Zomba Forest Lodge has been a rest house for the past 30 years with an intimate, cosy and friendly atmosphere. Most of the conservation and community work takes place within Zomba Plateau Forest Reserve, and the lodge operates under a Government Concession.

The lodge lies in 20 acres of mixed woodland, varying from indigenous rainforest in the valley by the stream, to pine on the slopes and giant eucalyptus trees overhanging the garden and there are lots of little trails meandering through, perfect for those after a little wander. 

There is also an immense variety of birds, including the rare white winged apalis, the crimson wing and the double-coloured forest sunbird feeding from the flowers mere inches from the veranda, a real treat for the eyes. During the rainy season, the area is home to lots of orchids.

Zomba was the old capital of Malawi (it even once won the prize for being the prettiest capital in British Colonial Africa) and although it has lost some of its grandeur, it really is a pleasure to explore. The Zomba Plateau is right on its doorstep and with 25 minutes drive up the mountain, it offers plenty of hiking trails including to the 'bottomless' Chingwe's Hole, to Mulunguzi Dam, to William’s Falls, and to Ku Chawe.

Liwonde National Park is only an hour away and the Southern Lakeshore is very close as well to do some hiking or elephant watching.

Conservation and Community Highlights:

1. Mammals: chequered sengi, african palm civet, hyena, leopard and small antelope
2. Orchids and Flowers: including Eulophia Monticola Rolfe and Selago sp. Scrophulariaceae
3. Protection and replenishment of indigenous trees (through the TREEZ project: planted more than 50,000 indigenous trees)
4. Zomba Tour Guide Association
5. Concession to manage a designated Conservation Zone in a section of the Zomba Plateau Forest Reserve outer slopes
6. Sponsorship of many local community groups for conservation work
7. Environmental Education Programme of classes in 8 local primary schools
8. Annual Environmental Awareness Concert for the local communities with star performances from Malawian popstars
9. Annual Run4Reforestation and Sustainability Fair

Future Aims:

1. Introduction of fuel efficient cook stoves to the local communities
2. Bringing bamboo to individual homes within the communities
3. Sending 10 people to a kitchen garden/ agroforestry course so that these individuals can then teach others
4. Setting up beehives within the conservation area and establish a bee keepers association
5. Continuation and possible expansion of the environmental education project

www.zombatreez.com and their fundraiser

Logos provided.