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Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel

3.0 star property
Hotel in Zomba with free breakfast and a 24-hour front desk

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel

Outdoor pool
1 bedroom, minibar, in-room safe, desk
Garden view
International cuisine
International cuisine

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Room service
  • Breakfast included
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Laundry
  • Air conditioning

Room options

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room

1 bedroom, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Deluxe Double Room

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Soundproofed
Fireplace
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
TV
Separate bedroom
Bathrobes
  • 377 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Room (Hillside)

1 bedroom, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Deluxe Room (Hillside)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Soundproofed
Fireplace
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
TV
Separate bedroom
Bathrobes
  • 431 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Suite

1 bedroom, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Suite

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Soundproofed
Fireplace
Air conditioning
TV
Separate bedroom
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • 592 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Superior Room

1 bedroom, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Superior Room

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
TV
Separate bedroom
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • 323 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed
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About the area

Map
71 Zomba Plateau Road, Zomba, Southern Region, 304112

What's nearby

  • Mandala Falls - 3 min drive - 1.9 km
  • University of Malawi - 12 min drive - 8.8 km

Getting around

  • Blantyre (BLZ-Chileka Intl.) - 114 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Kefi Hotel Café - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪casa rossa - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Chirunga Cottage - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Kips Express - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Tasty Bites - ‬13 min drive

About this property

Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel

Hotel in the mountains
At Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel, you can look forward to free continental breakfast, a garden, and a playground. Active travelers can enjoy amenities like cycling and ecotours at this hotel. The on-site restaurant, The Mulunguzi Restaurant, features international cuisine. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with dry cleaning/laundry services and a bar.
You'll also find perks like:
  • Free self parking
  • Bike rentals, a roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), and 1 meeting room
  • Tour/ticket assistance, luggage storage, and a 24-hour front desk
Room features
All guestrooms at Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel have perks such as 24-hour room service and air conditioning, in addition to amenities like free WiFi and desk chairs.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Showers and free toiletries
  • TVs with satellite channels
  • Balconies or patios, wardrobes/closets, and coffee/tea makers

Languages

English

Similar properties

Garden

Bluegum Avenue Lodge

  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Laundry
The price is CA $31
CA $45 total
includes taxes & fees
Jul 28 - Jul 29
Bluegum Avenue Lodge

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Bastions Bar
  • The Mulunguzi Restaurant

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals
  • Ecotours
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Mountain biking
  • Playground

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Playground
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Business center
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In the mountains

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV with satellite channels

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Phone
  • Safe
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

Property is also known as

Ku Chawe
Sunbird Ku Chawe
Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel
Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel Zomba
Sunbird Ku Chawe Zomba
Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel Hotel
Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel Zomba
Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel Hotel Zomba

Frequently asked questions

Is Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel?

As of Jul 27, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel on Aug 1, 2025 start from CA $204.09, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight. After-hours check-in is not available.

What time is check-out at Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel?

Check-out is at 10 AM.

Does Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle.

Where is Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel located?

Situated in the mountains, this hotel is 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from Mandala Falls and within 3 mi (5 km) of Williams Falls and University of Malawi. Queen's View is 3.1 mi (5 km) away.

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Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 16 out of 44 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 21 out of 44 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 44 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 44 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 44 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stunning location.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Reynold

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Positive was the friendliness and competency of staff. Negative was the absence of the once unique trout dish.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Phillip

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Without a doubt this is the best place to stay in the Zomba area. If I returned to Zomba, this is the only place to stay even if it meant driving up and down the mountain everyday because, otherwise, Zomba does not have any other truly nice places to stay. The Ku Chawe is excellent in every respect...food, service, friendly staff, and well-maintained gorgeous grounds and views of the valley. Beware the baboons as they are out of hand and the WIFI is not reliable unless you are in one of the main areas. Doesn't work well in the rooms. But this is a great place to stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alice

