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Reviews of Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel

3 out of 5
Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel
71 Zomba Plateau Road, Zomba

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 15 out of 43 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 21 out of 43 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 43 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 43 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 43 reviews" "

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

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
Response from Chrispine Kachitsa on Sep 26, 2023
Dear Phillip,Thank you so much for the nice compliments regarding you experience with us at Sunbird Kuchawe.Management is working on the WIFI issue soon the situation will be rectified.Thank you so much for sharing your amazing experience with us.

8/10 Good

Reynold, Herndon

Traveled with partner
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

8/10 Good

Shema

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

8/10 Good

Benjamin

Business traveler
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 traveler

Traveled with family and small children
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
Response from NC on Jun 30, 2021
Thank you very much for the feedback on your recent stay with us. I was very pleased to learn how much you enjoyed your stay with us and I would like to thank you for letting us know that Ku Chawe's situation and views are uniquely beautiful and staff service was very good and that you were pleasantly surprised with the improvement in food standards, particularly in the evening. Your kind comments are greatly appreciated and it is always gratifying to receive such praise. I have brought your comments to the attention of all staff. Please be assured, I have reviewed your comments with my colleagues on the need to improve the culture with regard to coffee to match the price charged and the service around it. We have also taken note of the issue regarding the quality of amenities and bathroom linen supply when you checked in as a couple with a young child and necessary action taken to avoid other guests similarly inconvenienced in the future. In closing, may I thank you, once again, for taking the time to write. We are grateful for your support and look forward to welcoming you back at Sunbird Ku Chawe in the future.

6/10 Okay

Bernd

Business traveler
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
Response from NC on May 24, 2021
Thank you very much for the feedback on your recent stay with us. We are very pleased to learn how much you enjoyed the stunning location and the beautiful environment up on the Zomba Plateau and the breath-taking views from the terrace and the gardens and we would like to thank you for letting us know. We are also grateful for your comments on service, restaurant, maintenance and internet access which needs improvement as such information enables us to continually monitor and improve the product and service we are offering. May we thank you, once again, for taking the time to write. We are grateful for your support and look forward to welcoming you back at Sunbird Ku Chawe in the future.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with group, Business traveler
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
Response from NC on May 4, 2021
Thank you very much for the feedback on your recent stay with us. I was very pleased to learn how much you enjoyed your stay with us and I would like to thank you for letting us know that the views are great and that staff were very friendly and tried hard. Your kind comments are greatly appreciated and I have brought your comments to the attention of all staff. Please be assured we will continue training staff to ensure that they continue giving excellent services and exceed your expectations. May I thank you, once again, for taking the time to write. We are grateful for your support and look forward to welcoming you back at Sunbird Ku Chawe in the future.

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2021
Response from NC on May 4, 2021
Thank you very much for the feedback on your recent stay with us. We appreciate your comments and we have taken your feedback to heart. Once again, thank you for your support and we look forward to welcoming you back to Sunbird Ku Chawe in the future.

10/10 Excellent

Deanna

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

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful location with a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020
Response from NC on Mar 10, 2020
I was very pleased to learn how much you enjoyed your stay with us and I would like to thank you for letting me know how impressed you were with the beautiful location and the view of the surrounding countryside. We are grateful for your support and do hope that we may have the pleasure of your company at Sunbird Ku Chawe in the future.

6/10 Okay

Crofts, Edinburgh

Traveled with partner
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 traveler

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 traveler

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018

8/10 Good

Helen

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

10/10 Excellent

Maria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2017

8/10 Good

Wilco

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Amazing view
The hotel has an amazing view over the town and area.It is situated high on a mountain.Dinner and breakfast was excellent. The rooms are old but very spacious and clean.I think the mattresses need replacement, but overall I would rate the comfort above average.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2017

8/10 Good

nancy, sheboygan, WI

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location/beautiful view
The staff was very helpful and friendly. The location - atop a mountain - was beautiful. Food was exceptionally good.

10/10 Excellent

Rethabile

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The hotel has a beautiful view
Good for just chilling. The outside view from the hotel rooms are beautifull. The hotel services are not the best, but for the location they are good enough.

8/10 Good

Boetumelo

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

8/10 Good

Jakob, Blantyre

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great hotel location, food a disappointment
Beautiful hotel at the ridge of Zomba plateau with a fantastic view. We had a superior room which is one of the best rooms we had for a long time. Good place for some splendid walks around the plateau or just relaxing. The food was unfortunately not up to the standard for the hotel. Slow service in the evening for a dry and overdone beef, and at lunch we experienced a very ordinary buffet far too overpriced. A pity that the food is not up to par for the rest of the hotel.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
worth a visit
It is in a lovely location with spectacular views. The hotel is very nice but the food is not great.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness

8/10 Good

John, London

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Worth the climb!
Spent 2 nights at Ku Chawe on holiday from the UK, having previously stayed here over 25 years ago. Much of hotel had subsequently been rebuilt after a fire. Beautiful, peaceful location. Very relaxing stay. Good accommodation and service.

