BLOG: A delightful time at Pumulani, by Robin Pope Safaris

In this blog from Robin Pope Safaris, we hear from the Kanelli, who spent two months as a host at Pumulani Lodge and shares their experience of this glorious lakeside resort.

“‘Opportunities are like butterflies’… When an opportunity presents itself, don’t be afraid to grab it. I recently “caught the butterfly” and again had a chance to be back at Pumulani in Malawi Lake National Park.

The first time I arrived at Pumulani to see the heavenly view of Lake Malawi and beyond from the top decking area was back in 2017. Just about five years later I was admiring this breath-taking view again. I felt so grateful to breathe in the fresh air and feel nature around me. Pumulani is inside the National Park and provides a unique experience to be surrounded by nature and wildlife – not just for a day but for a night too – and in my case, it was for the next 60 days and nights.

I arrived to work here for the next two months. Just like my first time, I would be there to ensure each guest will have a memorable lifetime experience while at Pumulani.

One of those jobs – yes, exactly, one of those dream jobs where you wake up every day energized and ready for a new adventure. Never boring! As Ernest Hemingway said about Africa, I say about Pumulani: “I never knew of a morning in Pumulani when I woke up and was not happy.”

There are so many reasons why Pumulani makes it to my top ten memorable lifetime experiences. This time around, my absolute highlight – and my #1 recommendation to do – was HIKING! I did the easier, 30–45-minute hike to Star beach as my regular exercise. However, it is the more demanding 1- hour hike up the hill I really fell in love with this time around! There is nothing that beats the views from the top! It is mesmerizing!

To be in Malawi is special as it is, but to be in Malawi during the rainy season, and to be in the remote national park is just extra special. The rains always bring some relief from the heat (which I love – having escaped the Finnish winter of sometimes -30 degrees of Celsius). The lush green nature everywhere is simply beautiful. Baboons and monkeys are wild and free. So are the lizards and other creatures – After all it is a National Park! Let all living things live.

Another absolute Pumulani gem is the stargazing with the most powerful telescope! There were a few clear nights despite the rains, and many guests were lucky to moon, star and planet gaze with our longstanding team member Godfrey’s insightful and passionate explanations about the southern hemisphere sky. You got to love it!

My Pumulani time flew by – enjoying the Christmas and New Year’s with guests and delicious food prepared by top notch chefs, who could earn a Michelin star as far as I had a say… and I am a food freak myself! I absolutely loved the Pumulani cheesecake, the best in the whole wide world. If you ever get a chance, you must try it! My other favourite from the kitchen was the chambo cocktail – amazing! Pair it with the beautiful South African selected white wine and you have a winner – a combination to crave for the rest of my life.

As a tourist, I would love to end my safari by relaxing and unwinding at Pumulani. After a stunning African sunset, gazing at the stars on the lake – the fishermen’s torches – life seems much easier. You can truly detach from the outside world.

Thanks to everyone I had an opportunity to meet during my stay – my wonderfully attentive and funny team – and all the guests who left as friends! Should the butterfly land on my shoulder again I’ll be there!”

Find out more about the Robin Pope Safari lodges with the following links: Mkulumadzi Lodge, Kuthengo Camp, Pumulani Lodge