochi, along Lake Malawi. The hotel features well-appointed rooms and suites that are tastefully furnished. The hotel is equipped with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the lake. The hotel has a nice swimming pool good for kids.

Whether you are on a family vacation or a business trip, Sunbird Nkopola offers a comfortable stay. If you are visiting during public holidays or Christmas time, there are live music performances. Bands play both traditional local music and cover songs for western songs. The performances start after dinner time and can go to around 11 o’clock at night. People who love a party vibe environment when on holiday will love it here.

HOW TO GET TO MANGOCHI FROM LILONGWE & BLANTYRE

To travel from Lilongwe to Mangochi in Malawi, you have a few transportation options. Here’s how you can get there:

By Private Car or Car Hire:

If you prefer a more comfortable and personalized journey, you can get a rental in Lilongwe or Blantyre and drive to Mangochi. And this is the fastest way to get there by road. But, do start off at a good time to avoid travelling at night—it’s not recommended to drive at night. Stay on the highways to experience good road conditions. When you are passing trading centers, slow down as many people would be walking on the side of the road or even crossing the roads in non designated areas. Also, farm animals do cross the road at random places. It’s best to account for such activities to your travel time as they can add up. It takes approximately 3.5 to get to Mangoch from Lilongwe via M1 and M10 roads; and approximately 3 hours from Blantyre to Mangochi via M3 road.

Taxis are also available for long distances. Although costly, some people prefer the luxury of being driven around. Negotiate the price with the driver before starting the journey. Hiring a private car or taxi gives you the flexibility to stop along the way and enjoy the markets and views of beautiful landscapes along the way.

By Bus:

The most affordable way to travel between Lilongwe and Mangochi is by bus. Several bus companies operate on this route. If you are in Lilongwe, you can go to the Lilongwe Bus Depot, where you’ll find buses heading to Mangochi. Look for a bus that specifically mentions Mangochi as its destination or inquire with the bus station staff to ensure you board the right bus. The journey usually takes around 4 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and bus stops delays. From Blantyre, you can get buses from Limbe, a short drive from Blantyre.

By Minibus:

Minibuses are another popular means of transportation in Malawi. They are smaller vans that operate on different routes including the Mangochi route from Lilongwe or Blantyre. You can find minibuses departing from Lilongwe Bus Depot. From Blantyre you depart from Limbe, a few minutes drive from Blantyre.

Ask around or inquire with locals to find the specific minibus route that goes to Mangochi.

Minibuses can be crowded, but they offer a more flexible schedule and they are faster compared to larger buses. From Lilongwe to Mangochi they take about 3.5 hours or less, and from Blantyre they take about 3 hours to get to Mangochi.

WEATHER & TEMPERATURE IN MANGOCHI, MALAWI

The temperature in Mangochi varies depending on the season. In the months of September to April, the high temperature ranges from 71 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (22 to 27 degrees Celsius). October, November, and December are the warmest months. June and July are the coldest months, the highest temperature is 69 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius). December to March are heavy rain months. The average precipitation in these months is between 144mm and 200mm. More on Mangoch weather here.

For those who want to know what time is sunrise in Mangochi, the summer months of August to October, the sun rises between 5:30 am to 6 am. During these months, the sun sets around 5:30 pm. In the months of November and December, sunrise is around 5am and sunset between 5:45 pm and 6:10 pm. January to May, the sun rises between 5:15 am and 5:55 and sets between 5:15 pm and 6:15 pm. But in June and July the sunrise is 6 am and sunset is around 5:15 pm. Find more date specific information on sunrise and sunset in Mangochi here.