Malawi’s Zomba Forest Lodge Celebrated for Outstanding Sustainability Efforts

Monday, June 24, 2024

Leading UK travel magazine Wanderlust has proudly announced its second annual ‘Travel Green List,’ featuring Malawi’s Zomba Forest Lodge. This accolade recognizes the lodge’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and community support.

Owners Tom and Petal run Zomba Forest Lodge with a focus on making a positive impact rather than seeking profit. They integrate deeply with the local community, contributing to its growth by buying produce locally and microfinancing kitchen gardens for conservation groups. They also maintain natural vegetation to support wildlife.

The lodge operates off-grid, using candles, paraffin lamps, and solar lights for a serene and eco-friendly ambiance. This simplicity allows guests to disconnect and enjoy a peaceful, enriching experience. The lodge’s five en-suite rooms provide a cozy, home-like atmosphere, and guests gather each evening for a three-course candlelit dinner featuring some of Malawi’s best cuisine.

To best to learn about Zomba Forest Lodge, their approach to tourism and how they operate, have a look at what Tom & Petal have to say:

“We are Zomba Forest Lodge, a unique boutique, environmentally minded, off-grid guest house nestled on the outer slopes of Malawi’s iconic Zomba Plateau. Tucked away in lush gardens and sitting in 20 acres of mixed woodland, Zomba Forest Lodge offers guests the opportunity to unwind, recharge and reflect, a perfect location for a digital detox allowing people the time to truly absorb their travel experience.

Conservation and community development are core to Zomba Forest Lodge’s philosophy. Their conservation project, TREEZ, aims to protect and regenerate the biodiversity of Zomba Plateau while empowering the local community. TREEZ sponsors 14 conservation groups, enhancing livelihoods through ecosystem service payments. In 2023, over 90,000 trees were counted, and MK18,000,000 ($14,000) was paid to community members for their efforts.

Guests can visit the TREEZ project, explore conservation efforts, and enjoy local cuisine. The lodge also hosts community events, such as local football matches and special interest weekends, offering a blend of natural beauty and luxury.

Zomba Forest Lodge’s commitment to sustainability, conservation, and community harmony ensures that every stay positively impacts the environment and local people. Guests leave enriched, with lasting memories of their time at this remarkable lodge.

Congratulations to Zomba Forest Lodge on this well-deserved recognition, showcasing how a small, five-room lodge in Malawi sets a global example for green tourism!

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