Mango Drift | A Backpacker's Haven in Likoma

I am not much of a backpacker, but I am sucker for experiences.

We happened to have a day extra on Likoma Island and decided to check out what the hype with all the camping activities at Mango Drift is all about.

Mango Drift is a backpacker’s lodge located on the west side of Likoma Island on the beautiful Lake Malawi. Situated on an expansive and private stretch of beach, Mango Drift is one of the most scenic places to stay on the island and arguable the best place to catch the sunset.

I truly enjoyed my time at the lodge and here are my ten reasons why:

The rooms

There are 2 en-suite and 5-premium beach chalets located along the beach; as well as a 7-bed en-suite dormitory. Camping is also available. The two en-suite mid-range chalets are slightly set back on the hillside, with private bathrooms and beautiful verandas. Whilst the beach chalets sit next to each other along the Mango beach with a shared shower block at the far end.

2. The Bar and Restaurant Area

Under a big Mango tree is the bar and restaurant offering a full range of drinks including cold beers, soft drinks and an extensive assortment of local and imported spirits and quite affordable too.

3. The food!

It is always about the food. The restaurants has a wide selection of food items from the breakfast and lunch menu, whereas dinner is a set meal each evening.

4. The beach

You can relax on the Mango beach, enjoy the lake or play a game of pool or volleyball overlooking the lake. You can also simply take a walk down the beach (The sunset is amazing!) If you want to do something more exciting, Mango Drift offers a range of water sports from wakeboarding to waterskiing, Scuba Diving and even learn to Kite Surf on the only known school on the lake.

5. The lake itself

At Mango Drift you can learn to dive with thefully qualified PADI dive instructors. They have courses to suit all levels, from thefirst bubbles up to professional Divemaster. You can learn to dive in the crystal clear waters of Lake Malawi and see the abundance of fish that the lake has to offer.

6. The Dogs.

Always so friendly and making me so comfortable. A Joy!

7. The Mango Trees, actually.

I grew up in mangochi where there happen to a little too many Mango Trees. The name “Mango Drift” is not just a name. There are mango trees allover this place and makes me feel right at home.

8. The tea!

Served in Malawian teapots, I almost felt like I was back at Grandmamas.

9. The Decor.

All the elements including the bar, the chairs and the bookshelf (yes the bookshelf) are made out of Boats. How creative?

and lastly,

10. The views.

Mango Drift is simply scenic. From the pretty pink flowers (which are a stunning touch) to the blue stony lake and the rooms made like huts, what’s not to love?