Immerse yourself in sustainable tourism while enjoying some of the most picturesque landscapes and crystal-clear waters of Nkhata Bay. Butterfly Space is committed to providing bespoke accommodation while supporting various community development projects.
Immerse yourself in sustainable tourism while enjoying some of the most picturesque landscapes and crystal-clear waters of Nkhata Bay. Butterfly Space non-profit lodge is committed to providing affordable, bespoke accommodation while supporting grassroots community development projects with initiatives focusing on education and sustainability.
The eco-lodge is a 20-minute walk from Nkhata Bay's bustling market town, nestled into the naturally shaded peaceful coves, where guests can enjoy stunning views of the forested mountainous landscapes and rocky shores of Lake Malawi. The lodge offers all types of accommodation, from deluxe en-suite lakeside chalets to dormitories and shaded lakeside camping.
The lodge offers regular entertainment, activities, and free use of paddleboards and snorkels to all guests. The bar, situated on the lake, hosts regular events from local musicians and serves high-quality cocktails made from homemade juices and homegrown ingredients. The restaurant is well known for its quality and flavorsome international meals and desserts. Activities for guests include hikes, workshops, open mic nights, quiz nights, pool tournaments, and more.
The business model allows for Butterfly Space to support grassroots projects along with offering impactful and ethical volunteering opportunities.
“Our vision is to develop an inclusive and unique space, where we support sustainable projects and encourage self-advocacy by empowering those who benefit from the projects to govern & develop them.”
So there is something for everyone, whether you are a family or backpacker wanting to explore and relax, or a gap year intern looking to volunteer in Malawi.
Lodge
Butterfly Space Lodge offers lakeside chalets made from local natural materials, all with their own unique style. Options include self-contained double chalets with fans with hot showers and private lake-facing balconies, self-contained family rooms, two six-bed dormitories, triple rooms which are perfect for friends, and standard double chalets for travelers on a budget. All chalets are well-spaced, naturally shaded under the canopies, and have their own private balcony with views of the lake. There is a grassy and spacious shaded campsite next to the lake, along with space for rooftop tent vehicles closer to the main car park.
Prices start from just $5 to camp, and from $13 per person for private rooms. Please see our up-to-date prices and photos of each room on our .
The picturesque bar has a deck that sits over the lake and is a great place to wind down and socialize with a delicious cocktail, beer, or wine. We also have a pool table, ping pong, and a private beach if you want to have an evening dip or enjoy the paddleboards.
The independently owned restaurant, , offers delicious local & international food, including pizza, nsima, smoothies & desserts. Nightly specials are on offer, and local cooking classes can also be arranged too.
Stroll through our permaculture gardens, make free use of the gym, snorkels & paddleboards, use the hot open-air shower with amazing views, relax on the pretty private beach, lay in hammocks and enjoy this unique space!
Impression Lodge
Activities
Guests at Butterfly Space can enjoy free paddleboards and snorkel equipment to explore the surrounding waters. There is free access to our community gym, slackline, hammocks, pool/ping pong table and info/media rooms. We host popular music events & open mic nights so please look out for our events on the chalkboard at the reception!
Other fun activities include:
-Peanut butter making workshop at Kakumbi village with Halima, one of the talented chefs in our Restaurant.
-Massages; full body, head, neck, shoulder options from our Women’s Group professionally trained massage ladies
-Kayak and boat trips along Lake Malawi with independently owned adventure group, Monkey Business
-Hikes and motorbike tours/lessons with Honeyman
-Cooking lessons with Friday, head chef & owner of Mkana Cafe
-Environmental demonstrations; permaculture garden walk, DIY rubbish bin making, glass bottle cutting with local materials and ecobricking to reuse plastic
-Local language (chiTonga) lessons
-Scuba diving with Aqua Africa
-Lead a Butterfly Youth Club session with our club leader Martha; children from the surrounding area meet on-site at our Youth Club every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday to participate in a variety of educational, sport and creative activities
Projects
Alice and Josie, the founders of Butterfly Space, became friends through their love for the extraordinary country that is Malawi, while initiating their own community projects around Nkhata Bay. Alice had a passion for youth and art projects and Josie for information and gardening related projects. They had a common desire to incorporate these ideas into a community space and volunteer hub where opportunities could be created.
They realised that Butterfly was the perfect setting to bring volunteers and the community together, and they bought the lodge in May 2007. Years on, the growing team remains passionate and the projects are thriving.
Butterfly Space is proud to have initiated and continue to support our 14 grassroots projects:
-Stepping Stones International Primary School, Nursery School, and Vocational Centre
-Malawi Schools Permaculture Clubs (MSPC)
-Butterfly Information Room on-site
-Butterfly Media Room on-site
-UJE Umampha / HIV Support
-Disability Centres
-Butterfly Youth Club on-site
-Nursery Schools
-Kandoli FM
-Women’s Groups
-Baby baskets for new Mums
-Environmental Demonstrations on-site
-Prisoners of Hope Bible Study
-Schools Links & Teaching
The lodge is also used as a hub to run various training sessions and meetings. Volunteers are welcomed to Butterfly Space to share and learn new skills, and help us to develop and grow our projects. We encourage knowledge and skill sharing in any form and encourage all our guests to ask about our projects and see how they can get involved with our community. For more information on each individual project, check out our website!
Volunteer
Butterfly Space is a UK registered charity making positive changes by providing a unique space for travelers & the community to volunteer in Malawi. It has been built with integrity and intent to encourage meaningful, ethical & sustainable volunteering practices to provide & enhance educational, practical, & creative opportunities. Our space is respectful of the environment with a focus on sustainability & green initiatives. Local and international volunteers work directly with the community, where you can gain a deeper insight into people’s lives and the challenges they face.
We welcome people with all skillsets, from short term volunteers to university students through our Roots Interns programme.
Our grassroots projects offer impactful opportunities both on-site and remotely. You’ll be immersed into a new culture, contributing to your education & personal growth. We encourage volunteers to get involved in the areas and projects they feel most passionate about, and bring along new ideas too. Please reach out through our website, social media or WhatsApp for more information on our volunteer package and what opportunities are awaiting!
If you are looking to support Butterfly Space’s projects monetarily we are currently registered with easyfundraising and have multiple active fundraisers on chuffed.org.
An Impression
