Gecko Lounge

Malawi

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A firm family favourite and with good reason, Gecko's self-catering chalets are right on the manicured beach. Each has a double and a bunk bed, fridge, fan, tile floor, mozzie nets and private veranda, as well as plenty of hammocks and swing chairs outside. Equally pleasant are the subdivided eight-bed dorm and the double and family rooms, replete with African decor.

The thatch- and wicker-accented restaurant is popular for its tasty pizzas and burgers, as well as being the perfect sundowner spot. You can also rent kayaks and snorkel gear, making Gecko a winning beachfront option.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Mua, Central, Malawi, East Africa, Africa

    Chamare Museum

    28.72 MILES

    If you only visit one thing here, make it the Chamare Museum, beautifully decorated with murals depicting scenes from Malawian history. The first room…

  • Sunset is the time the fishermen go out in their dugout canoes onto the Lake of Stars (lake Malawi, Cape Maclear) For their night fishing. After the sun has gone down completely and darkness has covered the water you can still see the lights on the front of their canoes bobbing up and down in the distance.

    Lake Malawi National Park

    0.35 MILES

    Much of the area around Cape Maclear, including several offshore islands, is part of Lake Malawi National Park, one of Africa's few freshwater aquatic…

  • Kungoni Centre of Culture & Art

    Kungoni Centre of Culture & Art

    28.73 MILES

    Part of the Mua Mission, this fascinating cultural centre is made up of several exhibitions, workshops and even a botanic garden. Set up in 1976 by a…

  • Mua Mission Church

    Mua Mission Church

    28.76 MILES

    Ask at the Kungoni Centre of Culture & Art for the key to this brick building dating to 1907. The exterior has carved wooden doors and painted panels…

  • Fishing Village

    Fishing Village

    24.95 MILES

    Life in Senga Bay revolves around the sea, and there's always something happening on the beach. Go early in the morning to see the boats coming in from…

  • Kungoni Art Gallery

    Kungoni Art Gallery

    28.73 MILES

    Show­cases woodcarvings and other artwork, such as painting and embroidery. Proceeds from sales go to the local artists behind the artworks; their…

  • Stuart M Grant Tropical Fish Farm

    Stuart M Grant Tropical Fish Farm

    22.84 MILES

    About 10km south of Senga Bay is Stuart Grant’s tropical fish farm, which breeds and exports cichlids. If you’re interested you can do a half-hour tour of…

  • Carving Workshop

    Carving Workshop

    28.72 MILES

    You can watch talented artists carving exquisite sculptures at this workshop, which doubles as a centre where experienced carvers train new recruits.

View more attractions

Nearby Malawi attractions

1. Lake Malawi National Park

0.35 MILES

Much of the area around Cape Maclear, including several offshore islands, is part of Lake Malawi National Park, one of Africa's few freshwater aquatic…

2. Missionary Graves

1.24 MILES

Just before the Lake Malawi National Park gate is a sign pointing to a path, which leads towards the hills overlooking the bay. A few hundred metres up is…

3. Museum and Aquarium

1.51 MILES

At the Lake Malawi National Park headquarters, inside the park gate, the visitor centre doubles as a small museum and sickly aquarium. The museum charts…

4. Mwala Wa Mphini

3.1 MILES

This huge rock, crisscrossed with eroded grooves resembling tribal facial scars, is signposted from the main road. You can walk the 4km to this National…

5. Stuart M Grant Tropical Fish Farm

22.84 MILES

About 10km south of Senga Bay is Stuart Grant’s tropical fish farm, which breeds and exports cichlids. If you’re interested you can do a half-hour tour of…

6. Fishing Village

24.95 MILES

Life in Senga Bay revolves around the sea, and there's always something happening on the beach. Go early in the morning to see the boats coming in from…

7. Carving Workshop

28.72 MILES

You can watch talented artists carving exquisite sculptures at this workshop, which doubles as a centre where experienced carvers train new recruits.

8. Chamare Museum

28.72 MILES

If you only visit one thing here, make it the Chamare Museum, beautifully decorated with murals depicting scenes from Malawian history. The first room…