Chembe Village · Lake Malawi National Park
Reed-and-thatch rooms on the sand, sunrise over Lake Malawi from your bed, and breakfast at the water's edge. A family-run home on Malawi's most loved lakeshore.
Welcome to Anake
Anake Lodge sits right on the sand in Chembe Village, Cape Maclear — inside Lake Malawi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its crystal-clear water and hundreds of species of colourful cichlid fish.
Founded by Andrew Bita and built from local reed, bamboo and grass thatch, the lodge feels less like a hotel and more like home. Every room is named after one of Malawi's peoples — Chewa, Ngoni, Lhomwe and Nyanja — as a tribute to the country that shaped it.
Rooms & rates
From lake-view rooms for couples to a family room and a sociable backpacker dorm. All private rooms are bed & breakfast.
Wake to sunrise over the water, with direct views of Lake Malawi and the hills of the national park from your bed.
Quiet, green and close to everything — set in the lodge gardens a short walk from the beach.
Panoramic lake views, a private balcony and space for the whole family of up to four guests.
A friendly shared room for backpackers and groups exploring Lake Malawi on a budget.
Standard and Lake View rates are for one guest; add $20 per additional guest. Book direct for the best rate.
Lake Malawi activities
Everything starts at the edge of the lake. Ask at reception and we'll arrange it with trusted local guides from Chembe village.
Some of the most colourful freshwater fish on earth, just off the beach.
Paddle out with local fishermen at first light.
Cruise to Thumbi West and Mumbo islands and watch fish eagles swoop.
Fresh chambo, cold drinks, open views.
Swim, read, repeat.
The best seat is the one on our deck.
Travel guide
Cape Maclear is the most popular stop on Lake Malawi — a sandy bay at the tip of the Nankumba Peninsula in Mangochi District, roughly four to five hours' drive from Lilongwe or Blantyre. The village of Chembe runs along the beach, and the whole bay lies inside Lake Malawi National Park.
Most Cape Maclear lodges sit along the one beach road. Anake Lodge is on the waterfront itself, so every stay puts you a few steps from swimming, snorkelling and the boats to Thumbi West, Mumbo and Domwe islands. It suits couples, families and backpackers alike, with private bed-and-breakfast rooms and an affordable dormitory.
The best time to visit Lake Malawi is the dry season from May to November, when the water is clearest for snorkelling and kayaking. December to April brings green hills, fewer visitors and warm afternoon rain — and lower rates if you book direct.
Getting to Cape Maclear
Fly into Lilongwe or Blantyre and our own Anake Taxi drivers will meet you at arrivals — and take you on to Liwonde for safari when you're ready. Fixed prices per vehicle, no haggling.
Scenic route through central Malawi with first views of the lake.
$150fixed price per vehicleThe southern route along the Shire River valley.
$160fixed price per vehicleLake to safari — straight to Liwonde National Park for game drives and Shire River boat trips.
$120fixed price per vehicleAdd a transfer to your room booking, or plan a longer trip with a Liwonde safari or Mulanje trek with our sister company, Anake Tours.
Book a transferGuest stories
I loved how the lodge is built with reed, grass thatch and bamboo. It blends beautifully with the surroundings — and being so close to the lake made it special.
Swimming in the lake every morning was my favourite part. The rooms are simple but very comfortable, and the lake air makes everything peaceful.
You can see the lake and hills from the lodge, and in the evening the sunset is amazing. A perfect place to relax.
Good to know
Anything else? Message us on WhatsApp on +265 888 743 955 — we reply fast.
On the beach in Chembe Village, Cape Maclear, Mangochi District — inside Lake Malawi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We arrange fixed-rate private taxi transfers per vehicle — Lilongwe airport to Cape Maclear $150, Blantyre to Cape Maclear $160, and Cape Maclear to Liwonde $120. Add a transfer to your booking request.
Send a booking request on our booking page. It reaches us by email and WhatsApp at the same time, and we reply to confirm availability and payment — usually within a few hours. You can also WhatsApp us directly on +265 888 743 955.
Yes. All private rooms are bed & breakfast, served on the lakefront deck.
Snorkel among cichlid fish, take a boat trip to the islands, paddle out with local fishermen in a dugout canoe, kayak, walk through Chembe village and watch the sunset over the lake.
Yes — our Nyanja dormitory has beds from $20 per person per night, with lockers, shared facilities and free Wi-Fi.
May to November is the dry season, with the clearest water for snorkelling. December to April is greener and quieter, with warm afternoon rain.
Book direct, best rate
Send your dates and we'll confirm by email or WhatsApp — usually within a few hours. Add an airport taxi in the same request.
Send a booking request