Pakachere Backpackers Lodge

Pakachere is a small lodge in Zomba Town on the golf course with a beautiful garden and basic accommodation. It is a social place for travellers, tourists, volunteers and local people to meet while enjoying a Malawi Gin & Tonic, cold beer, fresh fruit juice or homemade ginger lemonade. Occasionally there are events like pub quizzes or garden parties with live music. The bar and restaurant are open for everyone and can be lively (mainly on Tuesdays and Fridays), but most days guests at the lodge can enjoy a quiet and relaxed environment.

Zomba at the foot of Zomba Mountain (1800m) is ideally situated between Blantyre, Mulanje and Liwonde. Chileka International Airport is only 1,5 hours away and within an hour drive there are elephants, hippos and lions in Liwonde National park.

Zomba is known for the market, mountain fruits, historical buildings, the university and its cool climate. The Malawian staff at Pakachere is friendly and have a lot of knowledge about the region and things to do in Zomba. Pakachere works with reliable local taxi drivers and tour guides for airport transfers and trips to the tea plantations, Mulanje mountains, Liwonde National Park and Lake Malawi. Tour guide Isaac was born and raised on Zomba Mountain and takes guests up the plateau for hikes varying from easy walks to William’s Falls (1,5hrs) to full day hikes (up to 8 hours). Within Zomba there is much to do and see as well; from horse riding on the plateau to rock climbing or golf classes, a trip to the market, get fit at Sir Harry’s pool, chill at the pool of Tuta2, or a walk to the botanical gardens. Not far from the botanical gardens is The Chocolate Factory where visitors can enjoy art, lunch and buy chocolate made in Zomba. Besides coffee, tea and Malawi gin, Afrochoc is a great souvenir to take home.

Pakachere is known for its good food. The kitchen can cater for most dietary requirements (gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, lactose intolerance) and all meals are made fresh from scratch with local ingredients. Favourites are pancakes with fruit, oat cookies, the bean wrap, and Paka burger. Pizzas are made with mozzarella from a local farm with basil from the garden.

Zomba is home to the University of Malawi, making it a lively town with many young people who study Arts, Law or Science, and sometimes there are cultural events organised on campus. The university is only 20 minutes walking from Pakachere and on the way is Maipai Treats where visitors can stop for a cappuccino and homemade cakes.

‘Paka’ is an informal meeting place with only 4 basic rooms, a dormitory and a big garden for camping and relaxing. The rooms are clean, the food is fresh and the staff is nice. Everybody is welcome! Takulandirani!