Kutchire Lodge: an Experience of Natural Wonder and Unique Accommodation

Kutchire Lodge is located approximately 2.5 hours from Blantyre and roughly an hour from southernmost resorts on Lake Malawi within the boundaries of Liwonde National Park, Malawi. Owners of Kutchire Lodge, Samuel and Lonnie Ncozana, were first doubtful whether there could be any potential for an eco-lodge amidst the bustle and bush of this national park. Yet, they had hopes of building a family owned eco-lodge featuring a unique experience that accommodates the diverse natural ecosystem of Liwonde.

Liwonde National Park is home to over 420 different species of wildlife, including Burchell's zebra, greater kudu, baboon, impala, waterbuck, bush buck, mongoose, and monitor lizards, to name a few. Visitors may also catch a glimpse of black rhinos, lions and cheetahs.

Eventually, family Ncozana thus decided to brush away their doubts and take a leap of faith. In 2015, Kutchire Lodge was established under the vision of a destination that “minimizes impact on the natural environment while maximizing people's enjoyment and appreciation of those natural wonders”. This means the Lodge strives to support the communities around Kutchire Lodge by hiring local Malawians and creating opportunities for guests to interact with the neighbors.

Kutchire operates on a strict policy of ecological sustainability. Consequently, the Lodge is entirely powered by solar energy and the accommodation is built in harmony with natural surroundings through material properties and structures providing a natural breeze and air. Visitors to Kutchire Lodge have observed hippos, elephants, monkeys, antelopes, warthogs, and many birds moving around the camp. Thus, Kutchire commits to protect these animals.

Another part of Kutchire’s ethos is the continued effort to provide unique experiences to its visitors. Built on a three acre land, the Lodge offers executive chalets, five tree houses, a dormitory which accommodates 10 to 15 people, family rooms and a camping bay. So far, the Lodge is the only one in Liwonde National Park to feature tree houses as accommodation. In an interview with Malawi’s The Nation (December 13, 2019), Samuel Ncozana summarizes exactly what makes Kutchire Lodge a premium experience saying, “people always go to the lake for vacations, but for a change it is good to have a feel of other places such as national parks. Seeing the big animals that you always see on television is huge fun. It is an adventure which is worth it."

With PLCnetwork, Kutchire Lodge aims to further its conservation model by working towards implementing community-based projects which improve local livelihoods. In future, these community projects will become integral part of the lodge operations and visitor experiences.  

www.kutchirelodge.com