Thumbi View Lodge

Did not enjoy the place. The room was dirty. We stayed for four nights (we were in a group so we gad to stay), no cleaning at all. WiFi was provided only for the first day, the next days were for additional payment. WiFi did not work. Food was so, so. After one dinner than, we chose another place. Water was on-off, hot water was only on some days. The staff was friendly, but not so efficient.

One of the worst hotels we've ever been to. We stayed there for 4 nights and it was awful. Rooms are dirty and no-one bothers to clean them or to change towels. Internet is VERY poor, it often gets stuck, and the owner (a South-African lady) says - that's how it is. There is hardly hot water in the shower, and most of the time the water current is very poor. There's no mirror in the bathroom, so you need to guess how to shave. There's no shampoo in the bathroom. Breakfast is very poor, even in Malawi standards. There are no coffee/tea facilities in the room. In short, avoid this hotel at any price!

Overall, absolutely adored Thumbi. This was mainly due to its beautiful location in Cape Maclear and the incredible staff. The views from Thumbi are beautiful. Swimming in the lake and watching the sun set each night was a travelling highlight for me. Cape Maclear town is also very lovely to wonder into. The people are all very friendly. Would recommend Zatus across the road from Thumbi for cheaper, proper Malawian food, although the food at Thumbi is very good (just expensive) - although breakfast is included with the price of the room which is great. Big shout out to Christopher, Lifo, Caroline, Akim and, of course, the incredible Morris, who took us out on Thumbi’s catamaran for a sunset cruise. We had the best time ever thanks to him and the other lovely guests who made our time very social and enjoyable. We paid for a private room which basic - 2 beds with alright mosquito nets, a table, and bathroom. The beds did give us bed bugs though and we woke up with many bites. We did mention this to the lovely staff who helped us with the problem and offered us solutions but we didn’t get an apology or compensation from the owners who seem a bit distant from Thumbi and the community in Cape Maclear. We also felt as though Thumbi was definitely a place for white tourists and not too welcoming towards locals which I wish wasn’t the case. Other than this, I can say that we really did have an incredible time here. We were very sad to leave the friends we made and the wonderful wonderful staff who really made this stay 10/10.

If you are looking for relaxation,look no further. Spectacular location, super hosts, nothing is too much trouble,and food that cannot be faulted. Staff never stop smiling! Room spotless, comfy bed, Value for money, laundry service, lovely villiage

It is a very nice place near Lake Malawi. Everything is clean and open to relaxation, and holidays. Very close to a trip to the mountains park. You can see many fish in the lake, eagles and sunshine. Services are good, dinner menu and breakfast are great.

Stayed 3 nights and had a very relaxing time. Staff and owners very friendly and helpful. Phoned Ilala ferry for me and reserved a cabin. Nice room and good food