Norman Carr Cottage
Namakoma Village
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Why people book this hotel
“They were exemplary hosts”
“The hosts were fantastic and went out of their way to make sure we were happy”
“'Almost' private beach”
“Wonderful location, really engaged hosts, tasty food, nice sunset cruise, great …”
“Room was spacious with outdoor shower”
“Lovely rooms with a huge bed and a fun outdoor shower”
“The hosts were very friendly, knowledgeable and entertaining, the use of a motor…”
“the cottage organise a really worthwhile boat trip in the mornings to watch the …”
“The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the private beach is idyllic”
“Breakfast was good and other meals very also good”
Overview
With lake views, Norman Carr Cottage is set in Monkey Bay and has a restaurant, a shared lounge, bar, garden, year-round outdoor pool and terrace. Units come with a kitchenette with a dining area, and a private bathroom with free toiletries and shower. A patio with garden views is offered in all units. A private beach area is available on site. The nearest airport is Lilongwe International, 216 km from the lodge, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Traveller reviews
Daniel Paul
couple
May 11, 2026
“Super relaxing stay in relative isolation.”
Had a great stay with Taffy and Leoni. They were exemplary hosts. We sat and chatted with them a lot. The property was very pleasant to relax at. 'Almost' private beach. Locals would still cross and smile and wave. Staff were very friendly (Who isn't in Malawi?). Meals were excellent. Super relaxing spot. Room was spacious with outdoor shower. Didn't realise until the day of arrival that the main building had actually been built and lived in by legendary conservationist Norman Carr. Highly recommended. A completely different atmosphere to staying in the town of Cape Maclear where we also were. Thanks guys!
McLean
couple
November 25, 2025
“Lake stupendous, boat trips fantastic and the most memorable sunsets.”
It was almost as if we were close family. Nothing was too much trouble. Taffy was entertaining and was hugely knowledgeable of Malawi.
Ralph
couple
July 18, 2025
Wonderful location, really engaged hosts, tasty food, nice sunset cruise, great fish eagle feeding and snorkeling trip, free cayak rental, Lake Malawi at its best.
Robert
couple
April 7, 2025
“Everything you could want”
It was a full therapy session, we were spoiled rotten, the food was up there with the best, can't wait to go back.
John
couple
January 22, 2025
The hosts were fantastic and went out of their way to make sure we were happy
Olive
couple
September 13, 2024
“Wouldn’t come back or recommend anyone else to stay here. A scam.”
The beach was nice.
Ramachandran
couple
April 4, 2024
Breakfast was good and other meals very also good
Alice
solo_traveller
February 25, 2024
I had the most relaxing stay at Norman Carr Cottage. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the private beach is idyllic. Leonie made me feel at home from the second I arrived. Both Taffy and Leonie are wonderful hosts and lovely to chat to. I look forward to coming again next time I’m in Malawi!
Dermot
couple
December 19, 2023
“Beautiful and serene stay that beat all expectations”
Beautiful place and so serene. Feels like you're at home. Looking forward to our next stay!
Mark
solo_traveller
June 15, 2023
“A friendly and comfortable B&B on the shores of Lake Malawi!”
Staying at Norman Carr Cottages is like going to stay with your cool Aunt and Uncle at their beach house! A gorgeous location right on the shores of Monkey Bay. Lovely rooms with a huge bed and a fun outdoor shower. Meals were delicious with plenty of food to fill you up. The boat trips were excellent - do try and make the most of them! All staff were friendly and professional. Lots of monkeys and cats to keep you company on site too. Thanks Taffy, Leonie and all the wonderful staff for a lovely stay. :)
Melinda
couple
June 14, 2023
“Two nights is not long enough to really enjoy what Norman Carr has to offer”
The location on the lake, the quality of the beach and the water were superb. The hosts were very friendly, knowledgeable and entertaining, the use of a motor launch for sunset drinks and feeding fish eagles was well priced and a great experience. Being completely away from the world. It felt like being a house guest. Quirky outdoor shower and washbasin Comfortable bed and sitting area
BethIan
couple
February 6, 2023
“Hiding out on the shores of Lake Malawi, enjoying its' many moods while watching with a G&T.”
Taffy and Leonie were gracious hosts! Serving staff were attentive and courteous, always willing to assist with our needs. The location on Lake Malawi is fantastic. Our room was well designed, comfortable and we were able to relax in privacy. The outdoor shower was unique and fun.
Foot
family_with_children
August 12, 2022
“So restful, we stayed an extra day.”
If it is peace and tranquility you are after, this is the place. Welcome on arrival amazing. Food brilliant. Staff friendly and attentive. And if you are after more water sports entertainment Nkopolo Lodge is just 25 km down the road.
xena
couple
June 5, 2022
“A great and meaningful oasis run by the best people.”
we loved this place. the rooms are spacious and well designed with a sitting area and fabulous king sized double bed. the linen is good quality and pillows really comfortable. just what we needed after a week of camping. the outside shower is really super with plenty of hot water. on the beach there are plenty of wooden loungers and the staff are so attentive they will come to you with cushions and a great place to enjoy the beach. the staff are all really friendly and attentive and so keen to make your stay a memorable one. the cottage organise a really worthwhile boat trip in the mornings to watch the fish eagles (perfect if you’re a photographer) and to snorkel to enjoy the cichlids. And then there’s our wonderful hosts. we instantly felt we were staying with old friends. Taffy and Leoni - Taffy is unique, funny, full of stories and keen to engage in some great conversation especially with a few sundowners. Leoni warm and caring and working hard behind the scenes to ensure guests are well taken care of. Oh and thanks for the encounter with ‘Pickering’ thrown in - an added and unexpected pleasure.
Brown
solo_traveller
May 18, 2022
excellent service beautiful rooms delicious food great hosts
Facilities
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Activities
Private beach area, Water sport facilities on site, Beachfront, Evening entertainment, Golf course (within 3 km), Canoeing, Hiking, Diving, Snorkelling, Spa lounge/relaxation area, Walking tours, Tour or class about local culture, Beach
Cleanliness & disinfecting
Guests have the option to cancel any cleaning services for their accommodation during their stay, Use of cleaning chemicals that are effective against Coronavirus, Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines, Guest accommodation is disinfected between stays, Guest accommodation sealed after cleaning
Entertainment and family services
Board games/puzzles
Food & Drink
Kid-friendly buffet, Restaurant, Bar, Wine/champagne, Special diet menus (on request), Breakfast options
Food & drink safety
Physical distancing in dining areas, All plates, cutlery, glasses and other tableware have been sanitized
General
Facilities for disabled guests, Family rooms, WiFi available in all areas, Paid WiFi
Internet
WiFi, Internet services
Outdoors
Outdoor pool, Garden, Terrace, Sun terrace, Outdoor pool (all year), Outdoor furniture, Picnic area
Parking
Parking on site, Private parking, Free parking, Parking
Pool and wellness
Pool with view, Swimming pool, Sun loungers or beach chairs, Swimming Pool
Safety & security
24-hour security, Key access, Fire extinguishers
Self check-in
Check-in kiosk in the lobby, Lockbox key collection at the property
Services
Private check-in/check-out, Daily housekeeping, Airport shuttle (additional charge), Shared lounge/TV area, Packed lunches, Airport shuttle, Laundry
Transport
Airport pick up, Airport drop off
Executive Suite
The suite has 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and free toiletries. The suite's kitchenette, which features an electric kettle, is available for cooking and storing food. The suite is furnished with a desk and a seating area and offers a private entrance, a wardrobe and lake views. The unit has 1 bed.
Hotel Policies
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