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl, Malawi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Zomba Plateau Heaven!
We spent two nights at this lovely hotel. The position is amazing - the hotel is on top of Zomba Plateau, at about 1900 metres. The view is incredible, although it was a little smoky due to a fire on the mountain. The gardens are beautiful and we loved having lunch outside. The lunch menu is varied, but the service was rather slow. The staff are friendly and well-meaning, but the food took a long time to arrive. Dinner was a very nice buffet, beautifully presented. We organised a guide to take us on a three hour walk to Emperor's View and Queen's View. We walked through a pine forest to the view sites, and the views were wonderful! We really enjoyed our stay.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good choice, but best in warm weather
This is certainly the best hotel choice in Zomba. However it works best when the weather is warm. It was cold when we were there and the hotel has very few heated areas. We were constantly fighting to stay warm. On the positive side the view is spectacular, food which was included was very good and exceeded our expectations. Wireless didn't work in the rooms. Overall we were happy.

8/10 Good

Wendy

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stunning views and a lovely tranquil setting
I read very mixed reviews about this place before I went but as it is really your only option on Zomba plateau I went ahead and booked it anyway. I was so pleasantly surprised. Turns out the original Kuchawe Inn burned down about 5 yrs ago so has been newly rebuilt. If you read bad reviews from 5 or more yrs ago, know it was not the same hotel then. Service was a bit slow at times, and I'm not an impatient traveller - I don't expect service in Malawi to be at the same speed as people demand in New York or London. For example we waited well over an hour for dinner but just learned to show up and order before we were in a state of starving and it was fine. The surroundings are so pleasant and peaceful and the staff so friendly and welcoming that waiting for things isn't an unpleasant experience anyway. The rooms are lovely and the staff will kindly light the fireplace in your room if you ask them to, which is very cozy on a chilly night. All in all, we had a thoroughly enjoyable stay here and would happily go back again.

6/10 Okay

Bruce, South Africa

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The hotel could be very nice but it is a little "tired" the bathrooms especially could do with an up grade. We also had no water for about an hour in the morning and were unable to shower. One of the receptionists was constantantly on the phone -- seemingly with private conversations.

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

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

Bjørn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
En fantastisk perle på Zomba Platau

8/10 Good

Roger

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Vackraste utsikten
Hotellet är trevligt och det ligger på nära 1800m höjd med en fantastisk utsikt. Rummen är rymliga och med bra säng och stort badrum. Maten är medelmåttig.

10/10 Excellent

Jean-Luc

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Calme, agréable et bien situé
Un des meilleurs hôtels du Malawi, situé sur le plateau de Zomba, à une dizaine de kilomètres de la ville, que l’on rejoint par une belle route panoramique. Chambre bien entretenue, confortable et bien équipée : clim, tv, minibar, wifi gratuit, grande salle de bain, cheminée… terrasse donnant sur un beau parc étagé où le matin des macaques facétieux viennent profiter des lieux. Le restaurant est agréable et de bonne qualité avec un personnel aimable et toujours souriant... le petit déjeuner buffet est copieux. La réception est efficace et sympathique, et peut se charger de vous trouver un bon guide pour profiter des nombreux sentiers de randonnée ou des pistes pour les possesseurs de 4X4 qui prennent leur départ à proximité du parking de l’hôtel. Une bonne adresse malgré un tarif élevé mais en rapport de ce que l’on trouve dans ce pays.

8/10 Good

Bernt, Göteborg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
kallt på vintern, men brasa i rummet
Hotellet ligger 10 km upp på berget, men har fin utsikt, utmärkt mat och tillfälle till promenader.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Kuchawe Inn, Zomba Plateau, Malawi
Service sehr freundlich, kompetent und schnell. Die Zimmer sind originell ausgestattet, mit kleinem Garten-Sitzplatz und Kamin. Die Umgebung ist umwerfend schön und ruhig. Wunderschöne Wanderungen, Pferdeställe in unmittlebarerer Nähe...

8/10 Good

Jim, Paris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Très bel hôtel de charme
Très bel hôtel de charme. Dominant la ville de Zomba, la situtaion et le cadre sont exceptionnels. Le personnel est compétent et prevenant. En comparaison avec le Sunbird de Blantyre, les prestations sont ici de qualité : repas, service, bar. Un bémol, les chambres peuvent paraitre un ton au dessous au regard du reste de l'hôtel. Mais la litterie est confortable et le feu de cheminée vous fera oublier ce coté un peu daté. L'hotel est idéalement situé pour qui veut partir à la découverte de Zomba plateau, un peu moins pour qui doit travailler à Zomba town. Compter 15-20 min de belle route montagneuse au milieu des arbres...et des babouins.