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Sunbird Ku Chawe is situated high up on the Zomba Plateau - one definitely needs a car to get there. It has perfectly manicured beautiful gardens. Even though it was very hot the time that I was there, there is always a cool breeze as it is so high up! I loved my room with the views of the Zomba town & far off mountains such as Chiradzulu and Mulanje. Had a wet room and modern fixtures in the bathroom. There was a good selection of dishes for breakfast and varied menu for dinner. Although the menus seem to be the same in all the hotels I stayed in: Chigumula, Zomba & Blantyre. The food, however, is tasty and fresh. Again the staff were very nice and welcoming: Dumisani, who is so knowledgeable of the history of the Ngoni people (my roots), Miss Loveness, the restaurant supervisor, Gobery the manager and Mr Yason the big boss were all very attentive to ensure a comfortable stay. Second day in Zomba, we hiked about 12 km with my guide. We did William's Falls, Emperor's & Queen's Views, Chagwa lake and Mulunguzi Dam. That was exhilarating! There is so much more to do... but that is for another time. I loved my stay on the plateau. The town of Zomba itself could benefit from regeneration - it is so rundown!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Shema

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

Benjamin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful location on top of Zomba mountain. Rooms are pleasant and staff are accommodating. Wifi does not reach all rooms.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2021

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Ku Chawe's situation and views are uniquely beautiful. The buildings somehow achieve the impression of a mountain hideout. Staff service was very good, going out of their way to please. Having stayed there before I was pleasantly surprised with the improvement in food standards, particularly in the evening. However, its a good idea to order well in advance if you don't want to be waiting at the table for too long. They do need to improve their culture with regard to coffee - for the price charged one would expect a far better service around it. Strangely penny pinching with regard to amenities, low quality toilet tissue provided with only one roll in the bathroom, only one towel when we checked in as a couple with a young child. Nevertheless, overall a very pleasant stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021

6/10 Okay

Bernd

Disliked: Staff & service

stunning location

The place lives from its stunning location and the beautiful environment up on the Zomba Plateau and the breath-taking view from the terrace and the garden. In therms of service, restaurant, maintenance and internet access, there is still space for improvement.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great views. Staff were very friendly and tried hard but they lack training.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Deanna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful location with a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020

6/10 Okay

Crofts, Edinburgh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful view from our room. Well appointed room. Poor menu choices at dinner ( no filet, no T bone and sirloin was not sirloin. Stafff obliging but let down by kitchen .! Breakfast is a great improvement.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Guillermo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A nice hotel surrounded by amazing nature

A perfect place to experience nature in Malawi's former capital city
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A stunning location and friendly helpful staff. The restaurant was excellent.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018

8/10 Good

Helen

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Reidar

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hvis en skal til Malawi, er Ku Chawe en fantastisk plass å reise til. Hotellet ligger på Zomba-platået, så høyt oppe i fjellene at en slipper å tenke på myggnetting om natta. Høyden gjør også at det blir litt svalere her, og det kommer godt med i en del av verden hvor det kan bli ganske varmt for en nordboer. Hotellet ligger idyllisk til med fantastisk utsikt over Zomba og dalen. Her er det mange fine turmuligheter oggode sjanser for å oppleve en skikkelig afrikansk solnedgang. Hotellet er reint og fint, og det er god mat i restauranten, selv om jeg av erfaring velger å være forsiktig med fisken. Rommene er romslige og gode, og du får ofte besøk av sjimpanser rett utenfor.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2018

8/10 Good

Michael, AUSTRALIA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Site and view excellent. No fitness centre. Evening buffet not to same standard as a la carte menu
Stayed 10 nights in Oct 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Good hotel, fab location and good facilities. Could do with a refurb.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018

8/10 Good

Charles, South Africa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very good. Some of buildings and infrastucture are aging. For example, the bathrooms look old. Compared to other accommodation in Zomba Ku Chawe is outstanding. Excellent location on top of the mountain.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2018

8/10 Good

Luckson, Juba, South Sudan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The hospitality was superb. However, some foodstuff like ‘nsima’ needs to be well prepared as we had to return the first dish. Thanks
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2018

8/10 Good

Sakurai

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

自然の中でゆっくり

マラウイ在住日本人です。家族が訪マした際に利用しました。ただひたすら自然に囲まれてゆっくりしたい方にオススメです。wifiもあります。近くにお店はないので街で買い物してから向かうのがおススメです。レストランも美味しいですが、ワインの種類がもう少しあればベター！
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Really lovely stay. The log fire in the bedroom real bonus
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

tyler, ntcheu, malawi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Quiet and well kept

Excellent staff who were able to answer questions for those looking to explore the Zomba Plateau area. Also the room was nice, and was even able to have the fireplace lit for us on a cold evening on only a minutes notice. The food was very good compared to a lot of places we have stayed in Malawi. The breakfast buffet was a nice touch to finish off our morning.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2018